New River Current October 2013 Page

Oct. 2013 Vol. 4, Issue 5

New River Chapter Newsletter

President:

Doug Ehrhardt, CAPT., USN-Ret.

1st Vice President:

Charles Knapp, COL., USA-Ret.

Secretary/Treasurer:

Ken Lynn, Col., USAF-Ret.

Programs/Membership Committee Chair:

Vacant

Personal Affairs Committee Chair:

Barbara Sears

Scholarship Committee Chair:

Linda Marsh

Legislative Committee Chair:

Ron Wilsbach, CDR., USN-Ret.

Past President:

Not Yet Applicable

At-Large Director:

Ron Schuette, LTC., USA-Ret.

At-Large Director:

Louis Burge, Maj., USAF-Ret.

Auxiliary/Spouse Liaison:

Betty Schuette

Newsletter Editor:

Ken Lynn, Col., USAF-Ret.

Webmaster:

Doug Ehrhardt, CAPT., USN-Ret.

Inside this issue:

October Program......…………….1

President’s Message………………1

Chapter Happenings & News..2 & 3

Committee Updates…………..4 & 5

Legislative Update…..……………..6

Auxiliary Update…………………...7

Navy & Marine News………………8

Army & Air Force News………….9

Calendar & Contact Info……….10

Copyright © 2013, The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), all rights reserved. Part or all of this message may be retransmitted for information purposes, but may not be used for any commercial purpose or in any commercial product, posted on a website, or used in any non-MOAA publication (other than that of a MOAA affiliate, or a member of The Military Coalition) without the written permission of MOAA and the New River Chapter. All retransmissions, postings, and publications of this message must include this notice.

From the President… Greetings…it’s my hope you’re receiving this Chapter newsletter on time…after all, not everything is going south just because our nation’s leaders can’t do the work we’re paying them to do! The fact that the budget battle and the continuing bickering over the Affordable Care Act (to fund or not to fund, the many unanswered questions about it’s cost, and whether or not to delay for a year) are causing paralysis in Congress doesn’t mean the rest of the country can sit back and relax. We delayed our August New River Current until after the quarterly NC

Council of Chapters meeting, so I already had the opportunity to thank our members who supported our co-hosting the event with the High Country. I also shared about the outstanding performance by Generation eXcellent…more about them to follow. What I need to share now is the Council meeting business on Saturday…the entire meeting focused on NC’s 17 chapters and the continuing angst over membership! It’s no surprise that our 4 th quarter meeting will take up the same issue on 26 October. Even with the new basic model (a FREE 1-year membership to test drive MOAA to learn about the benefits offered) – only 43 new members have been added in

NC…and NONE to our chapter’s rolls. I know there are many former or retired officers in our 3 county catchment area who are eligible to join our ranks. As I have shared previously, I want to challenge everyone to reach out to them…as President I’m also asking for volunteers to help build on our Chapter successes and continue to keep our programs strong and alive. At our next meeting, please consider stepping up to not only help out with the work of a committee, but also the goals of our Chapter. Back to Generation eXcellent…the High Country Chapter is holding a Veterans Day program on Monday, 11 November at the Boone Mall AND

are planning this year’s tribute to include the stirring performance by these remarkably talented Ashe County children. You won’t want to miss it...it starts at noon, but get there by 11:30 or you might not get a seat!

Doug (MOAA Life Member)

October Program: The New River Chapter’s

Annual Meeting will be held to review our bylaws, elect officers and conduct any other pertinent Chapter business. Please plan to attend this important meeting.

5-Star Chapter Awarded For: 2011, 2012, 2013

New River Current © 2012 Nicole Robinson

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New River Chapter Happenings December Holiday Party: This year’s holiday party will be hosted by Lee and Mannon Eldreth and will take

place on Saturday, 14 December. As most of you know, Lee is a local Christmas tree farmer who owns and operates Lee’s Trees. So, we’ll be surrounded by beautiful trees

which can only add to the festive spirit! And, if you’re looking for your own “choose and cut” tree this year, make plans now to stop by Lee’s no later than 12 December (when he stops selling for the season) and get your own holiday tree with a MOAA connection. Lee’s Trees is the oldest

continuous choose and cut farm in Ashe County and is located at 965 Helen Blevins Road in West Jefferson. Lee’s is open from 20 November - 12 December (Mon - Sat) 9 to 5 and (Sun) 1 to 5. Details will follow on the party as we get closer to the date.

