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Texas Council Of Chapters | |
Where did the summer go? Here's hoping everyone had an enjoyable one. (Nothing like a NEW HEAT RECORD in the Austin area - but we managed to survive.)
Thanks to Mrs. Addie Gustafson, Rose Capitol chapter, Tyler, who initiated the corrections to our state by-laws. These were passed at the August meeting with a few corrections and will be posted on the TCC web page.
Several members attended the dedication of the first State Veteran's Cemetery site in Killeen. Ground breaking ceremony is scheduled for 11 November at 1500 hrs. As yet, we have no date for the State cemetery in the Valley.
I'm disappointed that more of you chapters didn't sign up for the chapter president's symposium in K.C. We will submit a report after the meeting, but unfortunately it is not the same as attending.
This week legislative update (29 August) stresses the importance of 'grass root' lobbying on concurrent receipt. Let's get our legislators 'on the ball'. Encourage them to sign on to HR 303. For those of you who receive legislative updates, the web page and phone number are noted. Please contact your respective congressman.
Ginny Alloway
Pres. TCC
The Texas council of Chapters had their third quarterly meeting on 23 Aug 2003 In Marble falls hosted by the Highland Lakes Chapter. The meeting was held in the city Library and well attended by notables from national, namely Brig Gen. Karen Rankin, Brig .Gen J. Timothy Boddie Jr. and Col. Jim Anderson. The Main Topic of discussion Was the ratification of the New By-Laws recently re-written. A vote was taken to accept the by-laws as is. Following are some pictures taken at the meeting.
FYI. The National Personnel Records Center has provided the following website for veterans to access their DD-214 online:
http://vetrecs.archives.gov. This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his DD-214 for employment purposes. Please see the details below. Point of contact is LYN Krout, linda.krout@us.army.mil
DSN 458-1755 or commercial 410-306-1755
NPRC initiates online records request procedures
The National personnel Records center is working to make it easier for Veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of Documents from their military files.
Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military Members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request Documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site.
The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom processing time.
Also, because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized.
Veterans and next of kin may access this application at:
http://vetrecs.archives.gov. Please note there is no requirement to type "www" in front of the web address.
John Rogers
Regional Marketing Manager
Huntsville Operations
Air & Missile Defense Programs
Office: (256) - 839 - 3465
Mbl: (256) - 603 - 8994
The final design drawings and specifications will be completed by mid-August 2003. Construction bids will then be requested from general contractors. Final design documents and bid tabulations will be sent to the VA for approval by the end of September 2003. It is expected that final grant approval from the VA will come in November 2003, at which time construction can begin. Construction will take about a year, so Phase I of the cemetery could be completed by late 2004, at which time burials and interments of cremated remains could take place.
There will be three phases of construction: Phase I will cost about $8.5 million-including design, construction and equipment costs-and will have adequate capacity for burials for 10 years. Phases II and III will cost less, because most infrastructure costs will be covered by Phase I.
The site has an ultimate capacity of up to 50,000 burials and interments of cremated remains. Among the features will be: A covered, open-air structure for committal services, a visitors center, a computer system for locating specific graves or interments, an attractive gateway entrance, a 60-foot flagpole illuminated around-the-clock, a paved assembly area for special occasions, such as Memorial Day observances, an avenue of flags, a memorial walkway where future monuments will be placed, a columbarium for interment of cremated remains, a garden for scattering cremated remains if desired, and an administration building and maintenance facility. The site is a 174-acre tract on the southeastern edge of Fort Hood. It was transferred from Fort Hood through an act of Congress and submitted by the City of Killeen as a Texas State Veterans Cemetery site. It was chosen for that honor by the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries Committee in May 2002.
Gifts and grants can be accepted for the operation of Texas State Veterans Cemeteries. Please call Jack Slayton at (512) 463-5977 if you would like to make a donation to a Texas State Veterans Cemetery.
The Veterans Land Board will own and operate the cemeteries under VA guidelines with continued coordination of VA benefits available to veterans upon death.
All of the burial benefits entitled to eligible veterans, such as a burial flag, grave marker, Presidential Memorial Certificate, or military honors, will be available at Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.
