1 October 2015 Volume 40, Issue 10 In This Issue: President’s Message 1 Auxiliary Report 2 Pictures 2-3 Birthdays/Anniversaries 4 Chapter picnic Information 4 Auxiliary Lunch Information 5 Satellite Chapter meeting 5 Chair Reports 5-7 Auxiliary Programs 7 Nominating Committee 8 Veterans Affairs Information 9 Membership Application 10 Picnic Reservations 11 This newsletter is published monthly September - May. The Superstition Mountain Chapter, Military Officers Association of America Inc., is a non-profit organization, IRS tax ID# 23-7430856 Please remember to share the newsletter with your spouse! President’s Comments THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HELPING SMC TO RECEIVE OUR 5 th CONSECUTIVE Levels of Excellence, 5-STAR AWARD. Even though I thanked all of you last month, I want to repeat it again. THANK YOU. Our 2 nd annual MOAA-DBACKS game was a huge success. Our color guard presented the colors again along with the flags of other AZ MOAA chapters. We had 75 MOAA members and their families in attendance. Thank you all for joining us. There are two state-wide functions coming up where we usually have good representation. On Friday October 23 rd , at the Buttes Resort, Tempe; the AZ Hall of Fame Awards luncheon will take place. Tickets are $50.00 before Sept 30. Then on Saturday October 31 st , the Annual Vietnam Veterans Dinner will be held at the Scottsdale Resort at 6:30pm. Tickets are $50.00. We generally have at least two tables at each of these functions. Because of that, your Board of Directors authorized us to procure two tables at each function. Greg Moore will be handling the reservations and Austin Foote has cut the SMC checks for each of the parties. So if you want to attend one or both of these functions call Greg Moore and make out your check to SMC. Central Arizona Satellite (CAS), our new satellite will have its first official luncheon meeting on October 10 th at the Olive Garden Restaurant, I-10 and Florence Hwy, Casa Grande. The meeting starts at 1300 hours and CDR John Chernoski will be the guest speaker. Don’t forget, new CAS members are members of SMC. Please join us. At our September Board of Directors meeting, I appointed our nominating committee. Arlan Allen will lead the committee along with two past presidents Bob Delker, Karl Pfitzer and Marty Pearce. It is very important to identify members as well as auxiliary members or surviving spouses to fill the few vacancies that we will have. Please call them and volunteer. President’s message continued on next page... 2015 OFFICERS President, Cpt Ed Mangan 602-501-0128 [email protected]1 st VP, Lt Gregory Moore 480-814-0580 [email protected]2 nd VP, Ms. Ann Schminke 480 893-8263 [email protected]VP Auxiliary, Mrs. Ann Ferguson Secretary, Mrs. Peggy Allen Treasurer, Maj Austin Foote Past President, CW4 Arlan Allen 2015 COMMITTEE CHAIRS Programs Lt Gregory Moore Membership Ms. Ann Schminke Personal Affairs CW4 Arlan Allen Legislative Lt Col Ed Fox JROTC/Scholarship Col Karl Pfitzer Newsletter Mrs. Marlene Fox Website Mrs. Ann Ferguson Transition Coordinator LtC James Austin Director Col Thomas Ralph Director Maj Gen Dave Rataczak Director Mrs. Jackie Oddo Director Capt George Meegan Director CW4 Bob Delker
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1
October 2015
Volume 40, Issue 10
In This Issue:
President’s Message 1
Auxiliary Report 2
Pictures 2-3
Birthdays/Anniversaries 4
Chapter picnic Information 4
Auxiliary Lunch Information 5
Satellite Chapter meeting 5
Chair Reports 5-7
Auxiliary Programs 7
Nominating Committee 8
Veterans Affairs Information 9
Membership Application 10
Picnic Reservations 11
This newsletter is published
monthly September - May.
The Superstition Mountain
Chapter, Military Officers
Association of America Inc., is a
non-profit organization, IRS tax
ID# 23-7430856
http://www.smcmoaa.org/
Please remember to share the newsletter with your spouse!
President’s Comments
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HELPING SMC TO RECEIVE OUR 5th CONSECUTIVE Levels of Excellence, 5-STAR AWARD. Even though I thanked all of you last month, I want to repeat it again. THANK YOU.
Our 2nd annual MOAA-DBACKS game was a huge success. Our color guard presented the colors again along with the flags of other AZ MOAA chapters. We had 75 MOAA members and their families in attendance. Thank you all
for joining us.