The New River Chapter and the Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild: Every year since

the stand-up of our Chapter the newsletter editor has attended the Quilt Fair and run into several New River Chapter members. This year, with camera in hand, I again attended and the Chapter was not only represented by several members admiring the quilts...but we were also fortunate to have a member who was actually participating in the event. Below, Mary Knapp stands in front of two of her award-winning quilts alongside her husband, Charles. The quilt on the left won Third Place and the quilt on the right won “Best of Color.” Congratulations Mary!

New River Chapter Wins 5-Star Chapter Award for 3rd Straight Year: For the

third consecutive year, the New River Chapter has been named one of the very best MOAA chapters earning the coveted 5-Star Levels of Excellence Award. To read more, click on the following link: http://www.moaa.org/main_article.aspx?id=12256.

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Additional Photos from the NC Quarterly Council Dinner

Sending out an SOS: Once again, the newsletter editor is sending out an SOS

asking for volunteers to come forward and help compile/write the Army, Marine Corps and/or USAF news found on pages 8 and 9 of this edition. For quite a while now, Jim Dunne has been assisting by compiling the Navy news and doing an outstanding job! It only takes a few minutes every other month to accomplish this task, but it would be a great help in putting together each edition of the New River Current and would enable

others to not only contribute but to also highlight stories they find exciting or important. Anyone interested should contact the editor, Ken Lynn, and let him know you’re interested in stepping up.

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Programs & Membership Committee Report Ken Lynn, Col., USAF-Ret. & MOAA Life Member

Until a volunteer steps up to head our Programs and Membership Committee, I’ll continue to use this space to share my thoughts. In the last issue, I encouraged those of you who might be interested to consider volunteering for one of our Chapter’s open positions. We still have vacancies, so please consider stepping up to make our Chapter stronger. In this issue, I’d like to focus on recruiting and retention.

Like all other MOAA chapters, the New River Chapter loses members due to deaths, moves, health problems and the challenges caused by the aging process. Unlike many other chapters though, we’re not located near a military installation or a large metropolitan area where it’s obviously easier to recruit new members. As we’ve said from the beginning of our Chapter’s formation, recruiting and retention are two of our most important priorities as we’re such a small Chapter and we’re challenged in our pool of potential members from which to draw. However, there are eligible members out in our community. I know that like me, many of you have made personal contact with potential members and, for whatever reason, they’ve chosen not to take us up on our invitation to come to at least one meeting and see if the New River Chapter is a good fit for them. Other members have kept their membership current but aren’t active in attending our meetings and events. I find this unfortunate as it’s my belief that for such a small organization, we’ve put on some exceptional programs at our monthly meetings that have had wide-ranging benefit. I encourage those of you who haven’t attended a meeting recently to reconnect with your friends as 2013 has been a very exciting year for the New River Chapter and it should only get better as we prepare for October’s Annual Meeting, our December holiday party, take our winter recess and head in 2014. In my view we need someone to immediately come forward and take over chairmanship of this committee...and we need volunteers to sit on the committee. For more than two years, Mac Hunt served as chair and he had no other

person on the committee to help him. Our Scholarship Committee, on the other hand, has a vibrant membership and it’s this teamwork that has led to its great success. If we could replicate that model with our Programs and Membership Committee, I’m absolutely positive we could grow the ranks of our Chapter and have an even greater impact in our community while also making our programs and events that much better and that much more fun. So, while the focus of my primary thoughts here is on recruiting and retention, we need volunteers to first step up and form this committee. I have some ideas on what we can do to increase recruiting and retention (as I’m sure many of you do). I’d like to share them with some motivated individuals. Can we encourage you to please step up to the challenge?

Personal Affairs Committee Report Barbara Sears, Auxiliary Member

I hope this finds you all enjoying our beautiful mountain autumn! The season's spectacular colors and cool temperatures are truly some of the best benefits of living in Ashe County. The present political situation that we find our country and its citizenry is indeed disheartening and uncertain. Preferring at this time to share something positive with you, I have chosen to share a list of discounts on products and services available to us as members of MOAA, the national organization. While you check out these discount benefits available to you as a MOAA (National) member, I'll sit back in my favorite chair with my Dell laptop that I bought at a 30% discount and search for a discounted February vacation in a sunny clime. I might even start addressing Christmas cards that I bought from MOAA National - the proceeds go to support the Scholarship Fund of MOAA. If ordering online gives me pause for concern, I will just use the benefit offered to prevent identity theft. Who knew that there were so many opportunities that come with membership in the "mothership"?! Premium Lifestyle and Outdoor Brands: We proudly announce an exciting benefit for our members. We have

entered into a special agreement with GovX allowing MOAA Members to save 20% to 50% on premium brands and products, such as action sports and outdoor equipment, apparel, on-duty tactical gear, electronics, jewelry, shoes and accessories, home décor and much more.

