Chapter” President’s Message - MOAA-AC · President’s Message ing is mishandled, ... COL Irving Njus USA (Ret) Capt Robert Rahal USN ... LtCol David Walker USAF (Ret)

The Lariat February 2013

MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER

Volume 33, Number 2 “ Five Star Chapter” February 2013

THE LARIAT

President’s Message

ing is mishandled, not only could it lead to a government shutdown and a lowering of the country’s credit rating, it could also mean that Fed-eral payments to pay the military, retirees, and Social Security would stop. It is therefore, important that we all talk with our Representatives and Senators and tell them to stop with all of the political posturing on both sides of the aisle and get to work with one another to solve these problems! To not do so, is totally irresponsible for all parties

(Continued on Page 8)

Inside This Edition: Pg 2 Chapter News & Notices

Pg 2 Thank You for the Donation!

Pg 3 As I See It

Pg 4 Membership Stats

Pg 10 MOAA -AC Scholarships

Pg 11 Speaker Bio

Pg 14 Chapter Events Calendar

The Texas Legislature is now in session. Already over 24 bills have been filed related to veterans and their families. Some of the issues are new and others are attempts to correct ineq-uities. Please look at our website, www.alamomoaa.org under the legis-lative tab for greater detail, but let me just touch on a few.

As you know, we have successfully had passed and adopted to the Consti-tution, total property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans. We went further and helped get legislation passed to pass this on to the surviving spouse of the veteran. The only prob-lem with this last piece was that it only went to spouses whose veteran passed away after January 1, 2009. Needless to say, this left a lot of spouses out that really should have had the benefit. As a result of this, two bills have been filed this year to remove this “beginning” date and just open it up to any surviving spouse of a 100% disa-

bled veteran.

Two more bills have been filed to extend the 100% tax exemption to sur-viving spouses living in Texas whose spouse was killed in action. This is a new initiative which we hope will pass.

Two other initiatives that we are looking at are: 1.) Recognition of dis-abled veteran owned businesses as being minority owned business that would be favorably considered for state contracts; and 2.) Adjustment of the property tax exemptions for par-tially disabled veterans, changing these exemptions to become a percentage of their property value as opposed to a fixed amount. This has not been ad-dressed since 1991.

There are other initiatives as well and I will report them to you as the session continues.

On the Federal front we have an absolute mess! If the Congress does not address the sequestration issue by March, DoD will be looking at drastic cutbacks which will affect military readiness, contracting, military family services and jobs. DoD has already directed to the services to start major cutbacks and to be prepared for more to come.

Further, if the issue of the debt ceil-

MOAA -AC

Scholarships The application deadline for 5 x $2,000 awards is

April 30, 2013

See Page 10 or go to www.alamomoaa.org

for more details

The Lariat February 2013 2

Cookie Angels

Grateful thanks to those who either baked and or took items to the wound-ed soldiers at Ft Sam Houston’s Warrior and Family Support Center. If you were able to give this month on behalf of the Alamo Chapter please call Susie at (210) 654-0351, so we may add your name to our list. Thank you.

Maryada Artiglia

Ruth Baliram

Irene Collier

Frank and Delores DeVille

Nita Felder

Susan Filipini

Joe and Adele Genualdi

John Gibbs

Mac and Lori McDonald

Goldie Monroe

JC & Marilyn Newell

Lolly Orlowski

Lou Strong

Susie Tolman

Dot Wise

Tom and Evelyn Woods

Chapter News & Notices

Abby Consulting

Air Force Federal Credit Union

Air Force Villages

Army Residence Community

Beldon Roofing Company

The Beyer Boys

CPS Energy

Navy Federal Credit Union

Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union

Security Service Federal Credit Union

Silverbridge Realty

Spectrum Technologies, Inc

See links to these companies on our website www.alamomoaa.org

We encourage each of you to remember our Corporate Partners in your business

and daily activities because we truly appreciate their support.

If your business or organization would like to join us as a Corporate Partner, please contact us at (210) 228-9955. Thank you for your consideration.

Corporate Partners

Thank You!!

Each of our members listed here have donat-ed a little (or a lot) to either the Scholarship

Fund, Chapter Operations or both!

