We will be faced with new challenges and some old ones this year both on the state and national level. Many of the issues that we lobbied for on the National level are still present. The recent issue of “Afterburner” (Air Force news letter) presented an article on the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). This will be our major lobbying topic when we ‘storm the hill’ on 27 March. Members can assist this lobbying effort by e-mailing, faxing or calling their respective congressman and the two senators.
The 17 January issue of MOAA Legislative Update presented the New Bills for the upcoming legislative session – Medicare, concurrent receipt, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and others. These bills are a carry over from the previous legislative session. We need to let our legislators know our feelings on these issues. Become Involved!!! THESE ISSUES AFFECT YOU!
On the State level, at a recent meeting in Austin, the Texas Veteran Coalition presented the bills already filed for the Texas House/Senate that affect veterans. Four representatives, Corte, Hupp, Uresti and Berman and two Senators, Zaffarini and Wenworth addressed the subject of protecting the privacy of the DD214. The Veteran Coalition voted to support these representatives on this issue.
Many of you already know that two new Veteran’s Homes will be built -- one in El Paso the other in McAllen; the first two State Veteran Cemeteries will be located in Killeen and Mission. Many locales submitted a bid for these facilities, but financial constraints limited the selection.
Be sure and visit our web site for upcoming events. The three chapters in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area have planned an outstanding council meeting for 25-26 April. Adm. Ryan, President MOAA, will be our guest speaker. Col. Jim Pauls, council and chapter affairs, will talk to us during our council meeting.
Ginny Alloway
Pres. TCC
Congressional Staff member of Congressman Chet Edwards gave an overview of the progress being made on improvements at Ft. Hood. He said 174 acres were turned over for Veterans cemetery.
District Director for the Office of Senator Troy Fraser assured us that the Senators office was working for the Armed forces and Veterans of Texas and USA.
Deputy City Manager For City of Killeen David Hall Retired as a colonel from the Army at Ft Hood and was immediately hired as Asst city Manager. Great things are being done in Killeen and a very close relationship exists between Killeen and Ft Hood. A slide show displayed the huge size of Ft Hood and the growth of Killen in relation to Ft Hood.
Back to TopThe 1st Quarter 2003 Texas Council of Chapters met in Killeen, Texas 18 January 2003 at the Plaza Hotel. The Central Texas Chapter hosted the meeting. Eleven chapters were represented. What follows is a summary of the Chapter Reports.
Capt. John F. Biggerstaff reported that he was impressed with the progress being make by the Texas Council and was pleased to be able to lend his chapter's support. He advised that the chapter was composed of an aging membership, which was a challenge. He opined (tongue in cheek) that the problem was most of members were O6's and "none of them wanted to do any work". They preferred the art of "delegation". Seriously, given the fact that public speaking was a common talent, the chapter has reached out to the various schools in Commerce, Texas and visited them to explain what it is like to serve their country. The basic topic is "Freedom isn't Free". Fifteen chapter members visited the schools with good effect for both the Presenter and those hearing the presentation. The program was recommended for those attending (and those that read this summary).
They are achieving some membership gains. Past endeavors have been built on social programs, however, that only goes so far. The chapter is working hard with National MOAA to have a Wed-page presence. They did receive the $500 honorarium from National to transition to the new name. The chapter simply has not worked the tax-free status for the organization. They pay the small amount of tax and call it good. Capt. Biggerstaff indicated that he wanted his chapter to continue to support the mission of the Texas Council.
Dave Wilson reported that their membership drive is continuing--net gain of five. New chapter officers were elected and installed at the last meeting. Programmed speaker did not show at the last meeting so what to do. Dave, as reported above, recalled the Golden Triangle program of more involvement of the membership. Given the situation - no speaker - they tried it. It was very successful with an abundance of emotion from laughter to tears. Program worked well.
Addie Gustafson reporting. New officers are to be installed 14 February 2003. Addie advised that she could find no reference to the required report of the chapters' officers. She will remind the incoming officers to insure the report is filed.
Alice Karr reporting. The chapter decided, also, to ask membership of their desire to speak to their fellow members. A couple of members spoke of their experience in Normandy. It went over "FANTASTIC", emphasized Alice. Alice, as chapter secretary, was determined to gain more participation from all - not just the Board. This program really gave a jump-start to the initiative. All members are now feeling a real part of the group. The chapter is very productive in reaching out to 25 ROTC Units across the valley and supporting the units with the MOAA award. In 2002, a chapter representative was at each military ball. That wonderful effort really gave the respective members a strong "team feeling". The chapter is sending out 250 letters to potential members in that region. The list was received from National MOAA. Ms. Karr will report at the next Council meeting on their success in that recruiting effort. She advised the Rio Grande Valley is getting a State Cemetery and now has been awarded one of the two nursing homes just approved in the state. The nursing home will be in McAllen.
