Newsletter

AAFES Retired Employees Association

Supporting the Interests of AAFES, Its Retirees and the People it Serves

January 2016

Exchange Helps Commemorate

50th Anniversary of Vietnam War In 2015 the Exchange joined with the nation and the military community to

commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Many of our readers

were either there as military members, or in service to these heroes working for

the Exchange. (see article on page 21)

Milestone Year for the Exchange

Happy 2016! The dawn of a new year is a

time to reflect on the past, while gaining a re-

newed sense of focus on the future. The Ex-

change just wrapped up a milestone year. In

2015, the Exchange celebrated 120 years of

support to the military community, achieved

record-high earnings and continued to press

forward on initiatives to ensure the benefit re-

mains strong.

During 12 decades of service, Exchange associates have been privi-

leged to dedicate their work to those who serve. As Exchange retirees,

you set the bar high for those who followed in your footsteps. I know

first-hand how military families have come to rely on the Exchange.

Growing up as the son of a 30-year Army officer, whose service in-

cluded over 40 months in combat, the Exchange was a lifeline for my sister, my brother and me. Today, it’s an honor

to be part of an organization that provides a lifeline to Soldiers, Airmen and young children—just like I was 50 years

ago. The Exchange team is committed to ensuring this lifeline exists for future generations of warfighters and their

families.

When I came to the Exchange in 2012, a perfect storm was brewing. U.S. operations in Iraq had come to a close, and

the end of operations in Afghanistan was just ahead. The number of Soldiers in Europe had been reduced as well. At

the same time, the Exchange had to contend with appropriated-fund pressures, the Commissary’s uncertain future and

changes in customers’ shopping patterns. All of these concerns played a role in a potential reduction in earnings—

which, in turn, could lead to a smaller dividend to military Quality-of-Life programs. (story continues on page 19)

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Director/CEO Tom Shull attended the grand opening of the Clear Creek Exchange at Fort Hood in October. The shopping cen-ter is an example of how the Exchange is serving shopping better than ever by carrying the brands shoppers desire.

Message from Tom Shull

Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Director/CEO

C h u c k P o f f e n b a r g e r , P r e s i d e n t

Pag e 2 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

AREA Update Welcome to the January, 2016 edition of AREA’s Newsletter, the first month of Winter. The Officers of the Association – Chuck Poffenbarger (P), Tom Gallagher (VP), Terry Corley (T) and Don Smith (S) wish you and yours a Happy and Rewarding New Year.

In America any boy may become President and I suppose it's just one of the risks he takes.

Adlai E. Stevenson Jr. (1900 - 1965), Speech in Indianapolis, 26 Sept. 1952

There is a New America every morning when we wake up. It is upon us whether we will it or not.

Adlai E. Stevenson Jr. (1900 - 1965)

America's greatest strength, and its greatest weakness, is our belief in second chances, our belief that we can always start over, that things can be made better.

Anthony Walton, American Poet & Writer (1960 -

America is a large, friendly dog in a very small room. Every time it wags its tail, it knocks over a chair.

Arnold Toynbee (1889 – 1975)

"Many public-school children seem to know only two dates: 1492 and 4th of July; and as a rule they don't know what happened on either occasion."

Mark Twain (1835 – 1910)

There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence and energy of her citizens cannot cure.

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 - 1969)

The business of America is not business. Neither is it war. The business of America is justice and securing the blessings of liberty.

George F. Will (1941 - )

In America the President reigns for four years, and Journalism governs for ever and ever.

Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900), The Soul of a Man Under Socialism, the works of Oscar Wilde ed. G., 1954

"I pledge allegiance to my flag and the Republic for which it stands,

one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."

Francis Bellamy, 1892

AMERICA

AREA...JUST FOR YOU

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 3

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

AAFES Retired

Employees Association

The AREA Newsletter is published in January, April, July and October

Mailing Address: AREA P. O Box 380614 Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

President: Chuck Poffenbarger

cpoffen@earthlink.net Tel: (972) 296-0388

Membership & Address Changes: Send your NEWSLETTER ADDRESS and MEMBERSHIP changes and your MEMBERSHIP DUES to the AREA Membership Director Pat Weaver. ken-pat@sbcglobal.net

Tel: (972) 780-9810

Newsletter input: Submit articles to the editor by e-mail to: Marcia Kane, kanemarea@windstream.net

AREA Web address:

http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

Earnings Limits and Social Security—What are the

rules for 2016?

Benefits Q&A— Questions you ask; answers from Exchange Benefits

Q: I am an early retiree who is not yet eligible for social security

(SS). As a result, AAFES pays me a “bridge payment” as a sup-

plement until I start receiving SS payments (either early or at nor-

mal retirement age). If I go to work, does AAFES reduce my

“bridge payments” similar to the way that SS reduces my benefits

(that is the $1 for every $2 (or $3) rules as noted below?

A: The answer is no, AAFES does not reduce the bridge

payment by any income earned.

Q: Once Social Security payments commence, what are the rules for

2016 about benefit reduction if I go back to work?

A: If you:

are under full retirement age next year, SS will deduct

$1 from your benefits for each $2 you earn above $15,720.