LtCol Richard Adams USAF (Ret)

LTC Bob Biskup USA (Ret)

LtCol Emil Buran USAF (Ret)

LtCol Harry Carpenter USMC (Ret)

LtCol Gene Culp USAF (Ret)

MajGen Lewis Curtis USAF Ret)

Maj Barbara Dauerty USAF (Ret)

CDR Jesse DeLoach USN (Ret)

Maj Ralph Flanigan, Jr USAF (Ret)

CDR Bob Lejeune USN (Ret)

CW4 Darren Lester USA

MG Mike Lyle USA (Ret)

COL Robert Mesick USA (Ret)

Col Stuart Myers USAF (Ret)

CW2 Clarence Nail USA (Ret)

Helga Parks

Col David Patrick USAF (Ret)

Col Sanford Richardson USAF (Ret)

LtCol Randy Smith USAF (Ret)

LTC John Thilman USAR (Ret)

Paulette Thompson

LTC Marion Thorpe USA (Ret)

CPT Leigh Traylor USA

LtCol David Walker USAF (Ret)

Phyllis Wallace

CAPT John Woody USN (Ret)

TAPS We have received information that the following members have passed away.

We wish to convey our sincere condo-lences and best wishes to their family and loved ones:

Mary Ecuyer 5/17/2012

CPT Thomas Ward USA (Ret) 12/28/2012

3 The Lariat February 2013

which meant the same people had to be sent back into com-bat time after time after time, knowing their chances of coming back as changed people rose with every deploy-ment.

I don’t care whether it’s slugs in the bus line or slugs in government, in the media, or anywhere else.

I don’t care whether you think government leaders’ war-time decisions were right or wrong.

Anyone with so little perspective as to describe any level of needed care for servicemembers and their families suf-fering the terrible consequences of those decisions as a “burden to the system or the taxpayer” needs some sense slapped into them.

Steve Strobridge Col USAF Retired

Director, Government Relations MOAA

Somebody Needs Some Sense Slapping

Some years ago, as a commuter to the Pentagon, I spent the end of many duty days waiting in line for the bus home.

One evening, an older man collapsed on the bus steps, clutching his chest. Several people rushed to help him while someone called 911.

As boarding stalled, the commuter waiting in line behind me sighed, “Why do these things always happen to me?”

That incongruous lack of perspective was brought home again last month upon reading the headline, “Report chron-icles the rising burden of military mental health care.”

Was this a report about the suffering of returning ser-vicemembers, or maybe their families?

No.

It was about the “excess mental health care burden” to the military health care system as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — 6 million ambulatory visits, 42,000 hospitalizations, and 300,000 hospital bed days be-tween October 2001 and June 2012.

Other reports have cited the “burden to the nation” of footing current and future bills for military and VA health and disability needs of wounded, ill, and injured service-members and their families and caregivers.

Poor system. Poor nation. Are you kidding me?

This isn’t just quibbling over word choices.

People get treated badly in the health care system and essential budgets get cut on a regular basis.

And it happens precisely because program administra-tors and accountants and budget analysts and staffers — and leaders — lose all sense of perspective about who is bearing what level of burden for whom.

Pentagon, White House, and congressional leaders made conscious decisions to embark on two long-term wars and ardently resisted needed force-level increases for years —

As I See It


Welcome - New

Members: COL Matthew Carp USA (Ret)

COL Benjamin Chacko USA (Ret)

COL Janet Graham USA (Ret)

Col Bill Jurczyn USAF (Ret)

COL Irving Njus USA (Ret)

Capt Robert Rahal USN (Ret)

COL Barbara Ramsey USA (Ret)

Col David Shacklett USAF (Ret)

COL Thomas Jackson USA

LTC Marsha Bloodworth USA (Ret)

LtCol Paula Haley USAF (Ret)

LTC Jane Hallman USA (Ret)

LTC James Passmore USA (Ret)

LtCol Andrew Woodrow USAF

LtCol Kevin Yandura USAF

MAJ Robert Crepeau USA (Ret)

Maj Andrew Pomeroy USAF (Ret)

MAJ Michael Trust USA

MAJ Louis Walter USA (Ret)

Capt Ryan Davis USAF

CPT Zakiya Dixon USA

Capt Sara Kogte USAF

Capt Felix Islas USAF

Capt Christina Sharp USAF

Capt James Vitali USAF (Fmr)

2LT Shane Amer USA

2LT Philip DeLeon USA

2Lt James Fite USAF

2LT Eric Hamacher USA

2LT Michael Holloway USA

2Lt John Laskoski USAF

2LT Erika Maldonado USAR

Mary Miller

Eileen Parker

Year End Membership Stats

LTG Frank Ledford USA (Ret)

MajGen Lewis Curtis USAF Ret)

MG Mike Lyle USA (Ret)

Col Thomas Ball, III USAF

Col Craig Berlette USAF

Dr Eleanor Bjoring USAF (Ret)

Col Joseph Brozena USAF (Ret)

COL Candice Castro USA (Ret)

COL Vaughn Caudill USA (Ret)

CAPT James Cosby USN (Ret)

Col Jack Downey USAF (Ret)

Col John Dunn USAF (Ret)

Col Harry Edwards USAF (Ret)

COL Alfred Finch USA (Ret)

COL Douglas Groen USA (Ret)

Col Ed Herbold USAF (Ret)

Col Jim Horton USAF (Ret)

LtCol Raymond Isaia USAF (Ret)

Col Dana Jacobson USAFR

Col Gloria Lamoureaux USAF (Ret)

Renewing Members - Thank You!