Jim Orr, reporting. Chapter has been remiss in its participation in the TCC in recent months. As President of the Austin Chapter, he promised that they "were back" and interested in being a proactive player. An aging membership is a major challenge. It is an Air Force dominated chapter. Given the closure of Bergstrom AFB, not as many people are retiring in the Austin area. Jim has visited with National, Joe Hoar, regarding the name change initiative and the national out- reach efforts et al. He is comfortable with his knowledge level. They have a 1000 potential member list provided by National that has been "scrubbed down". A letter was sent out over President Orr's signature by bulk mail. Recruited about 40 new members. It was proactive and he recommends the effort. The potential members are already members of National and so they do understand the importance of the organization and what we are all about. Their biggest out-reach program is the presentation of awards to ROTC and JROTC units. Up to 22 presenters. Some are presenting to 2 or 3 units. President Orr is not sure of the exact number of awards presented. Getting good publicity.
Jim acknowledged several 1st VPs that have done great work in chapter programs. The Chapter meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (evenings). Trying to involve some younger members. Not really sure how successful they are. Jim mentioned that some effort is being given to daytime meetings vs. evening meetings or maybe a combination. Jim opined that great programs are the keys to great meetings. Examples: people from Round Rock Express Baseball team, National MOAA President last couple of years, entertainment type musical presentations, serious presentations by the FBI agent in charge of Counter Terrorism along the border and Gulf Coast, the chief Hostage negotiator from the Waco standoff. Many speakers of general interest: Adm. Bobby Inman, Director CIA and speakers of interest to his chapter as Veterans and some as citizens. Jim really expressed excitement over the program to have his own chapter members speak of their WW II experiences. He knows some of the Austin Chapter members really have stories to tell. Admiral Ryan, MOAA President, will be visiting Austin chapter in June.
Gene Robbins reporting. Briefed on a chapter activity of interest. Leadership concerned over meeting attendance, so the chapter constructed and sent out a survey/questionnaire with the newsletter. Had it constructed such that when members sent in their RSVP, they sent their survey response as well. Info received was interesting and enlightening. Chapter members wanted to retain Highland Lakes Chapter name and replace TROA with MOAA. Board has approved. General membership will be asked to vote on issue in February meeting. Another issue questioned the classification of membership. Currently have regular members and auxiliary members. It is a "hot topic". The issue of authorizing spouses to be officers of the chapter has surfaced. By-laws do not allow that. Questionnaire indicated the chapter desired to keep membership eligibility as now structured. However, there will be a February membership proposal to make all spouses members and to qualify them to be officers of the chapter. They won't pay dues, but would be considered regular members. Spouses of members and auxiliary members can be officers of chapter if approved. Questioned about the frequency of meetings, currently have 6 meetings a year, five dinners and one luncheon. Membership wants to continue that approach although the luncheon meeting is poorly attended and will be revisited. Programs surveyed. Found current format of having speakers on issues of interest to the members. Have speakers throughout the year, save December, which is a social affair. December meeting is best meeting of year. Price of meals ($10 to $15) surveyed. Would be willing to pay little more if quality of food acceptable. Indicated a desire of a mix of presentations, be they buffets or sit down dinners. Highland Lakes also had a membership recruiting initiative to use. A list was provided by National to solicit National members to join the local chapter. Good response, membership increased by 15%. Chapter entered the TROA out- standing chapter competition. Not sure how the chapter fared, but felt good about the entry.
Bob Rymal reporting. Have increased ROTC / JROTC Scholarships to three. Chapter has at least two new Congressmen in the area that need to be up-briefed on veteran issues. Going to invite representatives from the seventeen ROTC units in the area to become members. First year free. It is a very good way to involve these younger people to the organization. The initiative germinated from the TCC meeting in Lubbock when we learned the Lubbock Chapter President was the active duty PAS at Texas Tech. Great step in right direction. Auxiliary group (wives of members and widows) is very effective and active. They have their own group called Military Officers Wives Club. They do a FANTASTIC job, always willing to step forward and help. They will be asked to help with hosting the 2nd Quarter TCC meeting in the Dallas area. Luncheon meetings at that chapter were a total failure. Still experimenting with best program scheduling. Programs were very good, and participation was very poor. Many indicate they don't like driving to night events, given their age. Apparently don't like driving during the day either. Doesn't know the solution, but working on it.
