Volume XVI, Issue 5 Clearwater Military Officers ... · The recent National MOAA database reflects...
Transcript of Volume XVI, Issue 5 Clearwater Military Officers ... · The recent National MOAA database reflects...
MOAA Clearwater Chapter Volume XVI, Issue 5 Military Off icers Associat ion of Amer ica, Inc.
May 2018
• President’s Message 1
• Luncheon Speaker and
Luncheon News 2
• Board Meeting Minutes 3
• Chapter News and
Surviving Spouses 4
• MOAA News 5
• Chapter Photos 6
• Chapter Photos (Continued) 7
• Our Patriotic Advertisers 8
DRUMBEAT
Board Meeting May 9, 2018
Lunch Meeting May 23, 2018
Board Meeting June 13, 2018
Lunch Meeting None
Board Meeting July 11, 2018
Luncheon Meeting Jun 13
Lunch Meeting None
Board Meeting None
Lunch Meeting None
Clearwater Chapter
MOAA Membership
Total Members
Regular 73
Spouses 21
Surviving Spouses 30
Total 124
.
Thanks to the nearly 50 members and guests who attended our Spring Season
Ending BBQ
lunch event on May 24th. Your continued loyal participation makes it possible to
lineup engaging and enlightening speakers. A big thanks to Navy Captain (Ret)
Jim Facinelli, Senior Naval Science Instructor, Dunedin HS JROTC and Cadet Law-
rence Judd for their in-depth presentation of their award-winning program. Also,
thanks to one of our own, Monty Stokes, who provided a mission overview of the
Veterans Affairs Inspector General’s Office located at Bay Pines Medical Center
and answered questions from the membership.
Reminder: Our luncheon program will restart on September 28th. Be on the look-
out in our August Drumbeat for speaker and event information.
The chapter held its annual Charity Golf Event on May 19th at Eastlake Woodlands
Country Club. We had 39 players from all over the local area including the chap-
ter, the Clearwater Coast Guard Air Station, Vietnam Veterans of America, and
Eastlake Woodlands Country Club. A great day was had by ALL and approximately
$2400 was raised for our charitable fund that supports both Clearwater and Dun-
edin HS JROTC programs, Honor Flight, and the Clearwater Veterans Mall. Thanks
to Jim Patrick for leading this effort, and Norm Belson, Bob Behm, Shirley Apt and
new member, Howard McLymont for volunteering to support this important event.
Also, a BIG THANKS to those who contributed funds, though they could not play.
For those members departing the area over the summer, we wish you safe travels
and look forward to your return this fall. The board will continue to meet monthly
over the summer and we will continue to produce the Drumbeat as well as update
our website with important information for all.
Again, thanks to ALL of you who continue to SERVE our VETERANS and the COM-
MUNITIES where we live, and in MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE for May 2018 Drumbeat
Our April Luncheon had 38 members and guests in attendance.
Many of our “snowbirds” have headed north for the summer to
escape our Florida summers and hurricanes! Needless to say, we
wish them safe travels and look forward to their return in the fall.
Those in attendance were treated to Tony Williams presentation on
his efforts in training with the nonprofit VCV (Veterans Counseling
Veterans) program and provide emotional support and Professional
and Career Development for Veterans in the Behavioral Health Pro-
fession. His presentation was followed by a question and answer
session.
Dave Mason, our Chapter Photographer, was busy as always taking photographs of
the members enjoying the camaraderie.
REMINDER: Our upcoming May 23rd Luncheon will be the last event before we
break for the summer! There will be no functions held during the months of June,
July or August. We will resume our regular Luncheon schedule again beginning on
September 26th. The Drumbeat will continue to be published so please continue to
consult your newsletter to stay informed on what’s happening at Clearwater MOAA!
Our Scholarship Committee is in the process of interviewing a potential recipient for
this year’s scholarship, which will be presented to a Clearwater High School stand-
out. The recipient will be invited to attend our May Luncheon to be introduced to
the Chapter.
NORM
Members in our Prayers: Major USA (Ret) Ray Smyth, LTC
USA (Ret) Bill Slavins and Charlie Mason. Please keep our
MOAA Clearwater Chapter members, in our thoughts
prayers during their Recovery.
