Newsletter

AAFES Retired Employees Association

APRIL 2019

I am pleased to announce that Terry Corley was appointed

AREA president at the March 14, 2019 AREA board meeting.

I’ve enjoyed my time with AREA immensely and leave the

presidency with the satisfaction that the organization is in good

hands.

Tom Gallagher has also left as Vice President of AREA. I want to

thank Tom for his hard work for AREA in this position, and as the

former Chair of the AREA Scholarship Committee.

Dick Fregoe, (member-at-large and Chair, Community Service Committee), has also stepped down. Thanks Dick for

your work for AREA. It’s important we recognize members who give back to their community, AREA chapters, or the

national AREA organization. Thanks to everyone who has served on the board during our tenure.

I will be helping Terry during the transition and other remaining AREA board members stand ready to help Terry in the

new era of AREA. We need to evolve and change to make AREA relevant and worthwhile to both new and current

members. (See more comments from your new president on page 2 and more thoughts from me on page 8)

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

AREA Leadership Changes

Message from Tom Shull

Chuck,

Many thanks for your outstanding leadership of AREA over these many years. We are grateful for your continu-ing service and deeply appreciate your steadfast support of our AAFES team-mates, past, present, and future. We look forward to working with Terry to further strengthen, protect and preserve AAFES and the benefits we are honored to provide Warfighters and their families.

Very best,

Tom Tom Shull

Director/CEO Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Chuck Poffenbarger

Former AREA President,

2003 through Mar 2019

Tom Gallagher, Former

AREA Vice President

2015—Mar 2019

“March winds” blow in major changes

to the AREA Executive Board

In 2019, the Exchange team continues to lean forward to sup-port Warfighters and their families. Our team is fully engaged in contributing to the readiness and resiliency of Soldiers and Airmen—just as the Exchange has done for nearly 124 years. Our associates pour their hearts and souls into the mission just as you did. They share your passion, and their dedication to our Nation’s heroes is second to none. Though the retail climate is challenging, with more and more familiar names closing up shop, 2018 was strong for the Ex-change. Financials for 2018 are being finalized and will be shared in our annual report (available online this summer) but early indicators suggest we will see a significant increase in earnings as compared to 2017.

David Nelson

Chief Operating

Officer, Army and Air

Force Exchange

Service (Exchange)

(see pages 9-10 for continuation of David Nelson’s article)

Pag e 2 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

The Officers of the Association welcome you to the Spring edition of AREA’s Newsletter (April 2019).

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

T e r r y C o r l e y , P r e s i d e n t

LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES: First, let me say thank you

to Chuck and to Tom Gallagher. Chuck and Tom have worked

with the AREA for many years, overseeing important pro-

grams such as Scholarships and Emergency Relief. Through

their efforts, the AREA is in a good place financially and

ready to meet future challenges. They deserve our thanks and

appreciation for their service and leadership. Well done, men!

I also want to thank all of the other past and current Board

members and Program Directors. With limited resources,

these volunteers have developed on-line forms, updated the

AREA web site, and updated/changed programs such as the

Scholarship Donation Program, the Emergency Relief Fund

Donation Program, and so on. Without these people, the

AREA would not exist.

When Chuck asked me to take over the leadership for the

AREA, it was not an easy decision. I agreed to take on the

President’s job because I realize how important it is to keep

the AREA a valuable organization for both active and retired

associates.

As with many volunteer organizations, finding talented people

interested in serving is an increasingly difficult challenge. Over

the next few weeks, I will be reaching out to people I know that

I think can help. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to

me or any of the other Board members if you are interested in

serving. We have much to do.

OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES: Growing membership is

our number one priority. In 2010, AREA had 1,415 members.

Today, membership stands at 629. As an organization, AREA

has to change. There are several reasons for the decline in mem-

bership and I think it starts with the AREA’s value proposition;

people do not really understand what we offer, especially if they

are also a member of a local chapter. We need to do a better job

of communicating that value proposition.

AAFES is definitely doing its part to help us grow membership.

The Exchange pays the first year of AREA dues ($17) for all

new retirees. Our challenge has been to make certain all soon-to-

retire associates are aware of this, so that we received completed

enrollment forms. Not just from Hq associates, but from ALL

associates system wide.

The AREA business processes today are still largely paper-

driven, so technology will be an area of emphasis going forward.

We recently moved our membership management support to a

new platform that saves time and provides better information.

Next up is better use of technology to communicate our story.

To that end, at the March Board meeting the AREA Board voted

to discontinue the “paper” copies of the quarterly AREA news-

letter effective January 2020. Instead, we will use the many

social media platforms to reach our membership with the same

kinds of information delivered through the newsletter. The

advantage will be faster delivery, and at a much lower cost.

AREA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: The AREA Scholar-

ship Program has been a tremendous success over the years.

Michele Priester and her committee are hard at work on review-

ing and selecting this year’s awardees for the AREA Scholarship

Program. More about that on page 23. We will feature selected

individuals in the July 2019 AREA newsletter.

A short bio — Terry Corley

Assumed AREA Treasurer position in 2012

Assumed AREA designated AAFES Pension Trustee position in 2016

Retired from AAFES 2004

Position held at retirement: Chief Information Officer

Former Chief Financial Officer

Hold CPA and Certified Employee Benefits Spec.(CEBS) designations

Graduated with BS in Business Administration from Indiana University

Married, two kids, and three grandkids

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 3

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: Terry Corley president@aafesretired.com Tel: (214) 460-7472

Membership & Address Changes:

Send your newsletter address, membership changes, and mem-bership dues to the AREA Membership Director Pat Weaver. membership@aafesretired.com Tel: (972) 780-9810

Newsletter input:

Submit articles to the editor by e-mail to: Marcia Kane at news@aafesretired.com

AREA Web address: https://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES FOR TERRY,

PAT AND MARCIA ABOVE!

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

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

Q: If I earn a Health Incentive Credit through the DoD NAF Health Insurance medical

plan, when can I expect those credits to be available to offset my medical expenses?

A: Aetna used to post credits earned only once a month on the first Wednesday of each

month. After your question and our discussion with Aetna, Aetna has agreed to update

the claims system more frequently. This allows credits to be used more quickly to

offset out-of-pocket costs associated with medical claims. Aetna’s claims system will

now be updated weekly (every Sunday). See the DoD NAF HBP website for more

information about the Health Incentive Credit (HIC) Program:

www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/health-incentive-program/.

Q: Where can I find more information on the 2019 DoD NAF health plans?

R: A: Go to the DoD NAF Health Benefits Program website for summaries, Sum-

mary Plan Descriptions, and other valuable information: www.nafhealthplans.com

(benefit articles continue on next page)

EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM (ERF):

We sponsored two emergency relief programs this past year. Here are the amounts

collected for these most recent Events:

* Sep – Nov, ’18: Hurricane Damage in the Carolinas, Florida & Georgia: $3,013

* Oct – Jan: Typhoon Yutu in Saipan: $879

These results were below our expectations but understandable given the number of

organizations and individuals raising money for various causes. One change we did

make with 2018 fundraisers was the use of GoFundMe as a payment alternative. Going

forward, we will continue to find alternative ways to handle transactions between the

organization and our members. A listing of all ERF events since program initiation is

at page 12. Thanks to all who contributed. The donations make a big impact on peoples

lives. See Tyndall Strong photos and thank you cards from Tyndall and Ft. Bragg.

In closing, I want to thank you for your support as we strive to make AREA a stronger

and more vibrant organization. The AREA is important, not just as a social organiza-

tion but also as an advocacy group. AAFES has and will continue to undergo signifi-

cant change. It’s important to current and future retirees for the AREA to serve as a

strong and unified “voice” of membership so that our interests are represented and pro-

tected.

Note: see comments by David Nelson, Exchange COO (page 10) on the current study

to consolidate exchanges and commissary. Yes…. It is on the agenda AGAIN!

Needless to say, it may never happen, or we may get caught up in a congressional

mandate like we did with the DoD NAF Health Benefits Program.

Terry Corley, AREA President

AREA President’s message (continued from page 2)

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

DoD NAF Medical plan – have you earned your Health Incentive Credits this year?

Visit this page to see all the different ways you can earn credits in 2019: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/health-incentive-program/

• Single coverage: earn up to $300 in credits this year!