Barry Morrison reporting. Elections held in November. New Officers installed at Military Ball in December. New President is USAF Col (Ret) Jim Costin and our 2nd VP is Jim Lucas. At the November meeting, we changed the name by removing "retired". Now called Lone Star Officers Club (LSOC). In January 2003, Dr. James Anderson, National Board member was the speaker at the Chapter meeting. We recruited several new members from that program alone. Barry advised of the death of Major Gen.Donald Turkal, former National Director who was interred in Arlington 9 January 2003. Their hard charging membership drive is now on-going.
Nelson Ringmacher reporting. In November - voted for the name change by adding the word "military". Five new officers on board replaced the officers who had served in the leadership for the last two years. Emphasized that one officer remained. They work four areas diligently - (1) membership (2) Programs (3) Community Activities (4) newsletter. The newsletter is the glue that builds the organization. Many members will not attend a meeting but will join to get the newsletter. Programs, Community activities and newsletters must be creative, innovative and exciting to "bear maximum fruit". Scholarship fund, after two years, has a reserve of $3500 thanks to a $1500 check from MOAA received because of the chapter's outstanding recruiting and growth profile. In year 2001, also won "excellent Chapter" award and "Newsletter" award. Doesn't believe did so well in year 2002. Began year with 105 members - ended year with 109 members, at least some increase.
Ed Marvin reporting for Ed McCarthy sends regards to all from Ed , Immediate Past President of the Texas Council and President of SAROA. Acknowledged Gil Rodriguez, Texas Council 2nd VP and VP of membership and lead on the ROTC Presentation Program at SAROA for his out-standing volunteer efforts. Advised that the San Antonio Chapter had recruited fourteen new members at the Retiree Days Programs at several San Antonio Bases. Advised of chapter support for 47 ROTC units we sponsor/support. We are holding at around 1500 members. The chapter sends "bills" by 1st class mail every December to determine/audit the accuracy of our membership list. In our "billing" letter, we offer the opportunity for members to contribute to our charity fund. Another outstanding effort by the chapter is the dedicated work of our auxiliary members who do just great work volunteering their time at the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital, i.e. the "Cookie Angel Program". Chapters biggest concern is lagging attendance at luncheon programs. Here again the aging membership is our challenge. We stay frustrated because we are a huge "military town" but just can't unlock the key to be the largest membership chapter in the MOAA organization. How do we get more active duty members? Ed advised that he had been elected as Executive Vice President of the local chapter.
John Stevenson, incoming President, reporting. Commented that he had attended the 4th Quarter meeting in Huntsville and the Council is moving in the right direction. Need to continue the enthusiasm and "keep on keeping on". John endorsed the program initiative mentioned above and advised that their club was having members internally have a chance to talk about their experiences. (Thank Alyce Boudreaux of Golden Triangle Chapter for the program idea. She advised us at the Lubbock meeting. And applaud Central Texas, Spencer Smith for making it happen in the chapter.) Actively seeking widows to become members of the club so that they can be better informed on the benefits they have. Also reaching out to "reactivate" inactive members or those whose status has changed. The chapter is growing given these membership initiatives. John "thanked" the Texas Council for the assistance being given.
John also briefed on a legislative situation that is patently unfair. He requested other members at the meeting to get on board and help. Many people go to a second career after military service. Many go into state/municipal government. The municipal and state retirement systems specifically prohibit military retirees from drawing a pension and for getting credit for military service. Can go in National Guard and serve two years active duty and get up to five years credit, but in the State and Municipal Retirement System or the Texas State Retirement System, retirees get no credit for military service. As a minimum, John recommended that they get at least five years credit toward their retirement just like the rest of military service people. Good initiative to work on this legislative session.
John commented on the good ideas shared by chapter member representatives, especially the "Cookie Angle Program" and the MOAA Wives Club. He advised that the Retired Officers Wives Club at Ft. Hood has an annual Christmas Dance that is very well attended. Big Band - 800 to 1000 people - big affair - looked forward to by many.
Following Chapter Reports:
Austin Chapter President Jim Orr asked the rhetorical question about "what is the most efficient size for a chapter?" "Can a chapter just become too large to handle?" Compared the San Antonio chapter versus three chapters in Dallas area. What is best? Be much easier to get one's arm around a smaller sized chapter.
San Antonio responded that there is no question chapters can be too large to have the best out come. However, who steps up to the plate and organizes new chapters? Certainly the San Antonio area is fertile for more chapters. And that is why we really support the establishment of a chapter in the Boerne, Texas area. Point by Jim Orr well made. We do our best through the newsletter and periodic letters to be in better touch with the membership. Bottom-line, more chapters in this area would be supported completely by the San Antonio chapter.