Example: If you will earn $18,720 in 2016, SS will with-

hold the first $1,500 in benefits. ($3,000/2 = $1,500)

will reach full retirement age in 2016, SS will deduct $1

from your benefits for each $3 you earn above $41,880 until

the month you reach full retirement age.

Example: If you will earn $44,880 in 2016, SS will with-

hold the first $1,000 in benefits. ($3,000/3 = $1,000)

Beginning in January 2016, employers are required to furnish a tax form for health

care coverage for calendar year 2015. Please go to the Health Care Reform section

of www.nafhealthplans.com/retiree for additional information on this tax reporting and

other Health Care Reform information that may affect you.

Health Care Reform Information for 2016

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

Contributions made to the exchange retirement fund — should I be concerned?

Q: The October 2015 Exchange Post article from Mr. Shull reported that “the board approved contributing more funds to keep the Exchange retirement fund healthy and “honor our commitment to associates.” Does the need to contribute mean there is cause for concern?

A: Mr. Shull’s comments are meant to be read as a good news story and all beneficiaries of the plan should take comfort in knowing the Exchange is taking proactive measures to ensure the Retirement Plan continues to remain healthy for many years to come.

B: The Retirement Plan is strong and the Exchange has a commitment to keeping it that way. The Ex-change’s Board of Directors, senior management, and Plan trustees take their responsibilities to current and future retirees very seriously. As Mr Shull stated in his Mid-Year Report, everyone involved with the fund feels an undeniable responsibility to “keep the fund healthy, and honor our commitment to Exchange Associates who dedicate their professional lives serving those who serve.” This responsibility includes the belief that if an already strong fund can be made even stronger by taking proactive measures to address changes in long term obligations, as has recently occurred, these actions will be taken.

In 2014 an important underlying assumption, life expectancy, used in determining long term obligations changed significantly. The newly published life expectancy rates revealed people are projected to live many years longer than previously thought, largely due to medical advancements. While this is a good news story for all of us individually, it does cause a significant increase in future pension payments.

Fortunately the Exchange is a financially strong organization and has the capability to take immediate action in these situations in order to prevent potential undesirable funding situations in the future.

The strength of our retirement plan is without question. Of the almost 700 plans reviewed by inde-pendent consultants, the Exchange’s Plan ranks in the top tier over the past 10 years. This shows as a testa-ment to not only the current fiduciaries of the Plan, but to all that have come before. As our retirees know, the Plan has been a priority and top benefit in the past, and Mr. Shull’s words and the Board of Directors’ actions show it remains a top priority now and into the future.

Benefits Q&A— Questions you ask; answers from Exchange Benefits

Pag e 4 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

The Aetna Open Choice PPO Plan is now the Aetna Choice POS II Plan. The

medical plan’s benefits and coverage are the same. With this change, members

and the plan will enjoy more savings as a result of greater negotiated provider

costs. Like the Open Choice PPO plan, Choice POS II (CPII) does not require

you to select a primary care doctor (PCP) and has in-network and out-of-

network coverage with no referrals required by a PCP to seek care from a spe-

cialist. CPII has more providers nationwide than PPO and access to providers

is the same for CPII as it is was with the PPO plan.

If you are currently enrolled in the Aetna Open Choice PPO plan, you will

receive new ID cards in early 2016. When you use the DocFind search tool

on www.aetna.com and are asked to “select a plan”, choose Aetna Choice POS

II under Aetna Open Access plans.

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 5

It's cold and flu season Be sure to take extra precautions to avoid getting sick. Fortunately, if you do get sick, you have 24/7/365 access to a U.S. board-certified Teladoc® doctor.

How can you avoid the cold and flu?

1. KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

COLD - Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, cough, and congestion. Colds are con-tagious during the first few days that symptoms appear and typically last about a week.

FLU - Symptoms are similar to a cold but include fever, headaches, and muscle aches. Flu symptoms typically improve within five days, though you may feel run down for several more.

2. PREVENT GETTING SICK

Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick Wash your hands frequently

Clean surfaces with a germ-killing disinfectant

Get your annual flu vaccine

Antiviral medications may also help prevent contracting the flu if you have been exposed

3. CALL TELADOC (see story about the new Teladoc benefit on the next page)

Even the most careful person can get sick. Fortunately, you have Teladoc. Request a consult anytime you feel under the weather

With your consent, Teladoc is happy to provide information about your Teladoc consult to your primary care

physician.

Open Choice PPO changed to Choice POS II in 2016

Pag e 6 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

Save Money with Teladoc

Teledoc is a service that lets you consult with primary care physicians by phone or video chat, 24/7—for just a

$10 copay. Talk with a doctor who can provide treatment and prescribe medication for conditions such as

colds and flue, allergies, bronchitis and more. Visit www.nafhealthplans.com/retiree for more information. To

register, visit www.teladoc.com. Note: Teladoc is not available to overseas retirees and may not be available in

all states.

1. Print your ID card

Print your Teladoc ID card online and carry a

doctor with you anywhere you go.

2. Set up your account Visit Teladoc.com and click "Set up account".

3. Request a consult A Teladoc doctor is always just a call or click away. Visit Teladoc.com or call 1–800–Teladoc (835–2362).

Be ready—set up your account today!