Col Albert Litzler USAF (Ret)

Col Harry Long USAF (Ret)

Col Joseph Marchino USAF (Ret)

Col Hannah Margolis USAF (Ret)

Col Sean McGlyn USAF

COL Robert Mesick USA (Ret)

Col Stuart Myers USAF (Ret)

Col Janice Nickie-Green USA (Ret)

Col David Padden USAF (Ret)

Col David Patrick USAF (Ret)

Col James Payne USAF (Ret)

Col Bryan Ramstack USAF

Col Kenneth Ratcliff USAF (Ret)

Col Barry Reams USAF (Ret)

Col Sanford Richardson USAF (Ret)

COL Michael Rogers USA (Ret)

Col Frank Rohrbough USAF (Ret)

Col Lisa Skopal USAF (Ret)

Col Andrew Stanley, Jr USAF (Ret)

1150

1200

1250

1300

1350

1400

1450

1500

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Months

Alamo Chapter MembershipAs of: Jan 25, 2013

Goal

2013

Active 310Aux 234Former 12

734Retired Total 1290

2012


Col Karen Stocks USAF (Ret)

Col Gerald Talcott USAF (Ret)

COL Sid Trawick USA (Ret)

COL Edward Williams USA (Ret)

LtCol Richard Adams USAF (Ret)

LtCol Mike Bidus USAF (Ret)

LTC Bob Biskup USA (Ret)

LTC Robert Blake USA (Ret)

LtCol Emil Buran USAF (Ret)

LtCol Don Byrd USAF (Ret)

LTC John Callaghan USA (Ret)

LtCol Harry Carpenter USMC (Ret)

LtCol Thomas Carter USAF (Ret)

LTC Travis Crowther USA (Ret)

LtCol Gene Culp USAF (Ret)

CDR Jesse DeLoach USN (Ret)

LTC Billy Duncan USA (Ret)

LTC James Finch USA (Ret)

LtCol Michael Fox USAF (Ret)

LtCol Thomas Gaj USAF (Ret)

LTC Lloyd Gardner USA (Ret)

LTC Marion Thorpe USA (Ret)

LtCol David Walker USAF (Ret)

LtCol Robert Williams USAF (Ret)

LtCol Sharon Zimpher USAF (Ret)

Maj Barbara Dauerty USAF (Ret)

MAJ Kacenia Fitzgerald USA

Maj Ralph Flanigan, Jr USAF (Ret)

Maj James Green USAF (Ret)

LCDR Charlotte Koch USN (Ret)

LCDR Jack Lee USN (Ret)

MAJ John Morrell USA (Ret)

Maj Richard O’Neal USAF (Ret)

LCDR Gil Rodriguez USN (Ret)

MAJ Robert Roedel USA (Ret)

Maj Bert Thomas USAF (Ret)

CPT Armando Diaz USA (Ret)

CAPT Charles Dickens USCG (Ret)

LT George Frecsko USN (Ret)

CPT Michael Saucedo USA (Ret)

CPT Leigh Traylor USA

CAPT John Woody USN (Ret)

LTJG Carl Marmion USN (Ret)

CW4 Darren Lester USA

CW2 Michael Hadjuk USA (Ret)

CW2 Barry Martin USN (Ret)

CW2 Clarence Nail USA (Ret)

Mavis Cleary

Betty Cruzen

Sharon Ferguson

Marjorie Fraley

Hope Gans

Margarete Milazzo

Helga Parks

Rhoda Philby

Christel Shields

Paulette Thompson

Phyllis Wallace

Marilyn Weltz

LtCol Dan Hancock USAF (Ret)

LtCol Michael Harris USAF (Ret)

LTC Daryl Hegedus USA (Ret)

LTC Randy Hoff USA (Ret)

LTC Dean Hommer USA

LtCol James James USAF (Ret)

CDR Carl Jokela USN (Ret)

LtCol Ed Lefebvre USAF (Ret)

CDR Bob Lejeune USN (Ret)

LTC William Lin USA (Ret)