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MOAA and USAA: Get great rates, a variety products, quality customer service and customer advocacy with our newest associate- USAA!

Award Winning Financial Products: Take advantage of MOAA's low-rate credit card, bank deposits program,

and mortgages. Dell Member Purchase Program: Did you know that MOAA members can save up to 30% off select computers

when purchased through the Dell Member Purchase Program? Apple Member Purchase Program: Looking for an Apple computer? MOAA members now receive special

discounts -- and free shipping -- on select Apple products and accessories. Visit MOAA's online Apple store to see and order the latest must-have gear.

Travel: Need help finding the perfect kid-friendly hotel or the best resorts for that much needed relaxing

weekend? Find military travel discounts, tips and resources for planning your next trip, and added benefits for MOAA members through our own travel service provider!

Insurance Plans: As an MOAA member, take advantage of the many different insurance products (including

MEDIPLUS TRICARE Supplements and Long Term Care Insurance) offering outstanding members-only benefits at reasonable rates.

Legal: Search MOAA's lawyer listing to find a participating attorney near you who is willing to offer a 25 percent

discount to fellow MOAA members. Or join MOAA's free lawyer listing today, and help your fellow MOAA members!

MOAA Exchange: MOAA has a new easy-access online store. Visit the MOAA Exchange today, or call toll-free

at (866) 663-6622 to place an order. NOTE - you will need to create and use a store account to purchase items. Holiday Cards: Share the spirit of the holidays, MOAA-style! View and order from our complete collection of

Christmas and general holiday cards. Proceeds support The Scholarship Fund of MOAA, which provides financial assistance for children of military service members pursuing academic degrees. A great holiday win-win!

Army and Navy Club Benefit: A special discount for MOAA LIFE Members: your initiation fees will be waived for

the Army and Navy Club of D.C.. Resident and Non-resident Club Memberships are available, giving you special reciprocal access to more than 200 private clubs worldwide.

MOAA Advantage: Do you want to save money on your annual membership renewals and ensure that MOAA

continues to represent your interests on Capitol Hill? Identity Guard: MOAA now sponsors Identity Guard, an identity theft protection service that will alert members to

potentially fraudulent activity. Identity theft can have a significant impact on active and retired military personnel due to frequent relocations and deployments and the use of Social Security numbers to identify personnel and their family members.

To access MOAA’s website and learn more about these products, services and discounts, click on the following link: http://www.moaa.org/discounts/.

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MOAA Legislative Update By Ron Wilsbach, CDR., USN-Ret. & MOAA Life Member

"The squeaky wheel gets the grease." I've used this adage from time to time in the past, and given the ongoing events in Washington, it seems that it is now truer than ever. Whatever your political persuasion you need to let our representatives and administration officials know your feelings about the direction the country is moving in general and how existing policies are affecting specific MOAA positions. Even though our federal government has been "shuttered" since Tuesday, 1 October, there are some benefits that are being continued, such as pay for all uniformed services. MOAA is concerned that these benefits do not include NOAA or Public Health Service. Our active duty folks will be forced to deal with some commissary closures. Those TRICARE subscribers that receive their health services from military hospitals and clinics may see some impacts to their services during the shutdown. Judging by the lack of compromise existing within our government it is possible that very little will occur until the looming debt limit deadline on 17 October forces the dueling parties together. If you have not already done so, please go to the MOAA website and send the MOAA-suggested message urging our legislators to set aside their differences and fund government operations. Recall that squeaky wheel! Besides the government shutdown going into effect on 1 October, Health Reform also arrived on that day. The 2010 Affordable Care Act went into effect. Very little will change for those of us with TRICARE, TFL and Medicare or VA healthcare since we are separate from the new healthcare marketplace (exchanges). Do not sign up for a marketplace plan. You should continue to make the same decisions about your healthcare coverage that you made in the past. There is a lot of information with regard to your health benefits listed on the MOAA website - MOAA.org. If you do not have internet access, phone MOAA toll free at 1-800-234-6622. You will be able to speak to someone from 8 AM to 6 PM EST, Monday thru Friday.