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 7

Choose Generics Choose Generics is our new drug benefit procedure that encourages members and their prescribing doctor to choose generic drugs in order to save money. It focuses on brand-name drugs that have a lower cost generic alternative. To get the lowest cost for prescrip-tions, the health plan requires members to use generic drugs when available. If a generic is available and you choose the brand name instead, you’ll pay the difference in actual cost between the brand and the generic plus the brand copay that applies. If there is a medical need for a brand-name drug, the prescribing doctor can ask for a medical exception and provide the required clinical documentation to avoid the copay “penalty”. If this applies to you, your prescribing doctor can contact Aetna beginning January 1, 2016 for a medical exception. Additional information on Choose Generics and the Member tools (Price a Drug) can be

found on the Wellness & Resources tab on www.nafhealthplans.com.

New Ways to earn Health Incentive Credits in 2016

The current Health Incentive Credit program has been replaced with a new and improved program for 2016 where

you’ll be able to earn more.

The Health Assessment: A requirement before you can earn

In 2016, you must complete the new Health Assessment first in order to earn any of the Health Incentive Credits.

None of the other activities will earn credits until you have completed the assessment.

The Compass Health Assessment is a new and improved questionnaire that takes just 10 minutes to complete. You

answer questions about personal and family health history, lifestyle habits, recent health screening results and other

health factors. Since this is a brand new assessment, you will need to complete it instead of just adding updates.

Your previous answers will not be carried over.

To take the assessment, log in at www.aetna.com and click “I want to …. Take a Health Assessment” on your home

page.

See your News and Updates on Your Health Benefits Program brochure you received in the mail in the fall 2015 for

details regarding what you can earn for healthy activities, such as metabolic syndrome screenings, participating in

the Aetna Disease Management Program, and getting an annual preventive exam. The credits will be applied to

your out-of-pocket expenses.

For all activities, you can earn up to the calendar year maximum of $250 for retiree or $600

for family.

Pag e 8 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

OPM Cybersecurity Incident Update In June, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that it was the target of a data

breach that may have impacted associates who had a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI)

background check. OPM has started sending notification letters to impacted associates, both current and

former. AAFES associates began to receive their notification letters in the last few weeks.

Credit and Monitoring Service Details

OPM has contracted with ID Experts to offer free credit and identity monitoring services. However, you

must sign up in order to receive these services. If you have received a letter, it contains a unique Personal

Identification Number (PIN) that you will need for enrollment. The following are a few key steps

for enrollment:

Step 1) Go to www.OPM.gov/cybersecurity, click on “Sign Up for Services.”

Step 2) Click on “Sign Up Now.” This will take you to the ID Expert’s site https://opm.myidcare.com/validate/.

Step 3) Enter the A, B, C, D, E PIN (all 25 digits) from the top of your letter into the fields on the website. Then enter the last 4-digits of your social, click “Submit” and continue to follow the prompts to fill out your profile. Please call 800-750-3004 if you have questions about the services offered or to enroll via telephone. En-rollment is voluntary, but you must complete the sign up process in order to take advantage of the services offered by ID Experts.

INFORMAL CHAPTER NEWS

Tinker AFB Retirees —Catherine Jones

The Tinker Exchange Retiree Group

gathered for their annual Christmas

celebration. Gifts and greetings were

exchanged! We're looking forward to

another year of enjoying retirement!

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 9

Roy Hines, Javier Cerna, Marilyn Cerna, Victoria Rade-

macher, Raquel Turner, Rhoda Freitas, Len Freitas

Kathy Jackson, Janice Dobbs, Bill Dobbs, Shannon Soefje,

Mike Bresnok, Mark Porter

Debra Litman, Claire Guillemette, Brenda

Borland, Song Choe, John Tokar, Doris Morris Sandy, the orchard owner, telling the group about the many different types of

Olives, and showed us some of her 13,000 trees.

The Alamo Chapter enjoyed a great dinner with fellow AAFES retirees at Caparelli's Italian restaurant.

The evening was hosted by Marilyn and Javier Cerna.

Song Choe, Roy Hines, Tim Brogan, Ann Brogan, Katherine Mathews, Jacquie

Robinson, Dan Forsch, Al Shearin, Gerda Shearin, Len Freitas, Rhoda Freitas, not

shown Brenda Borland

Mike Rohrer, Bette Rohrer, Ella Trevino, Tony Trevino,

Judy Rux, Lee Rux, Virginia Askew, Bob Askew

Doris Morris,

Ann Pauleuc,

Kathy Jackson,

Mark Porter,

Javier Cerna,

Marilyn Cerna

Alamo Chapter—Brenda Borland: The Alamo Chapter has a tour and lunch at the Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard

south of San Antonio. Not only was the tour informative, the lunch was incredible.

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Pag e 10 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

Aloha Chapter—Bill Allgire

The Aloha Chapter held its annual Christmas party at the Pearl Country Club, Sunday, 6 Dec with 48 members and

guests attending. The party began with a no host social hour with pupus provided by various chapter members.