LtCol Roy Mackrell USAF (Ret)

LTC Tom Moore USA (Ret)

LTC Daniel Moroney USA

LTC John Neal USA (Ret)

LtCol Bill Polasek USAF (Ret)

LtCol John Revak USAF (Ret)

LTC Leslie Reynolds USA (Ret)

LtCol Randy Smith USAF (Ret)

LtCol Mark Sweeney USAF (Ret)

LtCol Gerald Swinarsky USAF (Ret)

LTC John Thilman USAR (Ret)

WANTED! All (Active Duty or Retired) Job Seekers

If you would like to be added to the regular email blast that lists job opportunities in San Antonio and the surrounding ar-

ea, please email [email protected]

The Officers Placement Service (TOPS)

If you are an area employer who is interested in hiring career transitioning officers or their spouses . . . or if you are a MOAA member who is interested in helping a career transitioning officer or spouse as a San Antonio Networker . . . or if you are a MOAA member Job Seeker, please contact me – David Patrick, Chapter TOPS Officer & MOAA Texas Networking Coordina-tor, 210-259-9867, [email protected].



Solitaires

Groundhog Day

Are you getting tired of dark dreary days and long for spring? Mother Na-ture is so fickle. You can’t depend upon her prognostications. Even the Farmer’s Almanac isn’t always accu-rate. So do what the rest of the world has done since the Roman days—go to the animal world for answers.

The most popular is Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania. As regular as clockwork on 2 February he comes out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob after a deep coma like slumber. He looks around! If he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow spring will be forthcoming Punxsutawney Phil was named for King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil he was called Br’er Groundhog. He has been doing these prognostications since 1886. This will be his 127th prognostication. He speaks to the Groundhog Club president in “groundhogese” (a language only un-derstood by the current president of the Inner Circle). His proclamation is then translated for the world.

During Prohibition, Phil threatened to impose six weeks of winter on the community if he wasn’t allowed a drink. His predictions range from 30 – 90% accuracy, depending upon whose study you use.

What is his secret of longevity? The average life span of a groundhog is only six to eight years. Every sum-mer he gets a sip of (the elixir of life) at the groundhog picnic; hence his long life span.

The groundhog is known by other names in other countries. He may be a woodchuck, hedge hog, or whistle pig. (Did you know that a ground hog can whistle when he is alarmed or dur-ing mating season?)

The origin of the custom seems to be with Candlemas Day and early Christians in Europe. On that day the clergy blessed candles and distributed them to the people. The Roman sol-diers during their quest of Europe brought the custom with them and gave it to the Germans. If the hedge-hog saw his shadow there would be a Second Winter. Candlemas Day was a Christian feast day marking the purifi-cation of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of the infant Jesus Christ to the temple. It is also the traditional day for removing the cattle from the meadows. The farmer should still have half of his hay, enough to carry him through till spring or he would have starving cattle.

In Alaska, where they have few groundhogs, they call 2 February Mar-mot Day. But the groundhog isn’t the only animal prognosticating spring. In Serbia, Orthodox Christians on 15 February celebrate the Feast of SREFENJE; the meeting of the Lord. It is believed that on this day a bear will awaken from dormancy. If he sees his shadow he will return to his cave for 40 days thus prolonging win-ter. If it is cloudy it is a good sign that winter is about to end.

These myths and legends are perpet-uated by political events, movies, and ground hog clubs. And people

(Continued on Page 8)

Seven Strategies to Slash Your Alzheimer’s Risk

New research provides additional evidence that changes in behavior may significantly modify risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Physical Activity: strive for at least 30 minutes of exercise five days per week

Depression: (See Lariat Nov 2012)

Smoking: If you smoke - quit.

Mid-Life Hypertension: Have your blood pressure checked regu-larly. If high, check with your physician.

Obesity: Lose weight. Eat Medi-terranean diet, and exercise. Cut back on red meat.

Mental inactivity: Read, work puzzles, socialize.

Diabetes: Eat a healthy diet, limit sugar, follow your doctor’s advice.

Source: Mood, Mind and Memory, Mass General, January 2013

Col Irene Collier (Ret)

Medical Minute

Happy Valentines Day

from us to You!


Solitaires (Continued from Page 6)

hoping spring is just around the corner.

The Solitaire meeting of 8 January was a planning session by our new leader, Pat Shecter. Ideas were sub-mitted for future events. If you have any suggestions, please call Pat. The next meeting will be Sunday Brunch at Randolph on27 January. The February meeting will be at the Ft Sam Golf Club on 5 February at 1100.