There are two state-wide functions coming up where we usually have good representation. On Friday October 23rd, at the Buttes Resort, Tempe; the AZ Hall of Fame Awards luncheon will take place. Tickets are $50.00 before Sept 30. Then on Saturday October 31st, the Annual Vietnam Veterans Dinner will be held at the Scottsdale Resort at 6:30pm. Tickets are $50.00. We generally have at least two tables at each of these functions. Because of that, your Board of Directors authorized us to procure two tables at each function. Greg Moore will be handling the reservations and Austin Foote has cut the SMC checks for each of the parties. So if you want to attend one or both of these functions call Greg Moore and make out your check to SMC.
Central Arizona Satellite (CAS), our new satellite will have its first official luncheon meeting on October 10th at the Olive Garden Restaurant, I-10 and Florence Hwy, Casa Grande. The meeting starts at 1300 hours and CDR John Chernoski will be the guest speaker. Don’t forget, new CAS members are members of SMC. Please join us.
At our September Board of Directors meeting, I appointed our nominating committee. Arlan Allen will lead the committee along with two past presidents Bob Delker, Karl Pfitzer and Marty Pearce.
It is very important to identify members as well as auxiliary members or surviving spouses to fill the few vacancies that we will have. Please call them and volunteer.
Our September dinner meeting was great. Thank you Greg and Meredith Moore for putting on such a great program. The
western night along with the music really hit the spot. Next month is STEAK at our annual picnic. Hope to see you there!
Ed Mangan, Capt USAF (fmr); [email protected], President, Superstition Mountain Chapter, MOAA 4537 E. Shomi St, Phoenix, AZ 85044; (602) 501-0128
AUXILIARY NEWS: from Ann Ferguson
The next meeting of the Auxiliary will be on Friday, Oct 9, 2015 at Dobson’s Restaurant,
2155 S. Dobson in Mesa. We will meet at 11 am to pack boxes for Packages from Home and have luncheon off the menu at 11:30 am. We hope to see you there.
At the Sept Aux meeting a total of 15 boxes for Packages from Home were packed, bringing our total this year to 75 boxes. Since our goal is 120 boxes you can see that we still need donations of snack and hygiene items for the boxes as well as cash to purchase more items. You may bring your donations to any of our Aux or chapter meetings or contribute checks marked for Packages from Home to Austin Foote our Treasurer. You will find a contribution coupon on page 10 of this newsletter.
We have sent 4 more boxes of books (82 books) out to
troops and military families thru Operation
Paperback. Please remember to look through your shelves
and donate used paperback and hard back books for
Operation Paperback and the Phoenix VAMC.
On a personal note, I have decided that 10 years serving
as your Aux VP is enough and that it is time for some new
ideas and leadership. It is my hope that some of you will
run for this office. It is time for new ideas and energy. I
have enjoyed serving you all and plan to continue to be
active in the chapter. Although I know it is a bit premature,
I thank you all for your support and interest over the years.
Our picnics are always fun. The Ramada is close to the lake so the view is beautiful and the restrooms are close by. Hopefully the weather will have cooled down and we can enjoy being outside. Tom Ralph has agreed to be our cook and we already know he does a wonderful job. Come join us for an afternoon of great food and fellowship!
Congress is back and working on some very important issues. Here’s a few:
Working to come up with something to keep from having a complete shutdown. It looks like they may kick that can down the road for a little while.
Military Pay and Benefits at Risk - Contentious debate on Capitol Hill may result in significant changes to your pay and benefits. Act now to let your elected officials know where you stand on proposals to cap pay raises below the private sector, dramatically increase pharmacy fees, erode housing allowances and further cut into commissaries.
Don't Cut the Troops' Pay Raise - It looks like the president will use his executive authority to limit the 2016 military pay at 1.3 percent, rather than the 2.3 percent provided under current law. This will be the third consecutive year of capping military pay. Ask your legislators to preserve the 2.3 percent military pay raise.
When you receive the Legislative Update from
Bob Delker, please read it and contact your local
congressmen to let them know your feelings on the
issues.
Personal Affairs Arlan Allen
Through the years, I have developed a working knowledge and have assisted
others with enrollment in the VA Healthcare System, VA Benefits, Dependents Indemnity Compensation, Survivor Benefits Program, Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay and Combat Related Special Compensation. I would be happy to assist any of the members of the Superstition Mountain Chapter, MOAA, relating to these issues. You may contact me at 602-283-5862 or [email protected].