Everyone enjoyed renewing friendships and catching up on “news” of members/families during the past year. An

excellent Prime Rib buffet along with Ginger/Scallion/Shoyu steamed fish, Korean sytle BBQ Chicken, Potatoes,

Rice, Steamed Vegetables, and 4 different salads were presented for our enjoyment. Dessert was furnished by

MILTON/LINDA SHIMIZU. The group was welcomed by BILL ALLGIRE who recognized the chapter’s

newest member – LEE CHUNG. Invocation was offered by WILTON SANTOS. After the luncheon the pro-

gram was MC’d by LESTER TOKUHISA and BILL ALLGIRE as they tried (unsuccessfully) to maintain order

among a bunch of retirees who no longer have to follow anyone’s directions! Games and door prizes were the order

of the afternoon as RACHEL FU and MARLENE TOKUHISA pulled the $50 door prizes with PAULINE UNG,

FRANCES SAITO, and ROSE KAWATA, winning the $100 Grand Prize drawings. Everyone left filled with

the holiday spirit and looking forward to next year’s Christmas party.

George Turqueza, Julia Davis, Ardell Katsura,

Roy Miura

Alice Suma, Rose Kawata, Lynn Schneider,

Ray Schneider

Rachel Fu, Elaine Takahashi, Ethel Miguel Susie Wong, Ruth Shimooka, Julie Conner

Watch for more photos from this event in the March edition of the AREA newsletter!

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 11

Golden Gate Chapter Luncheon -- Ernest Kodama

Golden Gate Chapter of AREA members, family and friends at the luncheon on October 7, 2015 at the Skates on the

Bay in Berkeley, CA.

Bob & Carolyn Nevins

Val Grohoski, Julie Lee & Lou Vitalie Arline Gilman, Mary Lou Geimer

& Lorraine Harris Dennis Gilman & Marion

Grohoski

Joan Turner & Arlene Hadfield

Carol Beatty & Noble Emery Ernie Kodama & Bob Nevins

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Golden Gate Chapter — Ernie Kodama

Golden Gate Chapter, AREA held its November luncheon on the 4th at the Park Chalet Garden Restaurant on the western border

of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA.

Pag e 12 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

Park Chalet Garden Restaurant at the western

border of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA

Noble Emery, Carol Beatty and

Lorraine Harris Ernie Kodama, Julie Lee and

Arlene Hadfield

Mary Lou Geimer, Joan Turner,

Chick Kretz and Gina Kretz

American Logistics Association (ALA) Donates $2,500 to AREA Scholarship Fund

The ALA/Exchange Holiday Luncheon was held on December 13. A check for $2,500 was presented to AREA/NTC

AREA for the AREA Scholarship Fund. Chuck Poffenbarger , AREA President and Richard Sheff, NTC AREA Pres-

ident attended along with Exchange Serior Management Mike Immler and Mike Howard, who was the keynote speaker for

the event. Bill Doyle, President of ALA Dallas Chapter, presided over the program. The special event was also attended by

the talented former Cowboy great Randy White.

Chapter Excellence Award for ALA Dallas-Ft Worth Chapter —

with Sue Sheff, Linda Dean, Roy Dean, Lina Poffenbarger, Chuck

Poffenbarger, Dalton Murayama and Bill Doyle ALA Dallas President

at the front table.

Mike Howard, Randy White and Bill Doyle

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 13

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Ft. Dix-McGuire—Betty O’Brien

The Ft Dix-McGuire AAFES Retirees Association held it’s their third quarter luncheon; better known as Fall Fling on September 9, 2015. The luncheon was held at one of the group's favorite location, Cracker Barrel in Burlington, NJ. We had over thirty-five members in attendance with one new person joining our 55 member group. Door prize winners included, Bob Bryant, Lourdes McKee, Kay Pesini, Evelyn Sprague, Joyce Hosey Carrine Simms and Fannie Anderson . The grand prize winner of the 50/50 was Fran Stanley. First-timer, William Henriquez-Reyes, who retired from FMO, joined the group after hearing all the good things member Errol Lawrence relayed and after experiencing the good food and camaraderie among the group. The outside temperature was above normal for New Jersey this time of year which kept several members from at-tending; however, inside there was a warm friendly engagement between members sharing joys, sorrows and sup-port reminding us of why we started this group. AAFES, which is about providing service, is a family that instilled in us to care not only for customers but for one another. We are unique in our mission "to provide goods and ser-vices" to our American Heroes and the pride of fulfilling that mission is still reflected today in our retirees.

Pag e 14 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

A total of 35 AAFES retirees and spouses attended the October Luncheon at the Schnitzel Lodge in Blue Water Bay in Niceville, Florida. Sorry but some folks in the photos below are not identified.

Gulf Coast Chapter — Jan Comstock

Larry Comstock, Billy Hullender , Steve Friend, Odette

Ingham,Brenda Hullender

Steve and Susan Mitchell

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 15

Gulf Coast Chapter — Jan Comstock

It was a fun and exciting AAFES Retiree December holiday luncheon at the Red Lobster in Ft. Walton Beach, FL on

December 8. Fifty-four retirees attended. It was our “pay your $5.00 annual dues day” with our annual raffle givea-

ways. It touches one’s heart to see the love and camaraderie when retirees get together. So much to catch up on.

Everyone was busy hugging and wishing each other Merry Christmas and happy holidays. We had 3 new retirees

join our group. See Jan Comstock’s Facebook page for more photos. If not already noted, please identify yourself.