Source: Groundhog Day, Margaret Klues, Journal of American Folklore, Washington Summer of 2007 Vol 120 Groundhog Day 1886 -1992- Bill Anderson.

Col Irene Collier (Ret)

If you are a single man or lady and like to eat, chat, make new friends, experience or provide sometimes brief impromptu or scheduled interesting demonstrations, talks, or discussions, whether you are: visiting the area; active duty or retired; widowed or di-vorced; the SOLITAIRES is the group for you.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy camaraderie with other single men and ladies whose backgrounds and experiences are with the military. So make that resolution to get out and about and come have some fun!! Call the office (210) 228-9955 for more details.

President’s Msg (Continued from Page 1)

and the military and retirees are among those who will pay.

I hope that you can attend our February luncheon. Our speaker will be Sig Christensen, the military reporter for the San Antonio Express News. Sig has reported on our mili-tary community for years and spent some time with and reporting about our troops both in Iraq and Afghani-stan. I believe that you will find it to be a very interesting time.

In March, we will be meeting at Air Force Village I. Lt. General Chip Utterback will be giving us a briefing as to all of the new things going on at the two Village com-plexes. The Air Force Villages and homes are open to Commissioned officers, widows of same, or spon-sored dependants from any service.

The Texas Veterans Commission is having its annual Veteran’s Sum-mit on 11, 12 and 13 February. It will be at the Pace Convention Cen-ter in Austin and is free to veterans, spouses, dependants. Parking at the convention center is free. Be sure and bring your DD214 with you!

Have a great month.

Maj Jim Cunningham

The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument (TCVVM) will celebrate its Groundbreaking on March 24 and 25 in Austin with a special tribute to the Tex-ans who died in the Vietnam War. All Texas Vietnam veterans are invited to attend the events which are free and open to the public. On March 24 a Reading of the Names of the 3,417 Texans who died in Vi-etnam will be held at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library auditorium from 8:30 – 5:30. On the same day, the Texas Vietnam Heroes Exhibit of 3,417 hand-stamped dog tags honoring each Texan will open in the Great Hall of the LBJ Library. An evening reception for veterans and families will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Austin's historic Scholz Garten. The monument Groundbreaking Cere-mony will take place on the Texas Capi-tol Grounds at 10:00 a.m. on March 25. Texan Joe Galloway will deliver the keynote address. Full information, in-cluding how to make reservations for the reception, is available at http://buildthemonument.org/groundbreaking-events. The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument will honor all Texans who served in the Vietnam War. The 3,417 Texas Heroes of the war will be individ-ually remembered by the entombment of personalized dog tags bearing their name, rank, branch of service, hometown and date of loss. The tags will be dedicated for entombment during the Groundbreaking. The people of Bastrop will host a Receiving Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. at the Heart of Texas Art Foundry where the monument is being built. The monument will be available for public viewing. The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument will be dedicated in the fall of 2013. Please visit www.buildthemonument.org to learn more.

Vietnam Monument

Survey Coming! We’re currently putting together a survey so you can tell us how we’re doing in regard to

Chapter Programs and Activities.

We need to hear from you!



Colonel Clarence T. Torrey Community Service Scholarship

This is named in memory of Colonel Clarence T. Torrey, USA (Ret), a past President of the Alamo Chapter. Upon his death, a donation to initially fund the scholarship was made to the chapter by his wife. The scholarship in the amount of 2 x $2,000 is awarded annually to a graduating high school senior whose parent, stepparent or grandparent served on active duty in any of the uniformed services represented in MOAA. All details of the scholarship selec-tion process – except for selection of the final recipient – are handled by the Bexar County Scholarship Clearing House (BCSCH)/Minnie Piper Foundation. Scholarship applications are available from Bexar County school counselors in the fall. For students outside Bexar County, applications may be obtained from the MOAA AC Scholarship Committee. BCSCH receives the applications, makes preliminary evaluations and creates a recommended order of merit list. The MOAA AC Scholarship Committee receives the order of merit list in March or April, interviews the top 5 candidates and selects a winner. The winner is announced and the scholarship presented at the May luncheon.

The General Robert Herring ROTC Scholarship

The Colonel Edmond McCarthy ROTC Scholarship

One $2,000 for each of the two scholarships are available to a graduating high school senior ranked in the top half of his/her class, who has participated for at least three years in a ROTC Program supported by the Military Officers Association of America -Alamo Chapter.

Selection will be based on academic record, test scores, citizenship, leadership, community involve-ment and outstanding professional ability. Applications for this scholarship are currently available through the Senior Military Instructors, online at www.alamomoaa.org or from the Scholarship Chair. A maximum of one scholarship application will be accepted from each supported ROTC program. The deadline for application is April 30.