Texas State Veterans Cemeteries will coordinate with U.S. Department of Defense units or Veterans Service Organizations in nearby communities for military honors at veterans' burials.
The rules for eligibility are the same as those for national cemeteries. Overall eligibility for burial is determined by VA regulations based on a variety of qualifying criteria, many of which may apply to a veteran's periods of service on active duty or while in the Guard or Reserves. To ascertain eligibility, please review the regulations on the VA Web site at www.cem.va.gov/eligible.htm, or call a VA benefits counselor toll-free at 1-800-827-1000, or ask the Texas Veterans Commission or your county Veterans Service Officer for assistance.
The spouse or unmarried surviving spouse and dependent children of an eligible veteran are also eligible under current VA regulations.
The VA will fund the design, equipment and construction of Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, but the land must be donated.
HB 310 authorizes the Veterans Land Board to spend up to $7 million each fiscal year to operate and maintain Texas State Veterans Cemeteries. Funding will come from the transfer of excess revenues from the Veterans Land Fund or Veterans Housing Funds into a Veterans Cemetery Fund, from which operations and maintenance will be paid. Gifts and grants can be accepted for the operation of Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.
The Texas State Veterans Cemeteries Committee was created by the 2001 Texas Legislature to set guidelines on the location and size of Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, to determine eligibility for burial in them and to select up to seven sites.
The committee is composed of the three members of the Veterans Land Board, the chairman of the Texas Veterans Commission and two persons appointed by the Texas Veterans Commission chairman to represent the state's veterans.
The Veterans Land Board is composed of Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office Jerry Patterson, Col. Ladd Pattillo, USAR (Ret.) and Mr. Mike Ussery. Texas Veterans Commission Chairman James Duncan appointed retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Sue Turner, and Glen M. Gardner, Jr., to serve on the committee as representatives of the state's veterans. Turner is the previous chair of the Texas Veterans Commission, and is still a member of the Texas Veterans Commission board. Gardner is chairman of the Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations, as well as Adjutant Quartermaster of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Texas.
Texas State Veterans Cemeteries will complement the four VA national cemeteries in Texas, located in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and El Paso. There are no known plans for additional national cemeteries.
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LtCol. Ginnie Alloway, President of Texas Council of Chapters, John Stephenson, President of Central Texas Chapter and Jerry Patterson, Texas Land Commissioner | |
Central Texas Chapter TX - 22, LTC Spencer H. Smith, USMC (Retired), and nominated 2nd Vice President of the Texas Council (Yr. 2003 - 2004) deferred chapter report to his Chapter President, CW4 John R. Stephenson. However, Spencer observed that in reading the "TAPS" section of his recent Military Officer Magazine he noted the passing of a person with a name that he associated with. Given Spencer's active involvement with the Navy ROTC Alumni from UT, he did further investigation. He learned that the deceased, in fact, was the father of a dear friend of his and that the gentleman had passed nearly 2 years ago. The point - Chapters need to be very involved in reporting deaths to MOAA in a more timely manner.
Highland Lakes Chapter (MOAA) TX - 08, Gene Robbins, Chapter President reporting: He welcomed representatives to "Gods Country". Pleased to host the quarterly meeting and welcomed us back in the future. Gene advised that the chapter had been awarded a "4 Star" Chapter rating by MOAA - top 10% of all chapters. Gene circulated their nomination book for other chapters to glean ideas from. The process was healthy given the requirement to deeply review the "workings and processes" of the chapter. Bottom-line: Chapter received nice recognition and improved the workings of the chapter at the same time.
One element that graded them down was not all members of their local were members of National MOAA. By-Laws require that, but in fact, that wasn't the case. They now monitor and track this very carefully. The criteria for nominating your chapter are available from MOAA.
Eight members of the Highland Lakes Chapter will attend the MOAA President's Symposium in Overland Park; Gene and Betty Robbins, Jack Abercrombie and Rita, John Anderson and Jodi, Virginia Alloway and Lorraine Robertson. Their chapter is funding a dinner for the Highland Lakes attendees.