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April Luncheon Speaker
Mr. David Seabrooks was born in Philadelphia Pa, Home of the Eagles, Flyers, Phillies, &
Sixers.
After faithfully serving his country with the US Army, David built a life for himself starting in
Colorado working with Toys R Us.
He transferred to the Florida market in 1998 and shortly after, in the year 2000, went into the banking industry.
David has been with Synovus Bank in banking since 2006 and today is a Licensed Relationship Banker w/ specialty in Fi-
nance, Lending and Insurance.
David has also served as Vice President and formerly President of the Civitan International Club Clearwater Chapter.
Today, in addition to his 5 kids, David will be welcoming his 1st Grandson in June and is looking forward to taking it easy when
Toys R Us closes!!
Mr. Seabrooks will be speaking on Banking and Finance in the 21st Century.
LUNCHEON NEWS
Wednesday April 25, 2018 MOAA Monthly Luncheon
Join us for Lunch at the Clearwater Country Club; 525 N Betty Lane, Clearwater. Directions: from
Drew Street turn North it’ll be the last right turn before the railroad tracks, from Palmetto Street
turn South it’ll be the first left after the tracks. COST: $20 per person. Please make check payable
to Clearwater Chapter MOAA . Meal selections (if reservation is NOT made 0n-line) are to be made
by calling Jane Belson: (727) 535-9151 NLT 12:00 May 18, 2018. Cancellations must be in NLT
12:00 Apr 21, 2018
You are encouraged to use the Chapter Web Site to make reservations and meal selections. NOTE: Use the “RSVP Event”
link to make reservations.
http://moaafl.org/Chapters/MOAAFLCWC/Default.aspx
MENU
Buffet:
Sandwich Rolls, Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Chef's Choice of Dessert
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CLEARWATER CHAPTER MOAA/Board Meeting April 11 , 2018 Secretaries Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 1000 Hrs. at the Clearwater Country Club by President Norm Belson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Those present faced the flag and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
IN ATTENDANCE:
Violet Smith; Stuart Brooks; Tom Cuba; Dave Apt; Pat Hughes; Norm Belson; Jane Belson; Steve Hodges; Jim Souders;
Howard McLymont. Robert Behm.
SECRETARY’s MINUTES OF 03/14/2018 BOARD MEETING: - Stuart Brooks
The minutes were reviewed, accepted & approved by those present.
TREASURER’S REPORT: - Norm Belson
Checking Account: $18,211.13
Charitable Account: $10,522.89
Total: $28,764.92
Reviewed and accepted by attendees.
March luncheon gained $1,032.00 while pay-out was $917.57; there was $114.43 profit.
50/50 contributions gained $5081.00 since beginning of the year.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT: – Rob Risberg (Not in attendance)
Total Voting Members = 124à4 less from last month (David Johnson, Sandra Lilo, Ray and Gretchen Smyth)
Regular Members = 73à 3 less from last month, 59% of total
Surviving Spouse Members = 21à no change, 17% of total
Spouse Members = 30 à1 less from last month, 24% of total
There will be a move of some number of current members to the Inactive rolls because of their failure to pay 2018 dues. This
action will be official after Norm's arrival to move.
The recent National MOAA database reflects our current leadership lineup but not members who are not National members
The FCoC web page is not yet updated with our new leadership lineup. Rob sent the Secretary and President of FCoC our lineup in
January and requested access to the web site so that he could make the updates directly. As of now, both actions show no
change.
SURVIVING SPOUSE/SPOUSE REPORT - Violet
There was a discussion about enhancing the women’s coffee experience and women recruitment.
MEMBERS IN DISTRESS REPORT:
Ray Smyth
Bill Slavins
Charlie Mason
SCHOLARSHIP REPORT – Steve Hodges
Committee to meet soon to Interview Candidates For Awards
Finalists for high school scholarships on 04/25/2018
Expansion of ROTC support and offering a medal?
DRUMBEAT REPORT: – Jim Souders
Discussed need for correct mailing list
Input for Drumbeat required by 04/25/2018
Picture in the Drumbeat are now the same sizes.
WEB REPORT – Tom Cuba
There were failures among recipients not opening sent email
Can now register on line
Mission Statement to be presented to Board?