• Family coverage: earn up to $600 in credits this year!

The Biometric Screening is just one of the activities you can take to earn credit. The screening checks for metabolic syndrome, which is a group of risk factors that can set the stage for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

There are three (3) ways to complete Biometric Screenings – please register in advance:

1. At an onsite event hosted by any DoD NAF group. Check the Onsite Screening event schedule link every week or so to see the list: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/biometric-screening-metabolic-syndrome/ *

2. At a Quest Patient Service Center

3. With your physician

Link: Instructions for registration and scheduling your screening https://www.nafhealthplans.com/files/7115/2529/1053/DoD_2018_-_Quest_Scheduling_Instructions.pdf

Registration key for creating a new account = DOD2019

*HQ AAFES DALLAS Biometric Screening dates were recently added: 4/25/19, 4/30/19, and 5/1/19

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

DoD NAF Medical plan – Healthy Lifestyle Coaching postcard

Did you see the postcard about FREE Healthy Lifestyle Coaching in CONUS? You can see it here, online:

https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/healthy-lifestyle-coaching/

Based on feedback from the DoD NAF Health Benefits Program survey, Aetna’s Healthy Lifestyle Coaching program was added to the 2019 medical programs in CONUS at no cost!

With this program, you choose what healthy changes you want to make, like:

Losing weight, eating better, exercising more Quitting smoking or tobacco Preventing disease Managing stress A wellness coach will guide and support you every step of the way with regularly scheduled group sessions. It’s also available for your covered spouse, and covered dependents age 18 and over.

Make time to focus on YOU in 2019:

Learn more about the coaching program here, including flyers in Spanish and English: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/healthy-lifestyle-coaching/

SIGN UP by calling 1-866-213-0153 or logging in at aetna.com > Stay Healthy > Health Programs.

Pag e 4 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

AAFES Retirement - MYPENPAY website login is changing (by mid-April)

What is MyPenPay?

It’s the handy self-service pension website where AAFES retirees can a) change certain information items related to their AAFES pension check, such as mailing address, bank info, tax withholding, and b) look at their pension tax forms and recent pension check stubs. Here’s the website address: https://aafesretirement.mypenpay.com

What is changing?

The login (sign-in) method is changing to be more secure. If you are already using MyPenPay for the reasons described above, you should be aware that you’ll go through a re-registration process by mid-April. It might take several days for you to go through the process, so we want you to plan in advance in case you use that website often. See details below.

If I don’t use MyPenPay, do I need to take any action?

No.

Here are responses to a few questions we’ve received already:

1. Which phone number to call at this time, if you need login assistance or to request a PIN: The 866-471-0368 number will be dedicated MyPenPay support line after the login change date which is now expected by mid-April. All inquiries until then should be directed to AAFES / State Street customer service office which is 877-247-2769 or 1-904-791-2246 (International). This is the same number we’ve had for State Street, and it’s shown on the MyPenPay front page (which is on the flyer pictures above). The MyPenPay website address is: https://aafesretirement.mypenpay.com.

2. Question about ‘US mail’:

If you request the PIN, they will only send it to you via the mail – in other words, they’ve told us they won’t send it to you via E-mail, or text message, nor tell you verbally on the phone. State Street’s office is in the US, so that’s why I used the term ‘US mail’. Whether your mailing address is in the US or overseas, please plan ahead for the mailing time.

DoD NAF Medical Plan - Multiple medical/Rx plans

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 5

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

If you have more than one medical plan, you should always refer to the plan booklets (aka Summary Plan Descriptions) for each,

so you know how they work together or ‘coordinate’, or if they do not work together at all. Here’s the link to plan booklet for the

DoD NAF Aetna plan in US which is Traditional Choice Indemnity plan: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/health-benefits/medical/

traditional-choice-indemnity-plan/. In left margin, click on Summary Plan Description – that’s the Plan Booklet. Look in Table of

Contents for “Coordination with Other Plans”.

MEDICAL CLAIMS when you have multiple plans that cover doctor/hospital type care

Here’s what the DoD NAF (Aetna) plan booklet says in the section “Coordination with Medicare” section, subsection for “When Medicare is Primary”:

When Medicare Is Primary

Medicare is the primary plan, and this Plan is secondary, if a covered person is eligible for Medicare and is:

• A retired employee.

• A totally disabled employee who is:

- Terminated or retired; or

- Receiving Social Security retirement or Social Security disability benefits.

• A Medicare-eligible dependent of:

- A retired employee; or

- A totally disabled employee who is terminated or retired.

• Any other dependent for whom this Plan’s benefits are payable to comply with federal law.

How Medicare Affects Your Plan Benefits

When Medicare is your primary plan, as described above, this Plan is secondary and pays benefits based on:

• If the provider accepts Medicare assignment: Medicare’s approved amount for the service you’ve received; or

• If the provider doesn’t accept Medicare assignment: Medicare’s balance billing limit.

You can see if you have a Medicare plan and the DoD NAF (Aetna) plan, yes the two plans will coordinate. First you or your doctor/hospital will submit the claim to your Medicare plan, then after that, to DoD NAF (Aetna) for secondary processing.

Original Medicare: Aetna has an arrangement with Medicare for automatic claim-routing to do that secondary processing. It’s called Medicare Direct, and it works with original Medicare, but not Medicare Advantage plans.

Any other Medicare such as Medicare Advantage: once your claim has been submitted to them for primary payment, you (or most likely your doctor) need to send your claim to Aetna for secondary processing. Many doctor’s offices can do this electronically.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG CLAIMS if you have multiple plans that cover drugs

Here’s what the DoD NAF Aetna plan booklet says in the section “Medicare Part D” which is Medicare’s plan for prescription drugs.

“Medicare Part D This Plan’s prescription drug expenses are not coordinated with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Reimbursement for a prescription drug expense can be made only from one plan. You cannot be reimbursed for the cost of a prescription drug, in whole or in part, by both Medicare Part D and this Plan.”

Our DoD NAF Aetna plan does not coordinate with Medicare Part D. If you have Medicare Part D and the DoD NAF Aetna plan, every time you fill a prescription at a pharmacy, you’ll have to decide which plan to use for that ‘claim’.

Did you know? Each year we compare the DoD NAF plan’s drug coverage to that of Medicare Part D, and our plan has always been considered to be as good as Part D. For you, this means if you have a choice about enrolling in Medicare Part D, you may not need it at all. Each year, each NAF employer issues a document called a ‘Notice of Creditable Coverage’ which explains this issue and your options. You can find this document on the Retiree tab of the NAF Health plans website: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/retiree/.

DoD NAF Medical plan – sign up for newsletters

Pag e 6 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

Every day, the first time you visit the www.nafhealthplans.com site, you’ll see this little popup window to sign up for newsletters. You can also click the ‘Subscribe to eNews’ at top right of the main page. If you sign up, you’ll get just ONE letter a month. ONE.

DoD NAF Medical Plan - Learn more about Teladoc

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 7

Chuck’s Bit of this and Bit of that! (Cont’d from page 1)

From Chuck Poffenbarger, your former AREA President

Pag e 8 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

SOME THINGS I WOULDN’T DO AGAIN

• Smoking. I always said at age 16 that I would stop when the cost of cigarettes reached $0.25/pack. I stopped at age 68 when they were $4.50+/pack.

• Taking so long to join AAFES. If I had joined earlier than age 29, I would have been eligible for one or more of the early outs.

• Entering my preference locations on the dream sheet as California (I’m from Los Angeles), Arizona and Maine. After HR was able to regain their self-control from laugh-ing so hard, I was sent to the NE Zone at Westover AFB in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Actually, it was a great assignment and I never did thank HR for sending me there. Loring AFB, Maine was one of the installations in our area.)

• Telling HR that I wanted out of the retirement plan as I preferred having the cash now. (I was single at the time and cash today seemed a lot more preferable than retire-ment at some very distant time in the future. Fortunately, HR told me that participation in the retirement plan was mandatory and to go mind my own business.)

• Telling an SR who disagreed with a new program I was working on that I felt it was the right thing to do and I would continue to pursue it. (I won’t bother to tell you how this one ended.)

• Telling my wife that I was sorry to have to inform her that we were being transferred to some dreadful atoll in the Pacific after I received notice of re-location to Okinawa. (It turned out to be one of the best assignments in my career. After that, we were sent to Hawaii for four years. My family still talks about all of our great experiences during those back-to-back assignments.)