The Bottom Line — Use Drawdown Tools with Dignity By Mike Hayden, Col., USAF-Ret.

Following each major conflict, the Pentagon has tools — both voluntary and involuntary — at its disposal to draw down military end strength. And here we are again. Over the next several years, the Pentagon’s end strength will be reduced by 124,000, and that’s if sequestration is “de-triggered” as proposed by the administration. It’s been reported that without a sequestration fix in place, the services might face an addi-tional 100,000 end-strength cut on top of the 124,000. The big question for each branch is “how do you cut?” The obvious answer: with dignity. But with the current budget uncertainty, the services are

forced to consider drawdown tools that are most cost-effective — selective early retirement, reduction-in-force boards, changes to high-year tenure, and others involuntary means. Our nation should not forget that many of these servicemembers have deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan multiple times. These same servicemembers have been told their performance has been nothing short of exemplary but now will be sent packing as part of the drawdown efforts. How the services treat their troops in these difficult budget times will require balance, but most of all, dignity. We don’t want to return to what was done during periods of post-war drawdowns in the past, where many service-members not only had their careers cut short but also were forced out of their respective services through a process that provided them with little respect and dignity for their past service and sacrifice to the nation. Previous force drawdowns left many former servicemembers with a bad taste in their mouth that they carry to this day, which came back to haunt the services in terms of future recruitment — critical to maintaining the all-volunteer force. Former servicemembers are the best recruiters our armed forces have. So in the end, the nation is not doing itself any favors by not doing what is right. I remember all too well during the 2003-04 drawdown as the Air Force chief of personnel policy on the Air Staff. The secretary’s main theme throughout that drawdown was “voluntary”— our job was to use tools to get airmen to voluntarily leave the Air Force. Fortunately, Congress has made sure voluntary tools (voluntary separation pay and temporary early retirement authority) still exist in the Pentagon’s drawdown portfolio, but unfortunately, the involuntary tools are the cheaper op-tion. Providing voluntary measures will give servicemembers a choice and recognize their sacrifices over the past 12 years. Copyright © 2013 — MOAA

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TidBits

The rendering of military funeral honors for an eligible veteran, free of charge, is mandated by law. Families of eligible veterans request funeral honors through their funeral director. The funeral

director will contact the appropriate military service to arrange for the funeral honors detail. For more information, click on the following link: http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial/military-funeral-honors.html?comp=7000022779922&rank=1

Funny Bone

How to Contact Your State and Federal Representatives

Rep. Jonathan Jordan: NC House of Representatives, 300 North Salisbury St., Room 418C, Raleigh, NC 27603-

5925; Tel.: 919-733-7727; E-mail: jonathan.jordan@ncleg.net Sen. Dan Soucek NC Senate, 300 North Salisbury St., Room 310, Raleigh, NC 27603-5925; Tel.: 919 733-5742; E-

mail: dan.soucek@ncleg.net Rep. Virginia Foxx: 1230 Longworth House Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515; Tel.: 202-225-2071

nc05reply@mail.house.gov Sen. Kay Hagan: 521 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510; Tel: 202-224-6342 Sen. Richard Burr: 217 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510; Tel.: 202- 224-3154

Auxiliary & Spouse Update Betty Schuette, Auxiliary & Spouse Liaison

On 16 July in Alexandria, Virginia, nearly 100 surviving spouses and other supporters gathered to prepare for the 17 July Auxiliary Member Advisory Committee Storming the Hill

event. The focus of this historic MOAA-sponsored event was to educate Congress about the SBP/DIC offset and increase co-sponsorship for House Bill 32 and Senate bill 734 which would repeal the offset, thus meaning more monthly pay for surviving spouses. We can also participate in helping gain support for these bills by contacting our legislators and letting them

know why they should co-sponsor either H.R. 32 or S. 734 to end the injustice to military surviving spouses. Call your legislators’ offices toll-free at (866) 272-6622, MOAA’s direct line to the congressional switchboard. Ask the operator to connect you with your legislator’s office, and then ask to speak with the legislator’s legislative assistant or military legislative assistant and help spread the MOAA word about SBP/DIC offset. MOAA has vowed to never give up the fight for these important bills. To see a video of the actual event, click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXmdV_Ntv7g&feature=youtu.be.