OLD BUSINESS
Continue involving both Board & membership in recruiting new members and advertisers
Mention of contacting local free newspapers for monthly Luncheon announcement
Determining who are no longer members
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss attendance by any interested MOAA members to the FCOC Convention to be held at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort, Fort
Meyers, FL 1-3 June 2018.
All future checks are to be cashed in a timely manner. Lost checks will not be recut. $35 charge for stop payment fee!
Howard McLymont discussed a plan for increasing advertising sponsorships. Further discussions were tabled for a future meeting.
? Statement re: MOAA (Clearwater)-what is offered by joining-tool for recruiting new members.
UPCOMING LUNCHEON SPEAKERS
April – Ellsworth “Tony” Williams Vets Helping Vets – suicide prevention
May – David Seabrooks - Synovus Bank, Licensed Banker, Combat Vet
With all business concluded, meeting was adjourned at 1200 hrs.
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CHAPTER NEWS
TAMPA BAY 243RD US ARMY BRITHDAY CELEBRATION BALL
JUNE 9TH 6:00 p.m. HILTON TAMPA BAY DOWNTOWN
Registration open until June 1, 2018 $50 per person ($15 for currently serving E1- E6)
www.ausasuncoast.org
5th ANNUAL FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
WOMEN VETERANS CONFERENCE
JUNE 11 – 12, 2018
Open to all women who have served or are currently serving in the military
Palm Beach State College
4200 Congress Avenue, Lake Worth, FL 33451
Register Online at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/state-of-florida-5th-annual-women-veterans-conference-tickets-31832410597
Quarterly Veterans Town Hall Scheduled for May 16 at VA Regional Office
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, in collaboration with the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office and Bay Pines National
Cemetery, will host a quarterly Veterans town hall meeting on Wednesday, May 16 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. The event
will take place at the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office in the atrium located on the second floor. Click here for driving direc-
tions and a campus map.
VA outreach services and special program representatives will also be available to assist Veterans beginning at 12:00 p.m.
and will remain available throughout the duration of the town hall. Services available will include VA health care enrollment
and eligibility; VA benefits and claims assistance; and patient advocate services. Veterans and their families, congressional
stakeholders, Veteran Service Organizations and other community partners are invited to attend. During the town hall, Bay Pines National Cemetery Director Eugenia Simmons will present on prearrangement opportuni-
ties. In addition, local VA leaders will provide updates on VA operations and improvement initiatives. Veterans and their fam-
ilies will have an opportunity to comment publicly about VA programs and services. This event is open to media. Media representatives interested in attending are encouraged to contact Jason Dangel, Public
Affairs Officer, Bay Pines VAHCS, at 727-398-9531 or email [email protected] prior to the event.
For updated information about the Veterans town hall meeting or to learn more about the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System,
please visit www.baypines.va.gov. To learn more about the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office, please vis-
it www.benefits.va.gov/stpetersburg.
Bay Pines Memorial Day Ceremony
The Bay Pines VA https://www.baypines.va.gov/BAYPINES/pressreleases/20180427.asp
will commemorate Memorial Day with a ceremony on Monday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the
http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/baypines.asp
This is the only National Cemetery in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and the largest observance of Memorial Day with
more than 4,000 expected attendees. Veterans, their families and friends, and the general public are invited to attend. Pri-
or to the ceremony, on Saturday, May 26, volunteers from the community will mark more than 35,000 graves at the ceme-
tery with U.S. flags to honor the men and women who served the Nation. https://www.baypines.va.gov/BAYPINES/
documents/PV_Guide.pdf
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MOAA NEWS
Will Enrollment Fees for TRICARE for Life Be Next?
April 12, 2018
MOAA strongly objects to the introduction of any new fee for TFL beneficiaries.
Let your legislators hear your voice and send the suggested call to action to them today!
Many military beneficiaries are getting frustrated over unexpected and disproportional increases in their TRICARE service
fees. The fee changes have been implemented across just about every fee category. However, TRICARE for Life (TFL) benefi-
ciaries, a perennial target, are currently unscathed by the budget knife.
But just because DoD did not include any specific fees for TFL in its budget submission this year does not mean Congress will
not try to slip some new fees into the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) during the markup process.