• Thinking that being promoted to SR was the epitome of my career with AAFES. (Actually, it was becoming a retiree.)

SOME THINGS I WAS HAPPY TO DO BEFORE AND AFTER RETIREMENT

• Volunteering.

• I was on a hospital board in Grand Prairie for several years before I retired.

• Upon retirement in 2000, I joined the Dallas Metrocare board, a Dallas County agency sometimes referred to as MHMR. They provide services for helping people deal with mental health and mental retardation issues.

• In 2002, I joined the Wellness Center board, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that provided medical, dental and chiropractic services at nominal cost to low income families in the Grand Prairie community. I served as volunteer president for 13 years, and was also responsible for submitting grant requests to various foundations to obtain the income need-ed to support the program.

• In 2003, I became the president of AREA and retired from that position on March 14, 2019. Terry Corley, retired AAFES CFO and AREA board member was elected presi-dent to continue the organization’s good works. I am cur-rently an AREA member-at-large so I am not going away.

• Spending more time with my family and friends.

• Being able to say with all truthfulness, “It’s been a good life, and will continue to be for many more years to come.”

FIVE THING THAT OTHERS SAY THEY WON’T DO

Poke a bear with a stick.

Wear plaid with stripes.

Be in a cemetery at midnight.

Bungee jump.

Fry bacon naked. It hurts.

APRIL THOUGHTS

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

Anne Bradstreet (1612 - 1672), 'Meditations Divine and Moral,' 1655

Well, spring sprang. We've had our state of grace and our little gift of sanctioned madness, courtesy of Mother Nature. Thanks, Gaia. Much obliged. I guess it's time to get back to that daily routine of living we like to call normal.

David Assael, Northern Exposure, Spring Break, 1991

Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.

Doug Larson (1947 – 2019), Columnist who wrote a daily column, “Doug’s Dugout, for the Green Bay Press Gazette, a Wisconsin-based newspaper.

In the spring time, the only pretty ring time, when birds do sing... sweet lovers love the spring.

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), As You Like It, Act V, sc. 3

O, how this spring of love resembleth The uncertain glory of an April day!

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), "The Two Gentlemen of Verona", Act 1 scene 3

I've learned that you can't have everything and do everything at the same time.

Oprah Winfrey (1954 - ), O Magazine, April 2003

Associates Remain the Heart, Soul of Exchange Mission (Cont’d from page 1)

by David Nelson

Our 2018 focus on improving the customer experience is driving gains in sales, earnings and dividends. The Veterans online shopping benefit, for example, is thriv-ing. Since the official launch just over a year ago, more than 80,000 honorably discharged Veterans have ordered over 1 million items from the Exchange! Home electron-ics, computer hardware and furniture are among top sellers. Veteran shoppers now represent more than 10 percent of all ShopMyExchange.com customers. ShopMyExchange.com enhancements rolled out before the holidays are making things better for all authorized shoppers. Predictive searching makes it easier for cus-tomers to find what they need. An improved return pro-cess allows customers to print labels and drop off items at the post office or closest brick-and-mortar Exchange. Shoppers can opt in to receive text updates on orders too. In the fall, the Exchange launched the new functionality of “Buy Online, Pickup In Store.” Active-duty service members, their families and retirees are buying items at ShopMyExchange.com and picking them up at their local Exchange, providing added convenience for customers and reducing shipping costs for the Exchange. Ship From Store (SFS) continues to grow. In fact, SFS orders in 2018 increased from the previous year by 45 percent, and sales grew from $37 million to $57 million.

Since the MILITARY STAR card was authorized for use at commissaries, more than 400,000 service members and families have realized the convenience of using one card for on-installation purchases. Almost $300 million in com-

missary purchases have generated $6 million in rewards for cardholders and DeCA has saved almost the same amount in bank fees. Our BE FIT program is adding muscle. A dedicated focus on bet-ter-for-you restaurants, such as Muscle Maker Grill, Freshens, Sarku, Qdoba, Subway and Boston Market, resonat-ed with customers and supported the Office of the Secretary of De-fense’s Operation Live Well, Healthy Army Communities and Air Force Smart Fueling initiatives.

Expresses offer more than 450 BE FIT-approved snacks, helping Warfighters and families fuel up on the go.

The Exchange is all in to improve the well-being of Sol-diers, Airmen and their families. We operate 150 optical/optometry clinics worldwide, and more than 120,000 pa-tients are seen each year. As the needs of our Warfighters, their families, retirees and Veterans change, the Exchange stands ready to expand and provide the medical services that promote readiness and resiliency. The Exchange has received congressional approval to open multiple dental clinics over the next three years. Today, the Exchange op-erates dental clinics at Forts Hood, Irwin and Stewart. Du-rable medical equipment shops are expanding as well. In 2019, eight shops are planned, including locations over-seas, to join the 11 the Exchange already operates.

We opened its first cryotherapy location at Fort Hood last fall. Plans are in the works to add seven locations. Cryotherapy treatment can shorten the inju-ry recovery period and reduce inflammation, allowing service members to return to duty faster. The Exchange is looking to add new medical services in the coming year.

To ensure the Exchange benefit remains strong and dividends to military Quality-of-Life programs continue to grow, the Exchange has many exciting strategies in the works for 2019 to include:

• Adding an installation-level mobile app to enable a seam-less experience for all service members across exchange, MWR and other community services at each installation.

• Using a digital asset manager to make creative content for sales flyers and ShopMyExchange.com available across multiple marketing platforms.

• Implementing a webcrawling service to comb for competitive pricing across all platforms.

(article continues on next page)

The Exchange opened its first cryotherapy location at Fort

Hood last fall. Seven additional locations are planned.

The Exchange is dedicated to focusing on better-for-you restaurants, such as Muscle

Maker Grill

Exchange Expresses offer more than 450 BE FIT-approved snacks, including fresh fruit, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs and more.

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 9

This year, the Exchange will also prepare to welcome home a very special group of shoppers with in-store privileges:

• Veterans with service-connected disabilities; • Purple Heart recipients; • Medal of Honor recipients; • former prisoners of war; and • caregivers or family caregivers of eligible Veterans.

Starting Jan. 1, 2020, the Department of Defense is expanding in-store military exchange and commissary shopping privileges as well as MWR resale facility use of these groups. Work is beginning now to prepare for these shoppers and to communicate the benefit. More information will be shared throughout the year. Currently, Veterans must be 100 percent disabled to shop the exchanges in-store. Exchange leadership has obtained the approval of Common Access Cardholder access from Service leader-ship. Currently the approval package is with the Office of Secretary of Defense. Exchange leadership continues to advocate for quick approval of this initiative. The Exchange is continuing to collaborate with the commissary, sister exchanges and vendor partners to bring exciting promotions and events to installations. Military resale collaborated on seven events in 2018—these events brought value to shoppers and highlighted the importance of the benefit.

In the spirit of collaboration, CEOs for the Exchange, Navy Exchange Service Command, Marine Corps Community Services, Coast Guard Exchange and Defense Commissary Agency signed an MOU in January to form a purchasing alliance involving retail merchandise and any other items sold by two or more of the organizations. This alliance is expected to provide greater efficiencies for our collective businesses and added value for author-ized exchange and commissary shoppers by allowing military resale to organize, coordinate and facilitate planning, forecasting and replenishment with key vendors; work with allocation and replenishment teams on receipt flow, markdowns and in-stocks; and analyze vendor performance to improve targeted metrics. Many of you may have heard about possible consolidation of the ex-changes and commissary. (See mes-sage from Tom Schull on page 11.)

The Community Services Task Force is authorized to begin the planning process for consolidation of military exchanges and the commissary. Consolidation, if approved, can happen no earlier than Oct. 1, 2019. Congress will be reviewing the task force’s plan in the upcoming months. Nothing is final. Further, current law requires that the commissary and exchange systems be operated independently, so that law would have to be repealed in order to combine the systems. You will be apprised of any significant development. In the mean-time, it is business as usual at the Exchange. We continue to dedicate ourselves to serving those who serve, just as we have for nearly 124 years. You have left an incredible legacy at the Exchange. Thank you for sharing your talents and passion. The road you paved allows the Exchange to succeed today. I am grateful to serve alongside the Exchange team and look forward to continuing the Exchange’s legacy of supporting Warfighters wherever they go. Wishing each of you all the best during your hard-earned and well-deserved retirement.