The LtCol Edward & Ruby Marvin Chapter Scholarship

One $2000 scholarship is available to a graduating high school senior ranked in the top half of his/her class, who is a child, stepchild, and/or grandchild of a member in good standing of the Military Offic-ers Association of America and the MOAA-Alamo Chapter. Selection will be based on academic rec-ord, test scores, citizenship, leadership, community involvement and outstanding professional ability.

Applications for all scholarships (except the Clarence Torrey which are obtained through high school guidance counselor) are currently available online at www.alamomoaa.org or from the MOAA - AC Scholarship Chair. The deadline for an application is April 30 and awards will be presented at our May 16 luncheon.

MOAA-Alamo Chapter Scholarships


Sig Christenson - SA Express News Military Reporter

Sig Christenson is a senior writer covering the military for the San Anto-nio Express-News and been with the paper since 1997.

He was embedded with the 3rd In-fantry Division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and has reported from Baghdad and Afghanistan seven times since, including two tours in Kabul, Bagram Air Base and elsewhere in country during 2009 and 2010. He has reported from the Korean DMZ, India, Pakistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Italy, Germany, France and England, as well as Kuwait , Dubai and Qatar.

A Houston native, he covered the

Please support the Ft Sam Houston Red Cross Office. Send donations

to: P.O. Box 340129

Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234

They also provide many useful classes - call 221-3355 for more

details. Volunteers also needed!

Branch Davidian siege, the 1994 Pen-sacola abortion clinic shooting, the 2003 space shuttle breakup over Tex-as, the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and its subsequent legal proceedings, and hurricanes, tropical storms and floods since 1986, the latest Rita and Katrina.

Some of Mr. Christenson's major projects at the Express-News include “Witness to War,” a special section recounting the invasion and early oc-cupation of Iraq, and “The Only Re-treat,” a three-part series detailing the sole U.S. defeat in Gulf War II.

He has won awards from Hearst Newspapers and the Associated Press, including Texas APME’s Specialties Reporting category in 2008, and was named “Reporter of the Year” by his peers in 2004.

A graduate of the University of Houston, he is a co-founder, former president and current board member of Military Reporters & Editors. For a look at his work over time, see www.sigchristenson.com. E-mail Sig at [email protected]

Speaker Bio - February Dispute Resolution

My name is Rosie Gonzalez, and I am the Intake Coordinator at the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center (BCDRC).

The BCDRC offers FREE media-tion services to Bexar County resi-dents, business, and organizations. (I met MAJ. James Cunningham, USAR (Ret) recently at a United Way meet-ing and thought it might be appropriate to contact you regarding our services). The BCDRC mediates a wide range of disputes: Consumer Problems, Neighbor Complaints, Property Dam-age, Landlord & Tenant issues, Child Visitation, Money Owed and many other types of disputes. There is no dollar limit or statute of limitations in mediation. I am reaching out to the military community both active and retired per-sonnel to provide information about our services. I have spoken with the LAFB JAG Office regarding a presen-tation to the JAG officers from the local military installations. There may be instances where local military or their dependents may need mediation or referral resources. We stand ready to assist. If you wish, you might want to check out our website: www.bexar.org/drc for further infor-mation about the Bexar County Dis-pute Resolution Center.

I can be reached at (210) 335-2128 (M-F 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) or via e-mail: [email protected]. My thanks to you and the many ser-vice men and women who proudly serve our Country.

Rosie Gonzalez, Intake Coordinator Cadena-Reeves Justice Center

300 Dolorosa, Suite 1102 San Antonio, TX 78205

(210) 335-2128

Letter To The Editor


Benefits of Membership of MOAA and the local

chapter Our monthly newsletter, The Lariat, which includes a calendar of events, is sent to each member (or made available on-line), and includes both MOAA and Alamo Chapter news. Stay informed! Monthly luncheons, which rotate between the Randolph, Fort Sam Houston, and Lackland service clubs, feature informative speakers and are also open to guests. Benefit information of all kinds is provided through the Alamo Chapter. We have an experienced Vice President of Personal Affairs who can give quick answers to your and family members’ questions, or who can research the more complex issues. The opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of meeting fellow chapter members and their guests. We also plan for various social events, open to families and guests. In addition, our chapter features a singles group called the Solitaires, some of who are surviving spouses. The Solitaires have a busy social calendar. Make your voice heard on proposed state and national military legislation which may affect you and your family. Both the Alamo Chapter and MOAA national welcome your views! Enjoy many benefits, discounts, and services, to include career planning through TOPS (The Officer Placement Service). The Alamo Chapter also provides college scholarships to those who qualify.