As recently as last fall, Congress raised pharmacy fees for everyone. Those increases reduced the amount of the Survivor
Benefit Plan/Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (SBP/DIC) offset for military widows. Essentially, the dramatic in-
crease in pharmacy copayments is funding the reduction of SBP/DIC, also known as the widows tax. Compound these in-
creases with DoD's end run of all the other TRICARE fee increases, and well, you get the picture: Beneficiaries are funding
and offsetting their own earned benefits. And you can bet Congress will again look for money anywhere they can get it.
This is why MOAA is on guard to prevent any attempt to establish a new enrollment fee for TFL. TFL beneficiaries already pay
more for their health care coverage than any other uniformed service beneficiaries. And now they are paying much more for
their medications, too, and will continue to do so with the planned increases in the out-years.
Congress was thoughtful in its establishment of TFL, enacted in 2001, deeming it a commitment of a grateful nation. Before
TFL, TRICARE beneficiaries immediately lost their TRICARE coverage when they became Medicare eligible at age 65 (including
those who were Medicare-eligible due to disability). This positioned them at the same level of coverage as U.S. citizens who
had never served the full 20-plus year careers in the uniformed services. However, Congress recognized health care coverage
was an important benefit earned through decades of service and sacrifice - and one that should be sustained over the life-
time of the servicemember and their family.
TFL, which has no enrollment fee, was set up to be the second payer after Medicare pays first. To be eligible, individuals must
be TRICARE- and Medicare- eligible and have purchased Medicare Part B coverage. Out of all of the TRICARE benefit plans,
this one has been the most successful and is tremendously popular with the age-65-and-over beneficiary population.
The reality continues to be that personnel costs are not rising to be more than a third of DoD's budget. This has been con-
sistent for the past several decades. And more specifically, TFL's costs have actually decreased or flattened.
Arlington National Cemetery Eligibility Survey
As a military retiree, your input is requested to help determine the future of Arlington National Cemetery. Military and civilian leaders are
facing difficult decisions as they work to preserve Arlington National Cemetery as the shrine to the nation's heroes and history. With limited
space for expansion, eligibility rules are being considered to extend the site's role as an active military cemetery for decades to come.
https://survey.foreseeresults.com/survey/display?cid=EshUt0ZwxRE9xtVJtglx9g4C&sid=link-en
New Medicare cards protect your personal information
https://blog.medicare.gov/2018/01/25/new-medicare-cards-protect-personal-information/ Starting in April 2018, Medicare will mail new Medicare cards to all people with Medicare, to help protect you from identity fraud. Fraud-
sters are always looking for ways to get your Social Security Number so we’re removing Social Security Numbers from all Medicare cards to
make them safer.
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CHAPTER PHOTOS MARCH LUNCHEON
Drumbeat Honorable Mention 2003
Drumbeat 2nd Runner Up 2007
Drumbeat 2nd Runner Up 2009
Outstanding Chapter
1992
Five Star Chapter
Thanks Dave Mason
for taking our event
You are encouraged to patronize our patriotic advertisers and to be sure to
mention you are an MOAA member. Please bring a copy of the advertise-
ment and show it to the manager. Also encourage your friends and family to
patronize them and to let them know you suggested it. Please send a testi-
monial about the establishment to the Drumbeat Editor at
[email protected] to be included in the Drumbeat and show appre-
ciation for their support.
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SALUTING OUR FINE PATRIOTIC ADVERTISERS
Phone No. Changed
to:: 727-470-5710
FRANKIE’S PATRIOT BBQ In Honor of CPL Frank R. Gross
Ad sponsored by Toni and Craig
Gross in memory of their son,
CPL Frank R. “Frankie” Gross,
who lost his life in Afghanistan,
7/16/2011.
http://frankiespatriotbbq.com/
Free Parking
Show your military ID
card and receive a 20%
discount on a facial.
https://www.paljoeyspizza.com/
http://www.seasearidersdunedin.com/
https://stores.perkinsrestaurants.com/us/fl/clearwater/2626-gulf-to-bay-blvd.html
Clearwater Perkins Restaurant welcomes you to come and enjoy a meal, open 24-7. Perkins Res-taurant is located at 2626 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd, Clear-water, FL-PH-727-799-2019. Stop by for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wine and beer available upon request
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www.clearwatermoaa.org
Military Officers of America (MOAA)
Clearwater Chapter
P. O. Box 15521
Clearwater, FL 33766-5521