Isabelle Good Hendershot, Gail Golden Escobedo

and Melba Grant.

Gail Golden Escobedo, Melba

Grant, and Linda Thompson Scott Maynard and Steve Friend

Collected canned goods in the back of

Steve and Susan Mitchell’s vehicle to

be delivered to the food bank.

Jan Comstock, Odette Ingham, and

Steve Friend wearing festive socks

and shoes for the occasion.

Just a few of the 54 retirees attending

the luncheon.

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

North Texas Chapter—Richard Sheff

Pag e 16 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

NTC AREA Membership Appreciation Luncheon was held on November 4. Close to 100 happy AAFES Alumni and guests in attendance. Check out the familiar faces! Thanks to Michelle Priester for acting as photographer for this

event.

Dale Linebarger, Hayward Moore,

Meg Moore,Christine Gehringer and Cheri

Courtney Linebarger

Linda Dean

Connie Phelps Vandervort, Alyce McCarron

and John McCarron

John McCarron, Joe Johanna Ferreyra,

and Tom Branning

Ronnie Compton and Jim Kotani

Victor Morgan, Richard Sheff,

Dale Linebarger, Brenda Morgan

Jack Leavitt, Tom Bran-

ning and Roy Robertson Jr.

Kathie Kelleher and Paul M. Kelleher

This are just a few of the photos taken at this annual event. Go to the

North Texas chapter Facebook page to see all the “shining” faces.

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 17

North Texas Chapter—Richard Sheff

North Texas Chapter of AREA annual Holiday Party at Lefty’s restaurant ...Great Company, Great Food, Fun...

Roy Dean and Linda Dean Ruth Watson, Winston Kavanaugh

Joann Leavitt and Jack Leavitt

Victor and Brenda Morgan Jerry Johnston and Sandy Jones

Johnston

Karen and Dalton Myrayama

Keith Boettiger and Sandy

Boettiger

James Lee Wiederkehr and

Debra Nancy Wiederkehr

Richard Sheff and Bill Eddings

Lina and Chuck

Poffenbarger

See more photos of the annual Holiday

Party for the North Texas Chapter on

their Facebook page.

Pag e 18 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

Black Bean Dip

3 green onions chopped

1 can Rotel (chunky or regular)

2 Tbsp. mined garlic

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1/2 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. chili powder

1 Tbsp. ground cumin

2 cans “Ranch style” black beans

1 lime—juice only

Blend first 7 ingredients, then add

beans and juice last.

Chill overnight.

Serve with chips of choice. As dip may be a little

“soupy,” scoop tortilla chips work best. Howev-

er, for a healthier option, serve with red, green

and yellow peppers that have been cup to be in a

scoop shape, or serve on cut celery sticks.

Share Your Recipe

Share some of your favorite recipes with me at kanemarea@windstream.net.

Northern California Chapter—Ken Keim

We began our fall season with a luncheon meeting at Danielle’s Creperie in Sacramento. Since many of us

had not seen each other since June, we had a lot to talk about. The members and guests in attendance were Doris

Aplass, Renate Atkinson and her daughter Deborah, Margaret Belcher, Lisa Denny, Maureen Dobert, Yaeko

Cooper, Dianne Hobbs, Ken Keim, Rosa LaBoeuf, Heidi Martinez, Gloria Masse, Tina Minjarez, Ellen Rivera,

Margie Scheatzle, Laretta Setterlund, Aliye Smith, Kristin Taylor, Jerri Thomas, Hilda Waltz, Stella and Mike

Winch and Lee Whisler. We held our annual fall bake and used book sale at McClellan BX on October 31, Hal-

loween.

The Olive Garden served up a great lunch for our October meeting. Members and guests present were:

Doris Aplass, Renate Atkinson and daughter Deborah, Margaret Belcher, Edie Butler, Yaeko Cooper, Lisa Den-

ny, Bob and Nan Desrocher, Maureen Dobert, Arlene Ferry, Dianne Hobbs, Ken Keim, Rosa LaBoeuf, Kay

Lasserre, Gloria Masse, Margie Scheatzle, Laretta Setterlund, Aliye Smith, Mary Spinella, Kristin Taylor, Jerri

Thomas, Fatma and Jerry Thomason, Lee Whistler, Stella and Michael Winch and Hilda Waltz.

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

To weather this storm, the Exchange focused on right-sizing, cutting overhead costs and developing strategic

priorities to drive growth. Without these proactive steps, earnings of $272 million in fiscal 2011 would have

decreased to $69 million—unacceptable. Quality-of-Life programs would have been at risk.

Fortunately, the Exchange team has taken aggressive steps over the last three years to prevent such an outcome. In

fiscal 2014, the Exchange earnings of $373 million generated a $224 million dividend to the services’ quality-of-life

programs.

During the last three years, the Exchange’s strategic priorities have paved the way to maintain a healthy benefit—

and a lifeline—for generations to come. The Exchange is serving shoppers better than ever by offering more

national brands.

New BE FIT concept shops are a

strong example of how the Exchange

has made carrying name-brand mer-

chandise a priority. The BE FIT

shops have the look and feel of sport-

ing goods stores shoppers would

expect to find outside the gate. These

sections are stocked with the latest

athletic wear and footwear from

name brands like Under Armour,

Nike and Adidas—and they are a one

-stop shop for products that contrib-

ute to health and resiliency.