Transition Coordinator James Austin
Need A Job? Beginning in October temporary jobs will be highlighted in the various Phoenix media.
Some of these jobs may very well lead to permanent employment once the Holiday Season has ended and should not be discounted from your consideration. Career Fairs will continue on a monthly basis in the Phoenix
Metroplex and often provide assistance in resume construction and hints for preparing veterans and their dependents for the all-important job interviews. Don’t overlook these opportunities and “Good Job Hunting!”
Treasurer Austin Foote I am now accepting dues for the 2016 year from those of you who would like to pay early. Remember, chapter dues are different and separate from national dues.
Chapter dues are $25.00 for members and $12.50 for Auxiliary and will be good from January 1st through December 31st. You will find a coupon on page 11 for mailing in your dues. We appreciate your continued support of our MOAA chapter
ROTC Karl Pfitzer Hello fellow chapter members and welcome to fall and the beginning of the end of another hot Arizona Summer. The
return of fall brings not only weather change but the beginning of another school year and our Chapter’s support of the JROTC programs at 21 east valley high schools and the three ROTC programs at Arizona State University. Your board has voted to continue our support of these schools in the same manner that we did last year.
Our Chapter makes three awards to each JROTC program; the MOAA Medal awarded for demonstrated leadership; an American flag flown over the US Capitol awarded for demonstrated patriotism; and finally a $100 cash award made at the discretion of the senior JROTC instructor to a deserving cadet within his/her program. For ASU we award only the MOAA medal and the US Flag for identically the same criteria.
Funding required to support these awards comes from your generosity by donating to the JROTC/ROTC campaign. The cost to support one JROTC school is $115 which covers the cost of the US Flag and the $100 cash award. Total cost for the entire program for 2015 will be approximately $2415. Donations can be made at every Chapter dinner meeting or directly to the chapter with a note explaining the funds are for the JROTC program. There has also been interest in a chapter member supporting a single high school where they may have a relative, child or grandchild attending. If you would like to do this please indicate on your donation the school that you are supporting.
We are also looking for chapter members to present the awards at each school’s annual awards program. If you are interested in presenting please contact me and we can make the arrangements. A list of the schools can be found on the chapter website and in the newsletter. Marlene Fox will account for and maintain a running total of donations in each newsletter. Our support program is one of the most sought after by the JROTC schools. The student cadets who receive our awards are highly appreciative of the support received from our chapter and we are pleased to be involved in the development of future leaders within our society. Thanks to everyone for your generous support of our JROTC/ROTC program.
.
Auxiliary Sponsored Programs
Cell Phones for Soldiers / Helping Heroes Home
Ann Schminke
When you upgrade your phone, don’t throw those old phones away. Bring them to us. We’ll send them in to get phone time for our troops overseas. The phones don’t need to work. Monetary donations are great too! Five dollars is equal to 2.5 hours of family talk-time for one deployed.
For more information contact: Ann Schminke 480-893-8263 - [email protected]
Chapter Officers and Board of Directors Nominating Committee
For our Chapter and membership it’s that time of year again where the Nominating Committee convenes to generate a slate of candidates to present to our chapter for
their consideration. The vote will determine who will be on our Board of Directors and who will hold officer positions in the chapter. The Committee is composed of three of our past presidents: Arlan Allen, Karl Pfitzer, Bob Delker, and Member-at-large, Marti Pearce.
This year we have a particularly difficult task ahead as we will need to fill a number of positions that will be vacated at the end of 2015. These positions include: President, 1st Vice President, Treasurer, Auxiliary Vice President, Secretary and two at-large board members.
For the Committee to do its job effectively we are soliciting the support of all chapter members. If any member or
spouse has a desire to serve the chapter either on the board, as an officer, or in any other capacity we sincerely ask that you contact one of the Committee members. The recent successes of the Chapter (MOAA 5 Star award again; support of our ROTC and JROTC programs; and the Auxiliary’s Packages From Home program) are a direct result of the efforts of each chapter member working with your board. The Committee is asking each chapter member to please consider taking a leadership role in our chapter for 2016. If you have any questions please contact one of the Committee members or any of the board members. Our 2016 slate of candidates must be published in our November 2015 newsletter. From the Nominating Committee, thank you in advance for your continuing support.
Newsletter Editor Marlene Fox As the Newsletter Editor, I strive to minimize errors. There will be times that mistakes occur. If you notice any errors please let me know. I would appreciate any input on articles you might think would be appropriate for the newsletter. It would also be helpful if all address changes, corrections, or email changes were sent
to me so I can insure you receive the newsletter without delay. [email protected] - 1151 N Joshua Tree Lane, Gilbert, AZ 85234
. .