Dave Dave Nelson Army & Air Force Exchange Service Chief Operating Officer

Associates Remain the Heart, Soul of Exchange Mission (Cont’d from page 9)

by David Nelson

Pag e 10 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

The AREA BOD conducted a survey over the last three newsletters to get feedback on a proposal to switch the AREA newsletter from print and email versions to publishing AREA news electronically starting January 1, 2020.

Only 12 people responded to the survey so we can only assume that not many members were con-cerned about the proposed change. Nine responded they would pay extra to continue to receive the newsletter in hard copy format. The other three responded they were willing to get the newsletter either way.

The AREA board considered the results of the survey and other factors outlined below at our March meeting. The proposal to eliminate hard copy newsletters effective January 1, 2020 was approved. I know this may be upsetting to some members, but we will do everything possible to get you the news in other ways. For example, the im-portant benefits news is still sent to your home in hard copy. We will figure out how best to meet the needs of our members over the next few months.

One of the major reasons for this decision is that the AREA organization simply can not afford to pay for hard copy printing even if we were to raise dues. Our membership has significantly reduced. In 2010 AREA had approximately 1,415 members. Current-ly we only have about 629 total national members. Also, no one volunteered to fill the Newsletter Editor position and Marcia Kane is retiring from that job after the October 2019 newsletter is pub-lished. The Information Director job is very important so we are continuing to seek a volunteer for this position. Job duties will probably need to be reworked as we move to a total electronic com-munication world. In the interim, the Quarterly AREA newsletter for July and October 2019 will continue to be printed in hard copy and sent via email.

The board also voted to start a national AREA Facebook page where “national dues-paying” members could communicate and news could be published on a timely basis. The Facebook page is called the “AAFES Retired Employees” page. Richard Sheff and Marcia Kane are currently administrators. Check it out!

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 11

From: "Shull, Tom" <shull@aafes.com>

Date: March 6, 2019 at 11:42:43 PM CST

Subject: Community Services Reform Task Force

Team,

On March 1, Acting Chief Management Officer Lisa Hershmann signed the approval letter for the business case analysis recommendation to merge the exchanges/commissary.

With the signing of the letter, the Community Services Task Force is authorized to begin planning for military resale consolidation.

A report to Congress is required to be given which details the costs and plans for consolidation and the recommendations of the Secretaries of the military departments. Current law prohibits expending appropriated funds to implement the merger prior to October 1, 2019. Further, current law prohibiting merging of exchanges and commissary must be changed by Congress.

Finally, the Deputy Secretary of Defense must approve consoli-dation plans. Due to these limitations and needed approvals to facilitate a consolidation, the Task Force remains focused on integration planning at this time.

Please remember this is an ongoing process, and there are many details that must be resolved and questions that must be answered.

We are fully engaged and will keep you informed as the process continues.

Most importantly, it is business as usual for the Exchange. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to serving Warfighters and military families just as we have for nearly 124 years.

Your commitment to and passion for serving the best customers in world are deeply appreciated.

All the best,

Tom Tom Shull

Director/CEO

Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Community Services Reform Task Force AREA Newsletter Survey Results

Pag e 12 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) Program

In 1999, AREA assumed responsibility for the Emergency Relief Fund at the request of the Commander, AAFES. AREA makes no decisions on how the money is used. This is done by a designated committee at the exchange affected. However, funds distribution is reported back to AREA for bookkeeping purposes. Both Exchange associates and retirees are encouraged to contribute. See AREA website for details: www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/community-programs/emergency-relief.htm

See page 13 for the “Thank You” messages from Tyndall and Ft. Bragg associates who received your donations.

Period Event Name Damage Location Funds Raised

September 1999 (H) Floyd Flood Seymour Johnson AFB $8,000.00

February 2001 Tropical Storm Flood Columbus AFB $530.00

(one home destroyed)

September 2001

Air Attack on Pentagon

Facility Destruction Northern Virginia $39,500.00

(paid to the Pentagon’s Victim’s Relief Fund)

December 2001 Tropical Storm Flood Fort Rucker $2,286.00

December 2002 (T) Pongsona Flood & Destruction Guam $2,800.00

August 2003 Tropical Storm Flood Tinker AFB $1,450.00

September 2005 (H) Katrina Flood Keesler AFB $59,845.87

September 2010 (TS) Hermine Flood Arlington, TX. $275.00

July 2011 Tropical Storm Flood Midwest, USA $200.00

April 2012 Tornado Flood & Destruction Dallas & Fort Worth $1,485.00

September 2013 Tropical Storm Flood (Rain 16”) Ft. Leonard Wood $3,500.00

Oct.-Nov. 2017 (H) Marie & Irma Flood Puerto Rico & Florida $4,870.07

Sep—Nov 2018 (H) Florence & Michael

Flood Carolinas,

Florida & Georgia $3,013.00

Oct —Jan 2019 (T) Yutu Flood & Destruction Saipan $879.45

Total Funds Raised ---- ---- ---- $128,634.39

H=Hurricane; T=Typhoon; TS=Tropical Storm

AREA ...JUST FOR YOU

PO Box 380614 Duncanville, TX. 75138-0614

Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) Program

Tyndall and Ft. Bragg Thank You Cards Sent to AREA

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 13

Tyndall Strong Photos

Tyndall AFB Exchange

Ft. Bragg Exchange

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

The Alamo Chapter of the AREA celebrated Valentine's Day at Cafe Milano. The group got to choose from 5 different Italian entrees. A raffle was held with the winner getting 1/2 the pot.

Alamo Chapter — Brenda Borland

left side: Shannon Soefje, Mike Bresnok, Janice Dobbs and Bill Dobbs right side: Kathy Jackson and Mark Porter

left side: Stan Allen, Patsy Allen, B Klein, Ken Klein

right side: Song Choe, Sylvia Cooper, not shown Brenda Borland

left side: Len Freitas, Tom Gross, and Diane Gross

right side: Bob Askew, Virginia Askew, Mike Rohrer, and Bette Rohrer

left side: Tony Trevino, Ella Trevino, Jackie Robinson, and Dan Forsch

right side: Lee Rux, Judy Rux, Ann Brogan, and Tim Brogan

Twenty people attended the opening night of Oklahoma at the Woodlawn Theater in San Antonio on February 22.

Those enjoying the evening were: Marilyn and Javier Cerna with two guests, Song Choe and Brenda Borland, Bette and Mike Rohrer, Janice and Bill Dobbs, Tom and Diane Gross, Tony and Ella Trevino, Len and Rhoda Freitas, and Claire Guillemette who brought her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law.

Pag e 14 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Northern California Chapter—Jerri Thomas

The Annual Christmas luncheon was held on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the Marriott’s Hotel in Rancho Cordova, CA. It was a very good luncheon in a lovely setting. Many thanks to Bob Desrochers who was our master of ceremonies for the day. With his usual good humor Bob amused us with a true humorous AAFES story.

Bob also spoke in remembrance of the four AREA members we lost in 2018: Aliye Smith, Eulie McDougal, Ken Keim and Re-nate Atkinson. Bob also brought some vintage AAFES memorabilia to share including one of the old yellow AAFES signs that he salvaged during a remodel of the store. After lunch everyone received a gift and Bob led us in some rousing Christmas carols which we all enjoyed.

We voted to donate $200.00 to the Mather VA hospital. We always feel good donating to our veterans as often as we can.

We also voted in favor of our annual spring bake, book and craft sale in April. As time takes a toll on our shrinking membership it is more important than ever for each of us to contribute to this fund raiser if possible.