All told, in the last three years, the

renewed focus on national brands

concept shops throughout the entire

Exchange portfolio has generated

$1.1 billion in total sales and $317

million in earnings. Growing conces-

sions, growing the Express with healthy

grab-and-go options and increasing the

showings of first-run movies have also

made the lives of our shoppers better.

The Exchange is preparing for growth as

we focus efforts on long-term game changers. We’re planning entertainment centers on Army posts that will offer

multi-screen theaters showing first-fun movies. And, before or after military families catch a movie, they can grab a

bite to eat at name-brand casual restaurants. This concept will help foster a sense of community for Soldiers and

their families and bring more shoppers into our stores.

There’s one game changer that is of extreme importance to me—recognizing the service of all honorably discharged

veterans through a lifelong exchange online benefit. Soldiers and Airmen today have sacrificed so much—many

deploying three or four times into combat. They should have some type of benefit when they leave the service.

Milestone Year for the Exchange (continued from page 1)

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 19

Be Fit—Ft. Hood Exchange

The Exchange’s BE FIT concept shops have the look and feel of

sporting goods stores shoppers would expect to find outside the gate.

Right now, because of wording in a Depart-

ment of Defense instruction, 90 percent of

America’s veterans are denied access to the

Exchange benefit.

This shopping initiative now has the unified

support of all the exchange services. Only

one sentence needs to be changed and we will

be authorized to extend the online shopping

benefit to all honorably discharged veterans.

As a veteran myself, I am personally commit-

ted to ensuring all of America’s veterans are

recognized for their service and are allowed

to remain Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Ma-

rines for life.

The Exchange’s shopping site, customer call

center and distribution center will be able to

handle the expected increase in customers.

Best practices are now in place, including an

industry-leading e-commerce platform. We’ve

expanded our assortment of national brands

online, including Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren,

Bose, GoPro and Smashbox.

The shopmyexchange.com’s pages are now con-

figurable and customizable, which gives us full

promotion capabilities. The site is more interac-

tive, and checkout has been improved too.

Shoppers are getting their orders faster as well.

Shoppers like what they see. Customer satisfac-

tion surveys show the exchange is steadily

improving. Warehouse delivery has improved as

well, as orders received by noon are shipped the

same day.

As the Exchange looks ahead, the good work

you did throughout your careers continues to

inspire today’s associates. Thank you for your

service and dedication to Soldiers, Airmen,

military families and retirees.

I wish you and yours all the best for a happy,

successful 2016.

Milestone Year for the Exchange (continued)

Pag e 20 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

Island cooler-Fort Hood III Corps Express

The Exchange has focused on expanding the Express business

through island coolers stocked with healthy grab-and-go options.

Ralph Lauren—Fort Hood

For the last three years, the Exchange has renewed its focus on national

brands, with names shopper know and trust, like Ralph Lauren.

Important Dates and Stats

September 11, 1965 — date the first AAFES associates arrived in Vietnam

Navy operated retail outlets since the mid-1950’s.

At height of war in 1968, 11,000 associates, including many local nationals, worked in 275 retail

outlets, 32 restaurants and mobile snack bars, 300 concessions, four depots and five warehouses.

Sales during 1968 toped $30 million a month, fueled by the Saigon PX—the world’s largest at the

time—service 4,000 Soldiers a day.

9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the official Vietnam era from

August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975.

2,709,918 Americans served in uniform in Vietnam.

Vietnam Veterans represented 9.7% of their generation.

240 men were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.

The first man to die in Vietnam was James Davis, in 1961. He was with the 509th Radio Research

Station. Davis Station in Saigon was named for him.

58,148 were killed in Vietnam.

75,000 were severely disabled.

23,214 were 100% disabled.

5,283 lost limbs.

1,081 sustained multiple amputations.

Some would say that the recognition and “thank you” comes too late as

these men and women didn’t come home to parades, and were even treat-

ed badly by the public. But we need to try to make it up to them in any

way possible by supporting Veteran’s groups and making sure we say

thank you frequently to these men and women who answered the call to

service.

There is a myth that most Vietnam veterans were drafted. However, the

fact is that 2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers, the

same percentage as World War II. Approximately 70% of those killed in

Vietnam were volunteers.

(Continued on next page)

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 21

Exchange Helps Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War (continued)

27th Transportation Battalion Main Exchange,

PhuTai Valley

1966 Elephant Beach Snack Bar

Qui Nhon Main Exchange

Camp Enari, Vietnam

Of those killed, 61% were younger than 21.

11,465 of those killed were younger than 20 years old.

Of those killed, 17,539 were married.

Average age of men killed: 23.1 years.

Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old.

The oldest man killed was 62 years old.

As of January 15, 2004, there are 1,875 Americans still

unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.

Source: http://www.uswings.com/about-us-wings/vietnam-war-facts/

Credit: Capt. Marshal Hanson, USNR (Ret.) and Capt. Scott Beaton, Statistical Source

Pag e 22 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

Exchange Helps Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War (continued)

IN REMEMBRANCE

JAMES BOCKELMAN, 78, died March 6 in Lancaster, England. The Presidio of San Francisco Associ-ate retired in 1977.