Highland Lakes Chapter has received their new Charter from National MOAA given their name change. Frank Rohrbaugh from MOAA presented their charter at a recent meeting.
During their November meeting all past President's and all remaining charter chapter members (chartered in 1977) will be honored. Only six charter members remain.
San Antonio Retired Officers Association (TX - 16), Ed McCarthy, Chapter President reporting: Discussed the chapter's most recent luncheon. The booked speaker was State Senator Leticia Van de Putte who was not available. The substitute speaker spoke in some detail on "Identity Theft", which is a very timely topic and of interest. He informs that in his experience, most identity theft is literally taken from waste containers in the front of houses. Recommendation - buy a shredder for $19 to $20 and shred materials that have personal information revealed. Informed of our appointment with Congressman Lamar Smith during their break. Generally Congressman Smith votes favorably on issues of interest to the veterans. But given his religious convictions he does not co- sponsor anything related to medical issues. The chapter has a good relationship with him and will continue to inform him of relevant issues. His offices are being "bombarded" with the combat related VA Compensation issues. The chapter will also be setting appointments witho ther congressional members in this area.
Col McCarthy informed of the membership initiative to prompt "delinquent" dues paying members to get their dues paid. The first-class mail-out went to 500 members and was a successful endeavor. It not only brought in dues income, but given the first-class mail-out the chapter can adjust the membership roster of those that have "passed", moved or whatever. Membership remains at around 1500 members. The reality is that "death notices" are being sent to National MOAA weekly.
The Chapter is looking forward to hosting the 4th Quarter Texas Council of Chapters meeting 21 - 22 November 2003 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Both the social event and the Council meeting will be held at the FSH Officers Club. Also, billeting arrangements can be made right in the club proper. Council Secretary Marvin will be sending out that information at a later date.
Col McCarthy advised receipt of the new MOAA charter even though the local chapter has not yet formally changed its name. Staying with our current name for now. Col McCarthy advised of the chapter initiative to procure new computers so that the chapter can be more efficient and responsive to growth challenges.
Advised that the $2000 scholarship grant was soon to be forwarded to California Institute of Technology for our award winner and that the chapter had presented MOAA $1000 for its scholarship fund during Admiral Ryan's visit to the chapter in May.
Col McCarthy concluded his chapter highlight report by informing that $2000 would be donated to BAMC for them to purchase Kiosks to allow patients to input their candid comments on services received in the various clinics at the facility. Previously done at Wilford Hall.
Central Texas Chapter (TX-22), John Stephenson, Chapter President reporting: John reported of the photographs taken of Commissioner Patterson and TCC President Alloway and the current status of the "Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen". Please find complete details of his remarks at attachment #1. The attached fact sheet provides complete address, telephone and Website information for this cemetery, which will accommodate 50,000 burials and internments of cremated remains. Ground breaking ceremony will be at 1500 hours, 11 November 2003 with scheduled opening Veterans Day 2004. The next scheduled state cemetery will be in South Texas. This is a much-needed initiative given the fact that National Cemeteries are filling fast.
Brazos Valley Chapter (TX-21), Dan Hightower, Chapter President reporting: Dan commented for posterity, that it is a nice arrangement to have the Secretary live with you. (Dan is Chapter President and his wife Grace is Chapter Secretary and is also a retired officer.)
Much time has been spent this year on the legalities attendant to the name change. He advised it is much easier to abolish a corporation than it is to change a name. It took sheets of paper. The Brazos Valley Chapter is now a non- profit veteran's organization. The appropriate IRS paperwork has been forwarded and they have 120 days to consider/work the issue. From reports the agency will take every day allotted. Working with the Comptroller of Public Accounting in Austin was a very pleasant arrangement. Their local office wanted "tons" of material. However, a very simple letter to the State Office resulted in a nice letter that said fine, "Just send the approved IRS paperwork" and the issue will be completed.
Col Hightower reported that finding talent willing to take leadership roles is problematical. He was inclined of late to simply declare a "Chapter in Distress" but has been able to get things back on track for now. Will be changing the By- laws to facilitate improving the organization. They have also received their new MOAA Charter.