From top left to right:

Photo 1: Rosie Boyce and guest Carmen Photo 2: Rosa LeBoeuf and Carmen

Photo 3: Doris Aplass and Lisa Denny Photo 4: Jerri Thomas and Doris Aplass

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 15

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Northern California Chapter—Jerri Thomas

The Annual Christmas luncheon photos (continued)

From Top, left to right:

Photo 1: Paula Freitas, Ellen Rivera and guest Photo 2: Danielle Dickerson, Debra Dickerson and Celia Hudson Photo 3: Margaret Newman and Paula Freitas Photo 4: Arlene Ferry and daughter Debbie Photo 5: Maureen Dobert Danielle Dickerson Photo 6: Hilda Waltz and daughter

Pag e 16 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Northern California Chapter—Jerri Thomas

The Annual Christmas luncheon photos (continued)

From top (left to right): Photo 1: Jerry & Fatma Thomason and Margaret Belcher Photo 2: Margie Scheatzle, Stella & Mike Winch

Photo 3: Dianne Hobbs, Phoebe Murrell, and guest Victoria Photo 4: Bob & Fran Desrocher & Gloria Masse

Photo 5: Dick Mason, Bob & Fran Derochers Photo 6: Lee Woodward and her sister and Yukon Hoffman

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 17

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Northern California Chapter—Jerri Thomas (continued)

The very windy and rainy weather kept several of our members at home during our February luncheon meeting at Brookfields. Attending members and guests were: Doris Aplass, Margaret Belcher and guest Gail, Rosie Boyce, Lisa Denny, Bob and Fran Deshrochers, Maureen Dobert, Dianne Hobbs, Rosa LaBoeuf, Jerri Thomas, Fatma and Jerry Thomason, and Stella and Michael Winch. After lunch we enjoyed a Valentine exchange and Valentine treats for all.

Lisa Denny passed around a letter of appreciation from The Mather VA hospital for our donation in January.

We discussed possible locations for our 2019 Christmas luncheon with no final decision made as yet. Due to rising costs we won't be able to go back to Marriott's this year. Rosa is checking with other restaurants and we can make our decision when Rosa's list is complete. Let Rosa know if you have a restaurant suggestion.

Our annual Spring bake, book, and craft sale is coming up soon. It is tentatively set for Saturday, April 20, 2019, the day before Easter.

The lucky door prize winners in February were: Doris Aplass, Margaret Belcher, Rosie Boyce, Lisa Denny, Bob and Fran Desrochers (2), Maureen Dobert, Dianne Hobbs, Rosa La Boeuf and Stella Winch. Also previous winners Arlene Ferry and Debbie (2) and Lee Woodward. These winners will provide the door prizes for the March luncheon meeting.

Lee Whistler has returned from her visit in Ohio and moved into a independent living home, ATRIA Senior Living in Rocklin. We are looking forward to having Lee back with us as she plans to continue attending our monthly luncheon meetings.

Long time AAFES Employee Melody Phillips retired February 22, 2019 after 45 years of Exchange service at McClellan BX. Melody began her AAFES career at age 15, when she was a student. Congratulations Mel, we wish you well in your retirement and hope that you will join our AREA group.

Upcoming luncheons for April, May and June:

April 10, 2019 May 8, 2019 June 12, 2019

Waffle Shop Olive Garden El Tapatio

4641 Watt Ave 5445 Sunrise Blvd 5637 Sunrise Blvd

North Highlands, CA 95660 Citrus Heights, CA 95610 Citrus ?Heights, CA 95610

Phone: 916-486-4888 Phone 916-965-9537 Phone: 916-967-2900

We met at the Outback Steakhouse in Sacramento for our first luncheon meeting of 2019 in January. Lunch and service were good. Members and guests attending were: Doris Aplass, Margaret Belcher, Rosie Boyce and guest Victoria, Edie Butler, Lisa Denny, Bob and Fran Desrochers, Maureen Dobert, Arlene Ferry and daughter Debbie, Dianne Hobbs, Tina Minjarez, Phoebe Murrell, Jerri Thomas, Fatma and Jerry Thomason, Hilda Waltz and Lee Woodward.

We had an abundance of nice door prizes in January, so many in fact that some people won twice. The winners were:

Doris Aplass, Margaret Belcher, Rosie Boyce, Lisa Denny (2), Bob Deshrochers, Fran Desrochers, Arlene Ferry (2) Jerri Thomas (2) Fatma Thomason (2) and Lee Woodward. These winners will bring the door prizes for the February 13 meeting.

Fran Derochers offered a word of caution about throw rugs. Fran suggests removing throw rugs from your home, a lesson she learned after tripping on a rug in her home. The result was a painful broken hand and it could have been even worse. Rosa LeBoeuf tripped in her home breaking her hand, resulting in multiple surgeries and permanent nerve damage.

Pag e 18 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

North Texas Chapter—Richard Sheff and Linda Dean

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 19

Just a sampling of stories on the North TX AREA Facebook Page

Email From: James Henry Subject: Hall of Fame

“My oldest son, Tom Henry, is being inducted into Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Hall of Fame this evening (February 7). He has been involved with the organization since 1982, served as a regional director on three separate occasions and as president 2001-2003. It's a big deal. If you want to look it up on their website.”

James

Email From: Marshall Sitrin “What are the chances of three retired AAFES employees not only living in the same independent living facility in Dallas, but also living on the same floor and two doors apart? Marshall Sitrin lives at 701, Dave Luzzatto and wife are in 703 and Don Michaelis is at 705. None of us knew the others had moved there. The odds are incalculable! Dave and I have known each other since Vietnam and kept in touch. Don is Army retired --mostly in Japan. His 15 years with AAFES was also in either Japan or Korea. Editor’s Note: I received this update from Marshall a few days after receiving this news tidbit. “Don moved out a couple days ago. But it was still true for six months, and management didn’t even know we were all from AAFES!”

NTC AREA Special Event. Day at the North Texas Irish Festival at Fair Park, Dallas Texas. Attendees enjoyed great good, music and friendship.

Harry McAuley, Sandy Boettiger, Keith Boettiger, Tom Branning, Lynda Sebren Branning and Roy

Robertson Jr. at North Texas Irish Festival

Sandy Jones Johnston and Sandy Boettige

Richard Sheff enjoying

the Irish Festival with

some true Irish characters!

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Pag e 20 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

NTC AREA Board Meeting: The board met this Past Tuesday (9 April). The Team Has Assembled the Most Aggressive Line Up for 2019. See you at the first event 1 May, Texas Rangers Baseball. Visit the North TX AREA Chapter Facebook Page often to keep track of AAFES Alumni fun. Note: If you are a national AREA dues-paying member, visit the AAFES Retired Employee Facebook page and become a member. Richard Sheff and Marcia Kane are administrators of this Facebook page. News relevant to all AREA members will be put on this page.

NTC AREA Event, 27th March Lunch at Momo's Pasta Theatre Three production of "Foxfire"

All agreed Marilyn Levin did a terrific job organizing NTC AREA lunch and theater event. Fine meal and terrific production. We will arrange for a similar outing in the future. About MoMo’s Pasta: Called the most authentic Italian restaurant in Dallas with classic Italian dishes served in a contemporary setting with stone walls.

About the Play, Foxfire: Annie Nations, an indomitable Appalachian widow of 79, lives on her North Georgia mountain farm with the acerbic ghost of her husband Hector.

Jack Leavitt, Carlon Berryhill Cloud and Jerry Cloud

Helen Conti, Bill Eddings, Roy Dean and Linda Dean

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

Friday Morning AAFES Alumni Coffee and Chat on March 31 in Arlington. Always stimulating discussion in this coffee Group. Come Join Us!

With Roy Dean, Tom Minton, Jerry Johnston, Judy Terry Hanson, Tom Gallagher and Linda Dean and

Chuck Poffenbarger, (not shown—Richard Sheff), photographer)

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

We celebrated our Christmas party at Logan's Roadhouse in McDonough, GA with 12 members and 4 guests. Marketia Greene, Liz Greene's daughter, won the $30 top cash prize, with Fredda, Wade's Raczynski wife, winning the $20 second cash prize. Another seven non-monetary prizes were raffled away and then we auctioned off all the beautifully wrapped gifts that everyone brought to share. Everyone who wanted a new free 2019 calendar got one. A fun time was had by all!

Members and guests in attendance were: Mel & Mary Taylor, David Reeves, Cindy Cooper, James Mahoney, Dave & Carol Painter, Georgie Heyman, Mary Taylor, General Lee Kleckley, Sam Ariata, Shirley Johnson & daughter Gerogia, Elizabeth Greene and daughter Markeita, and Wade & Fredda Raczynski.

Our annual business meeting was held at the Silver Bay Seafood Restaurant in Stockbridge, GA. We had 12 members and two guests in attendance. We had no volunteers for new officers, so James Mahoney, President, Georgie Heyman, Vise President, Mel Taylor, Treasurer, and Cindy Cooper, Secretary, were re-elected. We voted to keep our yearly chapter dues at $7.50 per person, with $2.50 of it going as an automatic donation for our yearly scholarship fund donation.