Vietnam Veterans Dinner
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Scottsdale Resort at 6:30pm
Tickets - $50.00 Make check out to Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA
News from the Department of Veterans Affairs website VA Announces Expansion of Veterans Economic Communities Initiative (9/30/2015)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the expansion of a program aimed at increasing education and employment opportunities to America's Veterans to an additional to 25 new communities. The Veterans Economic Communities Initiative (VECI) brings together local and national partners to coordinate services for Veterans, Service members and military families.
VA Announces $12.8 Million in funding to Help the Homeless (9/29/2015)
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald today announced $12.8 million in renewal funding through the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program to 20 community agencies that currently provide transitional housing with supportive services for homeless Veterans under the Transition in Place (TIP) model.
VA Announces $4 Million in Funding to Help the Homeless (9/24/2015)
WASHINGTON - Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald announced the award of $4 million in renewal funding offered through the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program to 21 community agencies that currently provide enhanced services for homeless Veterans with special needs.
VA Secretary Robert McDonald to Meet With First-Ever All Female Honor Flight Participants (9/21/15)
VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald will speak to more than 140 Veterans who are in Washington D.C. as part of the first-ever all female Honor Flight. Honor Flights transport our nation’s Veterans to Washington D.C. to visit and reflect at the memorials built to honor their service. The flight arriving on September 22 is comprised of 70 female World War II Veterans and 70 post-9/11 era female Veterans. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will provide remarks during a short ceremony at the Women in Military Service Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to honor these Veterans.
MOAA’s Mission: The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is a non-profit veterans
association dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and to preserving the earned entitlements of members of the uniformed services and their families and survivors.
MOAA National & Superstition Mountain Chapter Membership Application
Date __________________Member Name & Initial ___________________________________________________
Branch of Service__________________________ Rank__________________________________
Spouse First Name ____________________________ National MOAA Number ________________________
Street Address ___________________________________ __City _____________ State _____ZIP______-_________
Home Phone #__________________________Work or Cell#________________________________
Please Circle: ARMY--AIR FORCE-NAVY--MARINE CORPS- COAST GUARD--NOAA--PUBLIC HEALTH SVC
Circle All That Apply: REGULAR-RESERVE-NATIONAL GUARD-FORMER OFFICER-ACTIVE-RETIRED-
MALE___ FEMALE___ WIDOW-___ WIDOWER___
Member Date of Birth MM____/DD____/YYYY______ Spouse Date of Birth MM____/DD____/YYYY______
Anniversary Date ______________________E-mail Address _______________________________________
MOAA National membership for 2016 has 3 types to pick from. 1. Basic–free-electronic only. 2. Premium- $37.00 a year. 3.
Life membership-fee is age dependent. As a BASIC Member you will receive electronic newsletters and have opportunities
to participate in grassroots activism effort. You get Military Officer Magazine via our mobile app. You’ll also have the opportunity
to attend our career fairs, networking events, and classes and to take advantage of valuable discounts on products and services. As
a PREMIUM Member you get full access to everything MOAA has to offer, including our full spectrum of our career resources (one-on-one career counseling, résumé reviews, and interviewing advice and critiques), countless discounts on products and travel, and access to all MOAA exclusive publications and news updates. You’ll be able to tap into MOAA’s staff of experts for financial and investment advice, college scholarships for dependents, and much more. That’s on top of all the benefits you receive at the BASIC Membership level.
Superstition Mountain Chapter membership fee is $25 per year, January through December. Spouses of current members may
participate in Chapter Auxiliary luncheons and activities with no fee. Chapter bylaws require Chapter members and Chapter
Auxiliary members to be members of MOAA National.
Enclose check for: MOAA National $______$25.00 For Chapter $______$12.50 For Auxiliary (SSAC)____
Makes checks payable to: Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA
Mail Application and Check to: Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA, Austin Foote, Treasurer
3554 E. Camino Circle, Mesa, AZ 85213-7033 - Phone 480- 329-4806
For More Information Contact, Membership Committee Chairman Ann Schminke: 480-893-8263 - [email protected]
Name tags are available for $10.00 each. Name tags are durable hard plastic, white background with MOAA logo and
your name engraved in black. To place your order, please fill out the form below and send your check made out to
Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA to the above address.
Print first and last name Select nametag type pin on or magnetic