Referred by: _____________________________________________________

Membership Application (Annual Membership)

Are you a member of MOAA National? __________

Military Officers Association of America Alamo Chapter

Circle Status: Commissioned & Warrant Officers of all services - Active, Reserves,

Former, Retired, National Guard, NOAA, PHS, Surviving Spouse. *Name_________________________________________________________________ (Print) Last First MI Spouse ______________________________________________________________________ Residence Address City State Zip ______________________________________________________________________ Rank/Grade Service Date of Birth Home phone_______________________Email________________________________ * May we have your permission to publish this information in the Chapter MembershipDirectory? ________ (date of birth is not published). (*This directory and your e-mail address are exclusively for the use of the chapter and will not be sold or used for any other purpose than chapter communications and/or board approved activity.) Would you like to access our monthly newsletter (The Lariat) at our website versushaving a hard copy mailed to you? _______ (Dues reduce to $15 per year). Would you be interested in helping in chapter volunteer activity? _______ ________________________________________ ____________________ Signature Date

Payment by Credit Card

Card Number:___________________________________ Exp Date: __________ Billing Zipcode: ______________ Amount: ____________________

CHARITABLE OUTREACH PROGRAM

Please accept my tax-deductible donation of: $____________ to (check one) Outreach Fund* _______ Operations ________

*a fund for annual college scholarships and other charitable programs and services.

Send applications to: MOAA-AC, P.O. Box 340497, Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234

For questions please call (210) 228-9955 or e-mail: [email protected] Also visit our chapter’s website at www.alamomoaa.org

Please feel free to copy and provide this form to prospective members.

12-15-12



Chapter Events Calendar

Note: Events bolded are for the general membership and itali-cized are for the volunteer staff, though members are always wel-

come. Please call the office for details (210) 228-9955

Ongoing:

Cookie Angels delivering items to Warrior & Family Support Cen-ter . Call Susie Tolman for details (210) 654-0351.

FEBRUARY

1 Volunteer Hours Due

1 Deadline for Communications Award MOAA

5 Solitaire’s Luncheon 11am Ft Sam Golf Club

7 Staff Meeting 9am MOAA-AC Office

12 Lincoln’s Birthday

11-13 Texas Veterans Summit, Austin

13-14 TCC Advocating in Austin, Austin

18 President’s Day

21 Chapter Luncheon Ft Sam Golf Club

24 Solitaire’s Sunday Brunch 11 am Randolph Parr O Club

26 Extravaganza Sam Houston Club (Ft Sam Newcomers Welcome)

MARCH


5 Solitaire’s Luncheon 11am Ft Sam Golf Club


7 Veterans Administration Volunteers Mtg 1pm

21 Chapter Luncheon Air Force Village I 11am

24 Solitaire’s Sunday Brunch Randolph Parr O Club 11am


31 Easter Sunday

MAY



4 Solitaire’s Pot Luck at Susie Tolman’s house

8 Victory Day in Europe

12 Mother’s Day

16 Scholarship Luncheon Ft Sam Houston Golf Club

18 Armed Forces Day

27 Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ft Sam Houston Cemetery 10am


APRIL


2 Solitaire’s Luncheon


10 Board Meeting10am Chapter Office

15-19 Storming The Hill, Washington DC

17-27 Army Retiree Council Mtg Washington DC

18-28 Fiesta San Antonio!

18 Chapter Luncheon Ft Sam Golf Club

28 Solitaire’s Sunday Brunch 11 am Randolph Parr Club



VOLUNTEER STAFF: PRESIDENT MAJ James R. Cunningham [email protected] EXEC VP Operations LTC Bill Goforth [email protected] VP ADMINISTRATION LtCol Jim Webb VP PROGRAMS (Open) VP MEMBERSHIP LTC Randy Hoff [email protected] SECRETARY Col David Patrick [email protected] TREASURER Col Vaughn Caudill [email protected] SCHOLARSHIP LTC Dan Cummings/COL Art