Our Get-Together will remain on the third Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM. Everyone present listed their top three favorite local eating establishments, thus we ranked them by most votes per establishment, which determined where our Get-Togethers would be during the year.

We voted to make an annual scholarship donation of $700.00 for 2019. This donation was possible by the automatic donation from each member's yearly dues; our yearly White Elephant auction; our member's generous support of our Christmas party raffle ticket purchase; and the auction of donated gifts. In addition, several members—Hetty Cox, Wade and Fredda Raczynski, Dave and Carol Painter, Gerogie Heyman, Ruby White, Lee Stanchfield, Mel and Mary Taylor, and James Mahony—made extra donations. Members and guests at the business meeting were: Mel and Mary Taylor, David Reeves, Cindy Cooper, James Mahoney, Dave and Carol Painter, Georgie Heyman, Mary Taylor, General Lee Kleckley, Paul Harris, Lee Stanchfield, Nettie Gleaton, and Ruby White.

Left to right back row - Mel Taylor, Paul Harris, Carol Painter, Dave Painter, David Reeves. Front row - James Mahoney, General Kleckley, Mary Taylor, Lee Stanchfield, Ruby White, Cindy Cooper, Nettie Gleaton and Georgie Heyman.

Editor’s Note: unfortunately the light reflections in the room made this photo a little “checkered” and I could not improve it. Hopefully you can still see these folks well enough.

Southeastern Chapter—Submitted by Cynthia Cooper, Secretary, for James Mahony, president. Financial data provided by Mel Taylor Treasurer

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 21

Exchange Post News Stories of Interest to AREA Members

Honoring Vietnam Veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day March 20, 2019 / Marisa Wolfe

DALLAS – For the second year in a row, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service honored Vietnam Veterans for their service and sacrifice on March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Everyone who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, received a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin at their local Exchange during ceremonies planned throughout the day on March 29. This lapel pin, which has become a lasting memento of the Nation’s thanks, is provided in partnership with The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.

“The Exchange is deeply honored to be a part of recognizing the brave men and women who raised their hand and took the oath, yet never received the proper thanks they so richly deserved,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, a Vietnam-era Army Veteran. “The Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin is a small token of the Nation’s appreciation, letting these heroes know they are not forgotten.”

The Exchange has been a Commemorative Partner with the Vietnam War Commemoration since 2013, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize Vietnam Veterans and their families for service, valor and sacrifice. Maj. Gen. (Retired) James Jackson, Commemoration director, thanked the Exchange for its efforts. “The Exchange is a committed partner in commemorating the service of these individuals,” Jackson said. “Its service to Vietnam Veterans is greatly appreciated.”

Veterans who were unable to come to an Exchange for a lapel pin on March 29 can visit http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/events/ to find an up-coming event or Commemorative Partner in their area at http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/partners/partner_map/. Veterans who still need assis-tance locating an opportunity to receive a lapel pin on behalf of a grateful nation can contact the Commemoration office at 877- 387-9951 or whs.vnwar50th@mail.mil. The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the Office of the Secre-tary of Defense to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the secretary of defense and launched by the President in 2012. It will continue through Veterans Day 2025.

Custom Exchange Truck Wrap Thanks Veterans for ‘Service and Sacrifice’ March 11, 2019 / Marisa Wolfe

When Exchange Creative Director Johnny Olson and his fellow Marines returned from serving in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, hundreds of people lined the streets to welcome them home, but it’s one person in particular that Olson remembers when he thinks of that day. The welcoming crowd had become so large that the bus carry-ing Olson and his compatriots to their base had to stop. The bus driver, noticing a Vietnam Veteran in his uniform, opened the door and invited him in. The man stood at the front of the bus, tears in his eyes, and welcomed the troops home.

The contrast between the treatment this man and other Vietnam Veterans received on coming home and his own reception returning from the Gulf War struck Olson. A Veteran who had not received thanks for his service made time to thank the Marines on the bus that day. “Ever since that day, I’ve gone out of my way to thank Vietnam Veterans for their service and give them a hearty ‘Welcome home,’” Olson said.

‘Thank you for your service and sacrifice’ Olson was thinking of that Marine when he designed the Exchange’s custom Vietnam Veteran truck wrap, with the assistance of Corporate Communication Specialist Mario Baltierra. The truck design is dedicated to Vietnam Veterans as part of the Exchange’s partnership with The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration during the 50th anniversary of the war. The design features an image from the National Archives of a young Vietnam Soldier while close-ups of names from the Vietnam War Memorial Wall can be seen in the background. Across the 53-foot trailer is the message “On behalf of a grateful Nation, thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

Letting Vets know they’re appreciated

The message hit home for Vietnam-era Veteran associates. “I think it’s great because it lets everybody know who served that they were appreciated, said Eldon Ashley, a Facilities Management Office foreman at the Waco Distribution Center in Texas, who served in the Air Force four years active duty and 21 years in the Reserves. “That’s all I think everybody would want, to just be appreciated.”

Pat Thompson served in Vietnam during his four years in the Air Force and has spent the last 19 years working for the Exchange as a truck driver and mechanic. He noted that the new truck wraps show whom Exchange associates are really working for. “The best thing about working for the Exchange is working for the troops,” said Thompson, who has deployed six times to the Middle East with the Exchange.

Watch for the trucks!

The design also displays an image of the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, which Veterans received at their local Exchange during special ceremonies on March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The design is featured on three trucks, which will head to MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, and Fort Carson, Colo., for the ceremonies. The trucks will deliver merchandise from Exchange distribution centers in Dayton, Ohio; Waco, Texas; and Newport News, Va. It will also deliver its message of gratitude to Vietnam Veterans—the same message Olson heard from the Marine that day on the bus. “He knew we needed to hear it because he and other Vietnam Veterans never heard it,” Olson said. “The design we created is my way of saying ‘Thank you.’”

To view pictures and read about how the Exchange served GIs during the Vietnam War, go to the Exchange History Flickr Album.

Pag e 22 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Main Store Manager Denise Lundie attaches a commemora-tive pin to a Vietnam Veteran’s pocket.

AREA Scholarship Program AREA website: http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/community-programs/scholarships.htm.

Since 1985 AREA has provided educational opportunities to “AAFES Kids” through its scholarship program. This year AREA plans to award at least $40,000 in scholarships to twelve graduating high school seniors. Amounts are two $5,000 and ten $3,000 awards.

2019 marks the 34th anniversary of the AREA scholarship program; the only program designed to directly benefit AAFES employees’ and assigned military’s children. To date AREA has provided $784,795 in scholarship awards to 358 deserving students – many of whom may not have even started college without the AREA boost. Now that is something we should all be proud of!

SCHOLARSHIP DONOR PROGRAM: Our scholarship program relies in large measure on the financial support of individual donors. To make a donation of any amount, complete the donation form in this Newsletter or go to the GoFundMe Scholarships link on our web site address shown below to use a credit card. Send an email to Terry Corley at president@aafesretired.com if you have questions.

LARGE DONOR RECOGNITION PROGRAM: We have revised our criteria for the program to recognize retirees and other sponsors for their generous large donations when we’re awarding scholarships.

• For donations of $500 -$1,499, we’ll name one of our ten $3,000 scholarships after the donor, or someone else if designated, and provide the sponsor with the student’s name and address should they want to send a congratulatory note.

• Likewise, sponsor donations of $1,500 or more are available for each of our two $5,000 scholarships. If there are more than two such donations, we’ll contact you with options.

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

The program is limited to graduating high school seniors planning to attend an accredited college, university, or one of the U.S. military academies for undergraduate studies in the Fall 2019. AREA scholarships are not awarded for participation in non-academic and certificate programs.

Applications must be sent to the scholarship committee during the enrollment period January 1 through March 31. An application form is available on the AREA web site. The window has closed this year. Applications received now through March 31, 2020 will be considered for 2020. The same site sets out the specific requirements for making application, including personal and student eligibility criteria. 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. The committee is currently finalizing review of the submitted applications and the awardees will be featured in the July AREA newsletter. Committee members are: Richard Sheff, John Tokar, Maggie Burgess, Bob Ellis and Don Smith.