RICHARD HASHIMOTO, 81, died June 27 in Fulton, MD. The Exchange Associate retired in 1987.

TERRENCE MCENERNEY, 72, died Aug. 8 in Aurora, CO. The Waco DC Associate retired in 1996.

WILLIAM MCENTIRE, 84, died Aug. 13 in Apopka, FL. The HQ Associate retired in 1985.

EARL NORDER, 83, died July 26 in Irving, TX. The HQ Associate retired in 1992.

RESIT OTUS, 87, died September 9 in Burlingame, CA. The Golden Gate Region Supervisory Operating Accountant retired in 1989.

RICHARD ROGERS, died Sept. 4 in San Antonio, TX. The Okinawa Support Operations Special-ist retired in 1993.

H.M. SCHOTTLAENDER, 90, died August 26 in Dallas, TX. The HQ Associate retired in 1984.

ALFRED STICHNOT, 85, died September 7 in Benbrook, TX. The Exchange Associate retired in 1989.

DONALD STREETER, 84, died September 14 in Fort Worth, TX. The HQ Associate retired in 1991.

SARA THOMAS, died August 30 in Columbus, GA. The Fort Benning Food Activity Foreman retired in 1995.

Don L. Streeter (Ret. USAF), 84, passed away September 14, 2015. Don was born in

Dallas, TX on January 3, 1931. Responding to his family's needs, he quit school at 12 to

provide financial support. Don then joined the National Guard at age 13. In 1944, he also

drove tractor trailer trucks in TX and OK. Gaining his parents' approval in those tough

times, he joined the Air Force branch at 14. Don served in Japan during the post-war oc-

cupation. He loved the U.S. Air Force, his country and advanced to the position of Wing

Sergeant Major. Don retired in 1967 after serving 22 years. He is a holder of the Air Force

Commendation Medal and 14 other personal and Theater decorations. Don earned his

GED and also graduated from college. Don's second career was with the Army and Air

Force Exchange Service. He retired as Chief of Labor Relations after 24 years. His third

career was as a consultant in Federal Labor Relations for over 20 years. Don is preceded

in death by father, Henry L. Streeter, mother, Eva Streeter, and beloved granddaughter

Natalie Prince. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne Bancale Streeter of 62 years;

daughter Donna Prince (Doug) of Fort Worth; son, David Streeter of Rocklin, CA; four

grandchildren, Nicholas Prince (Sandy), Christopher and Matthew Streeter; and his great-

grandchildren, Carter and Charley. Don also leaves behind his sister, Mildred Pettit

(Thomas); and brother, Doyle.

“From time to time retired associates of AAFES leave bequests to the AREA in their will. If you de-sire to make such a bequest we recommend providing the person that prepares your formally written and executed will with the following sample clause. If you make such a bequest please notify AREA at the same address as in the clause." "I give (blank dollars/property) to the Army Air Force Exchange Service Retired Employee's Association (AREA), P.O. Box 380614, Duncanville, Texas 75138."

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 23

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

The following telephone numbers are provided as a convenience to members wishing to contact certain HQ AAFES offices and the AAFES Federal Credit Union.

HQ SWITCHBOARD

(214) 312-2011

FOR RETIREMENT and GROUP INSURANCE BENEFITS: HQ. AAFES BENEFIT BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES (800) 519-3381

GENERAL COUNSEL: DALE HARBOUR (214) 312-3126

EXCHANGE POST: BARBARA KIRSCH (214) 312 3831

SALES TABLOIDS: TABLOID DEPARTMENT (800) 733-5142

ID CARD, PRIVILEGES HR-S HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE (214) 312-6531

ID Cards issued Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:30-10 a.m. If you are not able to get to the office between those times, you can call and schedule an appointment.

DOD VEHICLE STICKERS: DOD stickers are issued in Real Estate (RE) from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Monday-Friday

Retirees no longer need to put decals on their vehicles. When going to a military installation, you now only need to show your identification.

AAFES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION: TOLL FREE SERVICE NORTH AMERICA (800) 452-7333

UNITED KINGDOM 0800-89-7490 GERMANY 0130-81-1187

FOR OTHERS NOT LISTED: PAT WEAVER (972) 780-9810

For other information, check out the Exchange website at: http://www.shopmyexchange.com and the AREA website http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

Pag e 24 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

2016 AREA Scholarship Program—Thomas Gallagher, AREA Scholarship Program Director

Since 1985 AREA has provided educational opportunities to “AAFES Kids” through its’ scholarship programs. This coming year AREA plans to award $40,000 in scholarships to twelve AAFES siblings. Amounts are two $5,000 and ten $3,000 awards.

2016 will mark the 27th anniversary of the AREA scholarship program: the only program designed to directly benefit AAFES em-ployees’ children. To date AREA has provided $673,295 in scholarship awards to 325 deserving students – many of whom may not have even started college without the AREA boost. Upon the completion of the 2016 program, AREA will have awarded in excess of $700,000… now that is something AREA members should be proud of!!!

So how does the program work? Here’s a short synopsis:

The program is limited to high school seniors. One of the parents must have been an AFFES employee on January 1st of the award

year, had at least twelve consecutive months of Exchange employment, or in the case of military personnel, Exchange assignment.