SBP/DIC Offset Under current law, the surviving spouse of an active-duty or retired member who dies of a service-connected cause, must forfeit $1 of military SBP annuity for each $1 received in Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. DIC is now set at $1,215 monthly and paid only to survivors of veterans whose death is determined to be service-connected. The offset wipes out most of the SBP payment for many survivors. “In order to fully understand the importance of complete elimination of the SBP/DIC offset, it is vital they understand the issue and its impact on surviving spouses and families,” said Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan, Jr., USN (Ret), president of MOAA. “The ultimate goal is complete elimination of the SBP/DIC offset, and I am proud of this group of surviving spouses for their advocacy and determination.” To read MOOA’s “Vow of Honor,” click here: http://www.moaa.org/uploadedFiles/MOAA_Main/Main_Menu/AMACStorminghandout.pdf

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Navy News Compiled by Jim Dunne, CAPT., USNR-Ret. & MOAA Life Member

On 21 September, Naval Station Mayport welcomed the USS Shamal (PC 13) to the base - the first of three Navy Patrol Ships that will call the First Coast home following a home porting shift from Little Creek, Virginia. The USS Zephyr (PC 8) and the USS Tornado (PC14) will join the Shamal at Mayport effective 1 November. The move underscores the

base’s key role in our national security with vessels that conduct coastal patrol, maritime security, law enforcement, and interception operations around U.S. ports, harbors, and off shore facilities. Shamal is one of the CYCLONE class of coastal patrol ships. She is 179 feet long and displaces 380 tons. Maximum speed is 35 knots with a range of 2000 nautical miles at 12 knots. Armament consists of 2 25mm and 5 50 caliber machine guns plus two Mk 19 grenade launchers. Her crew is composed of 4 officers, 24 enlisted, and 9 SEALS or law enforcement detachment. Three People's Liberation Army-Navy [PLA(N)] ships pulled into Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, 6 September, for a routine port visit. The crew members of the Luhu-class destroyer Qingdao (DDG 113), Jiangkai-class frigate Linyi (FFG-547) and Fuqing-class fleet oiler Hongzehu (AOR 881) participated in receptions and sporting events

with their American counterparts. This visit is part of a planned series of military-to-military exchanges between the two nations. Earlier this year Adm. Cecil Haney, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited China, as the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) made a port visit to Zhanjiang. The guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) hosted the Chinese ships and arranged dialogues to build confidence and mutual understanding between the two nations. These visits help to develop increased understanding to deal with common challenges in this region including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, piracy prevention and search and rescue missions.

Marine Corps News Compiled by Ken Lynn, Col., USAF-Ret. & MOAA Life Member

Two senior Marine generals are being forced to retire for failing to take adequate action prior to an attack at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan last year that killed two Marines and destroyed a fleet of Harrier aircraft. The Marine Corps Commandant has asked Maj. Gen. Charles Gurganus and Maj. Gen. Gregg Sturdevant to retire after reviewing the findings of several investigative reports. Gurangus was the overall regional commander and Sturdevant commanded the aviation arm of the Marine element at Bastion. Gurganus had been nominated for a third star and the nomination has been rescinded. Sturdevant will receive a Letter of Censure from the Navy Secretary. The attack took place over 14 and 15 September 2012. Eight other service members were wounded and a total of six Harriers destroyed. In addition to the human toll, the price of a single Harrier is approximately $24 million. Gen. Jim Amos, the Marine Corps Commandant , wants to “reawaken” the service after a dozen years of

combat, calling for a transition period in which standards are reinvigorated and Marines see a variety of long-dormant standards reinvigorated. His plan calls for a variety of initiatives, including the installation of security cameras in every barracks, the incorporation of more staff noncommissioned officers and officers on duty, and the arming of staff NCOs and officers on duty. Amos says that while the Corps has been successful fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, “we are now seeing signs that are our institutional fabric is fraying.” He cited sexual assault, hazing, drunken driving, fraternization and failure to maintain personal appearance standards among his concerns. Amos went on to say, “we have a behavioral problem within the

Corps — a small, but not insignificant, number of our Marines are not living up to our ethos and core values.” He added, “they are hurting themselves, their fellow Marines, civilians and damaging our reputation.” The commandant delivered his plan to senior officers at the General Officer Symposium held at Quantico, Virginia, 23 to 27 Sep.