We thank them for their hard work in reviewing nominations and selecting this year’s scholarship awardees.

So how can you donate? See the next page for a complete description on how to donate, either by check or by credit card; and pages 25-26 for the updated Scholarship Donation form. Donations large and small are all welcome! AREA thanks you …. and these wonderful young people will thank you too!

Michelle Priester

AREA Scholarship Program Director

PO Box 75138 Duncanville, TX. 75138

Michelle Priester

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 23

How to Donate to the AREA Scholarship Fund

1. Print and fill out the Scholarship Donation form in this Newsletter (see pages 25-26). Send the completed form

with your check to the address shown on the top of the form. The form is also on the AREA website:

www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/, under the Community Programs section.

2. An easier option is to go to our special “GoFundMe” web site and use your credit card for your donation.

Click on this link: https://www.gofundme.com/2018-area-scholarship-drive, and follow the instructions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CREDIT CARD DONATIONS

For general or anonymous CREDIT CARD

donations less than $500, you do not have to complete

the donation form. However, if you are making a

CREDIT CARD donation of less than $500 on behalf

of someone else (that is, “in their honor” for a living

person or “in memory of” a deceased person, send an

e-mail to Pat Weaver with the following information:

Sample E-Mail:

Pat, this is to let you know that I, Tom Jones, made a

$___ scholarship donation in memory of (or in honor of)

Mary Jones on ____(date)___, on the GoFundMe web

site. Put your full name, address, and phone number, on

the e-mail message.

The web site automatically gives you a receipt for tax purposes.

You (and/or other named person) will be officially thanked

and recognized (unless you wish to remain anonymous) in the

next quarterly newsletter on the Scholarship Donor’s page.

See this quarter’s donations on page 27.

See Southeastern Chapter input on page 21. They put aside a

portion of their annual dues (along with some personal dona-

tions) and then donate annually. Other chapters take note!

For credit card donations of $500 or more:

Please mail AREA a completed donation form (to the address on

the top of the form); or send an email to Pat Weaver at

membership@aafesretired.com with the completed form as an

attachment. Put the “date and amount of your credit card

donation” in the “Comments” section of the form.

If you don’t know how to send the form as an attachment, you

can alternatively send Pat the information we need in the body

of the email as follows:

Sample E-Mail:

Pat, this is to let you know that I, Tom Jones, made a $___

scholarship donation on ____(date)___, on the GoFundMe web

site. If you are naming the scholarship donation in memory of (or

in honor of) someone else, add that information. Be sure to put

your full name, address, and phone number, on the e-mail message.

The web site automatically gives you a receipt for tax purposes.

The AREA President will provide the sponsor with the student’s name and

address should the donor wish to send a congratulatory note. As with all

donors, you will be officially recognized and thanked for your donation in

the next issues of the newsletter.

Donate $500 - $1,499 to the AREA Scholarship Program and we’ll name one of our $3,000 scholarships after you, or someone you designate, and let the student know, if you desire. Likewise, donations of $1,500 plus will be used to name each of our two $5,000 scholarships. If more than two $1,500 plus donations are received, we’ll contact you with options. We award scholarships at the end of March, so donations from April 1, 2019 on will be included in our 2020 program. For further details, contact Terry Corley, AREA President at: president@aafesretired.com. Note: Scholarship recipients are featured in the Exchange Post (usually in May) at http://publicaffairs-sme.com/FamilyServingFamily/. Enter AREA 2018 Scholarships in the “Search” section at the top of the page. We also feature recipients in the July edition of the AREA newsletter.

Pag e 24 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 25

Pag e 26 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

Community Service Awards—General Information

AREA… contributing to the future

PO Box 380614 Duncanville, TX. 75138-0614

Note: * denotes non-AAFES retiree; **denotes Non-member of AREA

SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

DONORS IN MEMORY OF GENERAL DONATION

Southeastern AREA Chapter $700 IN HONOR OF

Gerald Peterson Marty Handel $100

Let’s recognize people who support their community—It’s the right thing to do!

The National AREA recognizes people who are making unselfish efforts toward the betterment of their communities with an

AREA Community Service Award. The term “Community” may refer either to the local area, or to activities on a regional,

state, national or even international scope. Each award recipient receives a certificate, along with a letter signed by AREA,

expressing appreciation for the contribution made toward making our communities a better place to live and work. Nominations

may be submitted at any time for:

• Collective recognition of chapter, exchange (or branch/unit) community service accomplishments

• Recognition of Chapter and AREA members and their immediate family members.

• Recognition of Exchange and assigned military personnel and their immediate family members.

To submit your nomination, print off and complete the Community Service Award Nomination Form in this newsletter on page

28. Mail it to: AREA-Community Service Award Nomination, PO Box 380614, Duncanville, TX 75138-0614. A copy of the

form is on the AREA website along with a listing of community service awards since 1979.

Each award recipient receives a certificate, along with a letter signed by AREA, expressing appreci-

ation for the contribution made toward making our communities a better place to live and work. For

Exchange Associates: A copy of the AREA letter and certificate are forwarded to your servicing HR

office for file in your official personnel folder. Additionally, recipients will be provided a copy of the

AREA quarterly Newsletter in which the recognition is featured. They will also be included in the

Exchange Post and posted to the AREA web site at:

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

The Community Service Review Committee reviews the nominations and selects those who best meet the criteria above.

If you’d like to volunteer to serve on this committee, please send an email to Terry Corley at president@aafesretired.com.

Thanks to Dick Fregoe for chairing this committee through March 2019. In 2018 we recognized two recipients; one in the

Spring and one in the Fall. We know there are many other members/associates that deserve recognition, so don’t wait, submit

your nomination today!

“Recipients Name”

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 27

Pag e 28 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

IN REMEMBRANCE—National AREA Members HAYWARD MOORE, 86, died November 18, in Grandbury, TX. The HQ Services, Vending and Auto Business Manager, retired in 1993.

TOSHIO SHIOZAKI, 97, died January 2, in El Cerrito, CA. The HQ Associate retired in 1974

WILLS

From time to time retired associates of AAFES leave bequests to the AREA in their will. If you desire to make such a bequest we recommend providing the person that prepares your formally written and executed will with the follow-ing 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."

Other reported deaths (from Chapters and Individuals):

Benjamin D. Parker, 78, formerly of Fayetteville died Wednesday, March 20, 2019 in Columbus, GA and was laid to rest in Spring Lake, North Carolina on March 30, 2019.

He is survived by his wife, Viola Parker. Daughters, Dedra Parker of Spring Lake, Phaedra Parker-Kinzer (Arthur) of Charleston, SC, and Andra Rainey (Carl) of Olympia, WA. Sister, Clara McNeil (Frank) of Fayetteville, along with five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

He retired as Operations Manager for AAFES in 2009 after 47 years of service. According to his daughter, Phaedra Parker-Kinzer, “During his 47 years with AAFES he touched many lives. He served in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s, 2 tours in Europe (Schweinfurt & Nurnberg Germany), and various locations in the United States. He loved his work and found pride in being a part of AAFES.”

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 29

From Lisa Kavanaugh: “It is with great sadness that we inform you that our father, Winston (Kav) Kavanaugh, passed on March 21, 2019, the first day of Spring. His wishes were that we have a service at Aria, followed by a full honors burial at the DFW National Veterans Cemetery, and then eat together at a restaurant near the cemetery, ‘to make the drive worth it’ he said—Smile :)

We hope you can join us to celebrate our ‘larger than life’ father. The Kavanaugh family invites you to commemorate the life and passing of : WINSTON GREGORY KAVANAUGH Thursday, April 18, 2019 Aria Funeral Home, 1820 N. Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

MEMORIAL SERVICE to begin promptly at 11 AM followed by a procession to DFW National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. and lunch nearby at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Kav's honor may be made to his beloved alma mater Boston Latin School.”

From Michele Swingle: Alexander Swingle Jr. of Waxahachie went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 18, 2019 while holding the hand of his loving wife, Michele.

Al was the only child of the late Alexander and Ruth Swingle. He was born on December 20, 1933 in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from Monrovia High School and went on to study at the University of New Mexico then served this country for three years in the U.S. Air Force in England. The majority of his working career was spent employed with the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) where he climbed the ladder, retiring as a Deputy Regional Chief. He spent his retirement raising his youngest children Allison and Nick, attending all their school and sporting functions while enjoying every second of it. He also was an avid golfer and enjoyed working out daily. Additionally, he enjoyed the time spent at church and on mission trips to Mexico. Al loved to travel from a simple get away to a trip to Europe with Michele.