MOAA-Greater Dallas Chapter (TX-03), George R. (Bob) Rymal, Chapter Personal Affairs Officer and Past President reporting: He advised that Col. Charles E. Gibbs, Chapter President planned to attend but last minute personal issues precluded same.
Chapter has roughly 400 members. Recently have made some inroads in recruiting. A member who is a "tour guide" has taken it upon himself to push chapter membership and is having success.
Chapter expanded scholarship program to ROTC students. Gave two $1000 scholarships this year. Plan to give three next year.
Chapter seems to be holding its own but Bob agreed that finding people willing to assume leadership roles is problematical in their chapter as well. Does have a good slate to present. New blood is being nominated. Chapter is active.
Abilene Chapter (TX-01), Dave Wilson reporting: July is a month off in Abilene. Board has agreed to host Texas Council in August 2004. Membership has grown by 20 members since January 2003. Confident that new leadership will cause another growth in membership. Wing Vice- Commander has joined. Base Combat Support Commander has also joined but left immediately to go overseas.
Lone Star Officers Club, Inc. Ft. Worth (TX-11), Jim Lucas, Chapter 2nd Vice President and Texas Council "MOAA Texan" Editor reporting: Club is Progressing and growing. We lost several members but credit given to new President James Costin for insisting on an aggressive membership drive. The chapter is on task. Jim reports that the chapter's e-mail initiative is really paying off and also getting new members through word of mouth Had a great meeting recently. More attendees attended than at any meeting this year. Jim credits a very aggressive e-mail initiative for that success. Ninety-nine people attended including the scholarship award participants.
This year the attendance at monthly meetings range in the 80 to 100 category. Last year attendance more in the 60 to 65 categories.
Jim credits President Colonel Jim Costin for the membership successes because he continually asks the incumbent membership to all be recruiters. Jim is doing his best to get e-mails on everyone that uses that approach. He also works hard at quality controlling his list.
The Chapter received a nice letter from Admiral Ryan, MOAA President, for the great job the chapter did in providing the luncheon for the 2nd quarter TCC in Grapevine. (Secretary comment: It really was a great effort!)
The Chapter awarded two scholarships at the recent meeting. One person going to Texas A & M, the other to TCU ($1000 scholarship each).
In September we will be going to The Green Oaks Hotel for a change of venue as some of our people have expressed a desire for a Sit down dinner. With the new e-mail initiative it promises to be well attended. The e-mail program really has been super and a great assist to the snail mailing of newsletters.
Texas Hill Country Chapter, Kerrville (TX-24), Edward M. Schlieter reporting: Staying about the same - get some, lose some. Father time continues to work. Hill Country has a "recognition fund". It is generated from the sale of door prizes at their every-other month meetings. Have awarded four each $500 checks to Academy graduates, a marine officer and a naval officer from US Naval Academy, and two officers from US Military Academy. It is a much appreciated program and letters are received from the recipients thanking the chapter for helping them get started.
Had a breakfast for Admiral Ryan. Had over 100 people in attendance. Several attended because of articles seen in the newspapers. Hopefully, some new membership will be gained from that.
Have about 200 members. Last dinner party attended by 112 people, which stays pretty consistent.
Northeast Texas Chapter, Greenville (TX-23), John Biggerstaff, Chapter President reporting: The chapter covers a vast geographic area, 80 miles North and South, 100 miles East and West. Recently sent out 250 invitations to attend a meeting in Web Hill. Picked up 20 members. One new member - a lady whose husband retired in 1955 - wants to attend meetings.
John advised we can get free glasses, including sunglasses, from the Navy. Jim Lucas, TCC newsletter Editor has the information and will publish same.
John initiated a luncheon meeting in Paris, Texas. People there enjoy each other but are not inclined to go far to attend any meeting. They will not drive 75 miles to attend chapter meeting but did enjoy the venue provided.
Now doing a nice 4-color newsletter for the chapter. Now have 50 members. (Were down to 30.) John did a survey of the Lamar County (Paris) meeting attendees. No one wants to be the leader.