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Air Force News Compiled by Ken Lynn, Col., USAF-Ret. & MOAA Life Member

With the furlough of, quote, “non-essential” personnel, the USAF Academy narrowly avoided a shortage of toilet paper during the first week of the government shutdown. Apparently these non-essential types are the ones who take care of logistics and the ordering of supplies. Furthermore, 20 percent of the courses offered at the academy have been suspended because of furloughed teachers. You be the judge:

who’s more essential than the person responsible for toilet paper? The USAF recently approved the final critical design review for the Boeing KC-46, the next generation tanker.

The program will produce 179 new aircraft to replace the venerable KC-135 fleet. Eighteen new tankers are scheduled for delivery by 2017 and production should be complete in 2027. The USAF has labeled the new tanker as one of its three top modernization programs, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and a new long-range bomber. The program hit a number of key milestones this year and four test aircraft are planned to be assembled by the middle of next year. The KC-46 program is but one part of a larger three-stage process designed to eventually replace all USAF tanker aircraft. Work on the second stage, known as the KC-Y, is scheduled to begin next summer.

The service’s largest surveillance drone, Global Hawk, is soon to be stationed in Japan to keep tabs on China and North Korea in the Pacific region. The basing is planned to be seasonal and aircraft would rotate in and out of a U.S. base in Japan. Presently, officials are still coordinating with local communities on details of the basing which is hoped to begin sometime next spring. Global Hawks regularly rotate out of Guam, but this would be the first basing of the aircraft in Japan. With its long endurance ability to stay aloft, the move should complement the strategic shift towards Asia and the Pacific the U.S. is currently undertaking.

Army News Compiled by Ken Lynn, Col., USAF-Ret. & MOAA Life Member

WWII Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Nicholas Oresko passed away on 4 Oct.

At 96 years old, the master sergeant had been the oldest living MoH recipient. Oresko was a hero in his hometown of Bayonne, NJ where a school is named after him. His wife died in 1980 and his son in 2010. During the Battle of the Bulge in 1945 he moved through heavy gunfire and then threw a grenade into a German position, rushed the bunker and killed all hostiles who survived the blast. His medal citation reads, “his quick thinking, indomitable courage, and unswerving devotion on January 23rd, 1945, saved the lives of many of his fellow Soldiers, and allowed his unit to accomplish its mission.” President Truman presented him with his medal at a White House ceremony.

Over a hundred Fort Bragg Soldiers from the 82nd Sustainment Brigade will depart for Afghanistan this month to help draw down forces from the country. While deployed, they will serve as the headquarters personnel for USCENTCOM Material Recovery Element and will work to facilitate base closures and the transfer of personnel and equipment coming home from Afghanistan. The brigade will oversee more than 3, 800 personnel in a combat support battalion and two engineering battalions. The bulk of the sustainment brigade’s Soldiers will remain at Fort Bragg where they’ll provide major logistical support for the installation and its tenant units. The Army is expanding a $50-million-per-year program created back in 2009 to help Soldiers withstand mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder despite research showing it does little to help reduce PTSD. The program was created when mental illness and suicides were spiraling higher and leaders were grasping for answers.

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The New River Current is the Military Officers Association of America New River Chapter bi-monthly newsletter.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1202, Jefferson, NC 28640

Visit the Chapter website: http://www.newrivermoaa.org

E-mail the Chapter: info@newrivermoaa.org

Visit MOAA National’s website: http://www.moaa.org/

MOAA is a nonprofit veterans' association dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and the preservation of earned entitlements for

uniformed services members, their families and survivors. Membership is open to those who hold or have ever held a warrant or commission in

any component of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, or NOAA and their surviving spouses.

Calendar of Events Regular membership meetings are held at the West Jefferson Coffee House on the Backstreet in West Jefferson starting at 1830 hours on the third Tuesday of the following months unless otherwise noted: March, April, May, June, July, August (picnic social), September, October (annual meeting) and December (holiday social). Board of Director meetings are generally held immediately prior to general membership meetings beginning at 1730 hours. Upcoming: The New River Chapter’s 2013 Annual Meeting will be held to review our Chapter bylaws, elect officers

and conduct any other pertinent Chapter business. This is an important meeting so please plan to attend.

Want to Comment on Something You Read in the New River Current?: Mail your response to: Editor, New River Current, P.O. Box 1202, Jefferson, NC 28640. Please keep your comments to no more than 150 words. All

responses must include your name, retired/former rank, and/or affiliation.

NRC Thanks These Local Businesses for Outstanding Chapter Support

http://www.facebook.com/newrivermoaa

George Rembert, Jr.