Jim commented on the Georgetown area. The Austin chapter has several members (maybe 6) from there. They would be much better served if a chapter could be established more convenient to their home location. If could get a Georgetown/Sun City chapter established, President Orr would wish them well and help them become a "going concern".
President Alloway asked Jim Orr to provide Gil Rodriguez with the Georgetown members so they can be contacted to see who would step up to the plate and assist in getting a chapter chartered there.
The April 25/26, 2003 meeting was next discussed in detail by the organizers, Bob Rymal, Barry Morrison and Nelson Ringmacher. Nelson made the presentation. Please click here for full details of the Quarterly Meeting and visit by Vice Admiral Norbert R. Ryan Jr.
Jim Endicott, National MOAA Director, suggested getting "Honorary Texan Certificate" or "Admiral in the Texas Navy Certificate" for Admiral Ryan and a yellow rose for Mrs. Ryan. This can be obtained from the Governor's Office. Jim Endicott volunteered to obtain appropriate presentation items for Admiral and Mrs. Ryan. Bob Rymal recorded the tasking. John Stevenson suggested that Jim Endicott also get a Texas Flag, if possible. Jackets will be required for Friday night's dinner at the Country Club.
The details of this meeting will also be posted on the web-site. The detailed information will also be in the newsletter.
Jackets will be required for Friday night's dinner at the Country Club.
Very important - make reservations at hotel by calling 1-800-531-5900. Mention Texas Council of Chapters #09430045339.
Very important - make reservations for TCC Dinner on Friday evening, April 25, 2003 with George Rymal, 4215 Harvest Hill Road, Carrolton, Texas 75010-4112. You must send money. Reservations will not be accepted without money. Deadline 4-11-2003!
Ditto for the TCC Luncheon, Saturday April 26th. Make reservations through George Rymal as detailed above.
President Alloway voiced her extreme appreciation to the Host Chapters
Jim Endicott, National Director, reported on items of interest from MOAA. He advised of the Chapter Symposium Program in Overland Park, KS from Sept. 11 to 13, 2003. All Texas Chapters will be invited to participate. In March 2003, TCC President Alloway and the National Directors will "Storm the Hill". "Stormers" will concentrate on the inequity of current SBP legislation, which was voted on as the item of interest in the Colorado Springs meeting. Concurrent Receipt still very important, but going to back off on that for the time being. It is prudent now to wait on that issue until DOD can sort through what has been approved and then "tweak-it".
Jim detailed the legislative process as to how the concurrent receipt legislation passed as it did. Survivor Benefit Reform is like-wise a very important issue. He reminded TCC representatives to never hesitate to inform and advise National MOAA "staffers" the way it really is out in our various locations. Our input serves to balance the equation, which, hopefully, gets the best overall result.
Jim further advised that Admiral Ryan is very people oriented - he is a people person. Admiral Ryan is of the opinion if the spouse of a congressional member is content/happy; we will receive a more receptive ear. Spouses are really being included in various activities. Judy Ryan, spouse of Admiral Ryan, is very outgoing, involved and will help our respective causes immensely. Both are going to be great assets.
Gen Nelson has gone and is of the mind set that it is right and good to let the new leadership run the organization. The leadership baton has been handed off.
Jim discussed how the National Board organizes itself. There are definite rules. If interested in a National Board Position, update your resume and keep "banging" it in. Jim would like to see Texas retain its four positions.
Jim briefed on the new Texas Congressional delegation and asked representatives to be mindful and vigilant in helping to educate them to our issues. Jim discussed how he and Jim Anderson had convinced Congressman Edwards to get on our bandwagon for concurrent receipt legislation. He got on our team. Education is the key. Knowing our statewide presence, it is important that all the chapters be prominently displayed on our stationary. It lets people in high places know we are their constituents. Need to also insure Senator Cornyn is made aware of the issues as well.
In accordance with article X of the by-laws of the Texas Council of Chapters, a chapters annual dues for a calendar year shall become due on Jan 1 of that year. Dues are determined by the chapters members as of the previous October 1. The Board of Directors at the July 1994 meeting, established a rate of (40 cents) for each dues paying member up to a maximum of 500 dues paying members. Dues are not collected for associate members.
I am hoping everyone enjoys reading the newsletter as it comes via E-mail or by snail mail. It could be even more interesting if you, the readers would submit items to me via E-mail. I know some of you receive magazines related to the Military with articles of special interest. Type them into an E-mail and send them to me at JJLU4923@aol.com
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