His life will forever be remembered and cherished in the hearts of his loved ones and the ones that loved him. He is survived by his wife, Michele; his daughter Allison (Matthew) Foster; his sons Nicholas (Kayla) Swingle and Todd Swingle; his step children Winter and Andrew Wilton and his precious granddaughter Annabelle Wilton who called him “Pops”. He was preceded in death by both parents and his eldest son James Swingle. A special thank you goes to each and every one of his caregivers and nurses who loved and cared for him in his final days. As his wife I will forever be grateful for the kindness and love that he was shown by each of you.

A Celebration of Life service was held on March 23, 2019. Interment at DFW National Cemetery is scheduled for a later date.

AREA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATES

Save this page with your copy of the 2013 AREA Directory

NEW MEMBERS DOROTHY ASHLOCK

2152 FAIRFAX RD

DENTON, TX 76250

JOSEPH HARRELL

1235 N. QUINN ST ARLINGTON, VA,

TEL 571-317-5232

ARNOLD BANKS

156 APT B JENNESSE LN NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23602

PATRICIA CALDWELL

732 COTTONTAIL CT COLUMBIA, SC 29229 TEL: 803-528-5642 EMAIL: caldwellpatricia@yahoo.com

DAVID CRAIN

3109 ELLEN DR SEMMES, AL 36575 CELL: 719-360-0848

SANDRA CUMMINGS

3064 EL TOVAR CIRCLE DALLAS, TX 75233 CELL: 214-681-0164

EMAIL: sycummings5272@gmail.com

CHERYL GAULDING

5766 FISH RD DALZELL, SC 29040

LINDA GROSVENOR

904 7TH AVE. SOUTHWEST PUYALLUP, WA 98371

GREGORY HARDIN

2100 LAMPREY CIR DENTON, TX 76210 TEL: 940-382-8336

EMAIL: heels76210@gmail.com

Pag e 30 April 2019 AREA NEW SLETTER

CHANGES: ADDRESS, TELEPHONE, EMAIL

ELIZABETH PACKARD 5694 EVERGREEN AVE

PORTAGE, IN 46368 TEL: 219-393-9547 EMAIL: annpackard44@gmail.com

GREGORY MUSQUEZ

30649 BUCK LANE BULVERDE, TX 78163

TEL: 830-980-8744 EMAIL: gmusquez2@aol.com

MARY LOU HURD

926 JANEKA LANE DOVER, DE 19904

EMAIL: jmlhurd@comcast.net

STEPHEN KIMPLE

2727 IOWA DR UNIT 206 FORT COLLINS, CO 80525

CLAUDIA HARGROVE

541 CLEARLAKE DR WAXAHACHIE, TX 75165

DUANE WALSH

4956 FM 3063 BOX 161 VILLAGE MILLS, TX 77663

LINDA SUMMERS

3317 OCEAN SHORE AVE. APT. 314 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451

TEL: 757-572-1982 EMAIL: summers18@cox.net

BARBARA CROWE

22 SOUTHFORK DR SW ROME, GA 30165

KEITH CARTER

400 FORSYTHE ST FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28303

DENNIS BOSWELL

232 COPPERWOOD DR LAKESIDE, TX 76108

SAMUEL JOHNSTON

73342 CORONADO DR NAPLES, FL 34109 TEL: 239-571-2078

EMAIL: samnchuckiej@gmail.com

NEW MEMBERS (cont’d) RALPH KLEEMAN

132 MELMAR DR

PRATTVILLE, AL 36067

HILDA MACDONALD

174 MAGNOLIA CHURCH STATESBORO, GA 30641

ELISABETH PRINGLE

4896 SPOKANE WAY COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80911

MARIA SANCHEZ

1060 MAGNOLIA LN CEDAR HILL, TX 75104

PHILIP WILLIS

163 INKBERRY RD

SALLEY, SC 29137

MARSHALL D. JONES

3018 MISTLETOE AVE. HEPHZIBAH, GA 30815 TEL: 706-691-3133

EMAIL: james3329@bellsouth.net

RICK DAVIS

2600 WEST 7TH ST APT 1321

FT. WORTH, TX 76107 TEL: 817-946-3006 EMAIL: rickroatan@charter.net

LELAND HUBBLE

20832 VILLAGE PKWY CAL CITY, CA 93505

ODIS MITCHELL

3950 HORSE RUN GLEN

NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23602

If you don’t send AREA your updated address and/or

email, you will not receive your copy of the AREA

Quarterly Newsletter. Please email any changes

using the Membership Update form on page 31

and mail it to Pat Weaver, Membership Director,

at: membership@aafesretired.com.

Thanks for keeping your membership

information up-to-date!

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

The following telephone numbers are provided as a convenience to members wishing to contact certain HQ AAFES offices and the Pentagon 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:

STEVE SMITH, Corporate Communications Editor/Historian, (214) 312-3831 or e-mail smithstev@aafes.com

SALES TABLOIDS:

TABLOID DEPARTMENT (800) 733-5142

ID CARD, PRIVILEGES

HR-S HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

CAC/ ID cards are issued Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 07:30 AM – 10:00 AM (no appointment needed). Appointments for a time after 10:30 AM can be arranged by emailing HQHRO@aafes.com; or calling HR Techs as follows: Brenda Johnson, (214) 312-2612; Jill Cottle, (214) 312-6531; Sarah Brown, (214)312-6423; or Veneitra Colston-Mack, (214) 312-2531. Please ensure to bring your CAC/shopping privilege ID card as well as a valid Federal or State ID to renew your CAC and/or shopping privilege ID card. If your CAC is expired, you will need to bring in two valid forms of Federal and/or State ID’s (such as a driver’s license, US passport, birth certificate, or original social security card). Submit questions to: Rhonda Moncrief, HQ Human Resources Manager at (214) 312-2006.

PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION: TOLL FREE SERVICE –MEMBER SERVICES

TOLL FREE U.S.: 800-247-5626

Monday - Friday: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time Saturday: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time

Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time OVERSEAS DIRECT DIAL: 541-225-6700

TTY (for the hearing impaired: TOLL FREE U.S.: 800 225-6378

FOR OTHERS NOT LISTED:

Pat Weaver, Membership Director, (972) 780-9810; e-mail: membership@aafesretired.com

For other information, check out the Exchange website at: https://www.shopmyexchange.com/

Or the AREA website: http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE FORM

Type of Change (Check All Boxes Below That Apply)

Address Telephone FAX

E-Mail Marital Status Other

Printed Name Signature Date

TO: AREA (ATTN: Membership Director)

PO BOX 380614

Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

CURRENT ADDRESS:

Enter New Address in “Current Address” block BELOW and List Other Changes Here:

Changes will be published in the next AREA newsletter unless you specifically tell us not to print this information.

AREA NEW SLETTER April 2019 Pag e 31

AAFES Retired Employees Association

P.O. Box 380614

Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

DUES ALERT! If the last time you renewed your dues was in March 2018 or earlier,

please send your $17 dues PAYABLE to AREA at the mailing address shown above.

AAFES Retired Employees Association Printing and mailing the Newsletter has become too expensive so the AREA board dis-

cussed and approved these changes at our Spring 2017 and Spring 2019 board meetings.

Spring 2017: “New and reinstated members; and existing members with computers (or other e-mail reading devices) who renew their membership; will receive the newsletter via e-mail only.” Spring 2019: “Effective January 1, 2020, AREA news will only be available electronically.” See pages 2 and 11 of this newsletter for more information.

You’ll enjoy these advantages:

• Get the Newsletter the first of the month, rather than several days after the beginning of the month.

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

Here’s what one member said: “The e mail edition is superb. Easy to read, brilliant colors, etc. I can't say

enough about it, and would recommend that anyone with a computer get the newsletter this way.”

Until Jan 2020, send an e-mail to Pat Weaver, Membership Director, at membership@aafesretired.com and

state that you would like to get the Newsletter on line now and we’ll do the rest.

AREA—JUST FOR YOU

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE PAID

DALLAS, TX

PERMIT #1478