For a deceased parent, the twelve-month employment requirement must have been met at the time of death.

Applications must be sent to the scholarship committee during the designated enrollment period – usually January 1st through

March 31st of each year. An application form is available on the AREA web site at: http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-

employees-association/community-programs/scholarships.htm. The same site sets out the specific requirements for making appli-

cation, e.g., application period, minimum SAT and ACT scores, etc. All application criteria are laid out on the web site.

The AREA administers the program through an appointed AREA Scholarship Program Director. Committee members lay out the

parameters of the program each year, which are ultimately approved by the AREA board of directors.

PO Box 75138 Duncanville, TX. 75138

Note: * denotes non-AAFES retiree

** denotes Non member of AREA

SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

DONORS IN MEMORY OF AMOUNT GIVEN

Edgar Von Trotha Donald Streeter $100

Edgar Von Trotha Jim Bockelman $100

Tim Brogan and the “Old Japan Hands Gang”

Tom Martin, Tom Ige, Bill Bloom, Paul Hiroshima,

Paul Koban, and Jim Yamamoto

Ken Thompson $800

Richard Fregoe Donald Streeter $100

Erika Sherrod Ken Thompson $100

American Logistics Association (ALA)

DFW Chapter (see story on page 12)

General donation $2,500

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 25

AREA SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONATION FORM

To: AREA P.O. Box 380614 Duncanville, TX 75318-0614

From: Telephone

This donation is (check one box below)

In Honor of (Name)

In Memory Of (Name)

An Annual Pledge*

Other

Send Card to:

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

TELEPHONE

Amount of donation (check enclosed)

$

* I wish to pledge $_________________ each year to the AREA Scholarship Fund. My donation for the current year is enclosed.

Your donation will be acknowledged to both the donor and to the recipient or the survivor. All donations are income tax deductible.

DONOR NAME (Printed) SIGNATURE

COMMENTS:

Enclosure # 6-1

In honor of: ____________________________________

In honor of: ____________________________________

In honor of: ____________________________________

In memory of: __________________________________

In memory of: __________________________________

In memory of: __________________________________

* *

*IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE PERSON TO LIST, USE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW

*

*

*

*

Pag e 26 January 2016 AREA NEW SLETTER

Save this page with your copy of the 2013 AREA Directory

AREA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATES

NEW MEMBERS

FRANCETTE BEELER 15717 WALLER RD. E TACOMA, WA 98446 253-531-5106 Francet157@aol.com STEPHANIE KEITH 3414 CAMERON CHASE DR TALLAHASSEE, FL 32309 850-810-5107 SANDRA WESLEY 6020 NORTON ST COLUMBUS, GA 31907 706-718-6447 Sassyleo17@yahoo.com

TELEPHONE CHANGES JEAN AVERY 287 W. WYNNGATE DR MARTINEZ, GA 30907 706-228-4999 JAMES E. THOMPSON 18114 VERANDA LN SAN ANTONIO, TX 78258 801-458-2686

EMAIL CHANGES

JEAN AVERY 287 W. WYNNGATE DR MARTINEZ, GA 30907 Oldie1935@icloud.com JAMES E. THOMPSON 18114 VERANDA LN SAN ANTONIO, TX 78258 Jetjames1944@gmail.com

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2016 Pag e 27

ADDRESS CHANGES, EMAIL & TEL:

CHRISTINE GEHRINGER

1401 SOUTHEAST PKWY

AZLE, TX 75020

817-614-0397

Cgehringer56@att.net

DANNY BOTTOMLEY

87-1630 WEHIWEHI ST

WAIANAE. HI 96792

253-304-9045

Onikusan5449@gmail.com

WILLIE ROBINSON

52 APOLLO DR

COLUMBUS, GA 31907

925-788-8604

O JOHN NILLE

17241 EVANS

SOUTHFIELD, MI 48076

2214-941-1866

jnille@att.net

LINDA GILBERT

165 STONE MANOR CT

WOODSTOCK, GA 30188

205-422-1343

Lmgilbert50@gmail.com

DAN CAWTHON

6401 OHIO DR. APT 7202

PLANO, TX 75024

512-863-8712

Jumpsuitx38@msn.com

AAFES Retired Employees Association

P.O. Box 380614

Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

DUES ALERT!

If the last time you renewed your dues was in December 2015 or earlier,

please send your $15 dues PAYABLE to AREA

at the mailing address shown above.

AAFES Retired Employees Association Help Us Save Money! Get the Newsletter online

rather than through the mail.

The difference in cost is significant*, and you’ll enjoy these advantages:

Get the Newsletter first, before anyone else. E-mail is faster than snail-mail.

The Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format is in color and you can transfer/save the file as you desire.

*Per copy print cost at $1.42 + mailing at $0.57 = $1.99 cost per copy. Do yourself and AREA a favor – try the Newsletter via e-mail attachment.

Send an e-mail to Pat Weaver, Membership Director, at ken-pat@sbcglobal.net and state that you would like to get the Newsletter on line and we’ll do the rest. Give it a try. If you don’t like it, we can always add you back to the snail-mail list.

AREA—JUST FOR YOU

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE PAID

DALLAS, TX

PERMIT #1478