Rio Grande Valley (TX-27), Gil Rodriguez, Texas Council 2nd VP reported for the valley chapter using Alice Kerr's written report. She could not attend the meeting given schedule conflicts. It has been decided that the Texas State Cemetery and the State Veterans Home will be located in the valley. The city of Mission, Tx. is working on the planning infrastructure for the cemetery. The state is on time with its part and is waiting for funding authorizations from the federal government. There will also be a VA Medical facility opening in the valley as well; however there are some problems that are being resolved.
That concludes the Chapter Reports.
Edward L. Marvin
TCC Secretary
The Nominees for the new board of Officers for the coming term of 2004-2005 are:
| President | Lt Col. Ed Marvin |
| 1st VP | Lt Col. Borah Van Dormalen |
| 2nd VP | Lt Col Spencer Smith |
| Treasurer | Lorraine Robertson |
Retirees are now authorized Free Eyeglasses, compliments of the Navy. The Website with all of the information on it is at: http://138.143.250.101/nostra/ Basically, retirees 06 and below are entitled one of the clear male or female S- 9 (the brown plastic frames) per year, or the oversize frames if needed. They are authorized half-eye frames as needed. Although ordering may be done online, we strongly encourage patients to utilize a clinic for ordering purposes whenever possible. This allows for proper fitting and measurement.
The Website displays the frames retirees are eligible for under "Our Frames" and explains the ordering process under "How to Order" then " Retiree ordering" Under "Our Frames" The guidance for issuance of eyewear comes from the NAVMED 6810, which addresses retirees in paragragh2-5-e, subparagraph 5. The Full instruction is available on our web site under the Download section. Also retirees are authorized sunglasses if the doctor orders it. Near vision only prescriptions cannot be tinted.
Prescription, if changed by doctor (DD771 can be downloaded from the web site and filled out. If patient desires to have glasses sent directly to you, please include note with a request to do so.
Hm2 Patricia A.Merical
Customer Service Dept.
Naval Ophthalmic Support Training Activity
160 Main Rd ste.350
Yorktown, VA 23691
(757)- 887-7611 or 7152
Dsn 953-7611
The Department of Defense says thousands of disabled military retirees who meet certain criteria are now eligible for new Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) recently passed by Congress. The pentagon has just released implementing guidance and application procedures for this new compensation, which is effective June 1,2003.
A 100- year old law makes disabled military retirees forfeit a dollar of their military retired pay for every dollar they receive in disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Military Officers association of America (MOAA) and other advocates for "Concurrent receipt of retired pay and veterans' disability compensation argue that these two compensations are for two different things--retired pay for a career of service in uniform and disability compensation for the illnesses/injuries incurred during that service. One earned compensation should not offset the other MOAA contends.
Congressional leaders described the recent CRSC legislation as a first step toward addressing this inequity. This new special compensation, paid by the retiree's military service, will make part or all of the disability-related retired pay forfeiture for qualifying retirees.
The law did not fix the problem for all disabled military retirees, but covers those with at least 20 years of active service who have qualifying disabilities related to military operations. Eligible retirees include those with any disability rating associated with a Purple Heart (awarded for combat wounds) and those rated as 60 percent or more disabled from other combat- or operations-related conditions.
Retirees must apply to their service for the CRSC. Application instructions
are available on the Defense Departments Web Site
https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/crsc/).
The applications will go directly to the individual Service personnel centers for a decision, Defense officials say. Applicants should attach copies of the parts of their service records that are relevant to demonstrating the combat or operational connection of their disabilities, They should not send any original record documents.
The pentagon has developed expedited processes with the VA and National Military Personnel Records Center in St Louis, MO, to obtain any additional documents needed to judge the application.
According to Defense officials, CRSC pay will be treated as exempt from federal income taxes while the Armed Forces Tax Council reviews its status.
he application process may take several months, according to defense officials, depending on the circumstances. But approved payments will be made retroactive to June 1, 2003, provided the qualifying disability was awarded on or before that date.
I am hoping everyone enjoys reading the newsletter as it comes via E-mail or snail mail. We could make it more interesting if some of you would submit timely articles of interest you may glean from other magazines related to the military retirees. Send them E-mail to me at JJLU4923@sbcglobal.net.
Also send articles by snail mail.
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