Jackson VP PERSONAL AFFAIRS Col Stuart Myers DEPUTY PA LtCol Craig Erickson VP LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Col Al Cote DEP LEG AFFAIRS LtCol Ed LeFebvre VP PUBLIC RELATIONS Col Janice Edgerson VP LOGISTICS LtCol Fred Koechley LEGAL COUNSEL Jacobson Law Firm SOLITAIRES Pat Shecter CONSULTANT Maj Len Mull CONSULTANT Lt George Frecsko EDITOR Col Kerry Green ASST EDITOR Col James Payne CHAPLAIN LTC James Taylor PX/VAV/VAC Rep Susie Tolman TOPS OFFICER Col David Patrick WEB MASTER Col Bill Hudson HISTORIAN Col Janice Edgerson VOLUNTEER COORD. Mavis Cleary ADVERTISING COORD. (Open) AFV SATELLITE COORD. (Open) ARC SATELLITE COORD. MG Charles Honore DUTY OFFICERS: Mon: LtCol Bill Polasek Tue: Col Irene Collier Wed: LtCol Jim Cuskey Thu: LtCol Ed Waggoner Alternating Fridays: Col Stuart Myers CDR Brenda Tobey Floater: LtCol Jim Webb CONTRACTOR: Admin Support Trish Meserve

DIRECTORS: Chairman: MAJ Jim Cunningham LTC John Gibbs LTC Jim Finch Col Lisa Skopal Mrs. Susie Tolman Col Mac McDonald LtCol Ed Marvin

Col Frank Rohrbough

DIRECTORS EMERITUS HONORARY DIRECTORS BG George Woodard Gen William McBride BG Robert Herring

Statement of Publication The Lariat is the newsletter of the Military Officers Associa-tion of America—Alamo Chapter. It is published once each month to inform the membership of issues and activities of interest to all. MOAA-AC is a non-profit organization within the state of Texas organized to represent the membership and to support the activities of the Texas Council of Chapters and MOAA National. Advertising contained in the newsletter is not endorsed by the Chapter and does not represent any recommendation to the membership. Opinions expressed in articles contained herein are not necessarily those of the membership as a whole or the Chapter. Questions should be directed to the Editor, at the Chapter office.

MOAA-AC P.O. Box 340497 San Antonio, TX 78234 (210) 228-9955 [email protected]

www.alamomoaa.org

Alamo Chapter

DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THIS LARIAT FASTER AND IN FULL COLOR ON-LINE?

Just send your email address to [email protected] with the subject line “OLLO”. We’ll gladly remove you from this printed version mailing list and notify you each month by email when the new issue is available for view-ing. Saves the chapter paper and postage and you get to see it sooner!


U.S. Postage Paid

San Antonio, Texas

Permit No. 1553

THE LARIAT

National Award Winning Newsletter

P.O. Box 340497

Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234-0497 Phone: 210-228-9955

Email: [email protected] www.alamomoaa.org

MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALAMO CHAPTER

F OR INFORMATION REGARDING OUR BY- LAWS, S TRATEGIC P LAN,

EVENTS CALENDAR AND PAST ISSUES OF THE LARIAT PLEASE

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

WW W. A L A M O M O A A. O R G

Postmaster — please deliver by February 4th Time Sensitive Material

Thursday March 21, 2013

Chapter Luncheon

Spkr: LTGen Chuck Utterback CEO Air Force Village

Air Force Village Sky Lounge Meet & Greet begins 11am - Lunch served approx 11:45am

Menu A) London Broil B) Grilled Filet of Pork

w/ Mushroom Demi w/ Brandy Demi Horseradish Mashed Potatoes Garlic Red SkinMashed Potatoes

Mixed Green Salad w/ Mandarin Oranges & Raspberry Dressing

Green beans & Seasonal vegetables Dinner Rolls with butter

Chocolate Cake Coffee, tea or water, Honor wine bar

Cost per person $20 Enclosed: $______

RSVP by Noon Monday 18 March Reservations not cancelled by noon 19 Tuesday will be billed

Non member Officers & guests are welcome with paid reservations

Name__________________________________

Guest:__________________________________

Send reservation slip & check made payable to MOAA-AC to P.O. Box 340497, Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234 Or contact us by email [email protected] to hold a reservation or pay via PayPal on line at www.alamomoaa.org

Thursday February 21, 2013

Chapter Luncheon

Spkr: Sig Christenson Military Reporter SA Express News

Ft Sam Golf Club Meet & Greet begins 11am - Lunch served approx 11:45am

Menu A) Sliced Roast Beef B) Baked Tilapia

with Mushroom Gravy with lemon butter Garden Salad with Ranch & Italian Dressing

Twice baked potato Dinner Rolls with butter

Rainbow Sherbert Coffee, tea or water, Honor wine bar

Cost per person $20 Enclosed: $______

RSVP by 10am Tuesday 19 February Reservations not cancelled by noon 19 Tuesday will be billed

Non member Officers & guests are welcome with paid reservations

Name__________________________________

Guest:__________________________________

Send reservation slip & check made payable to MOAA-AC to P.O. Box 340497, Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234 Or contact us by email [email protected] to hold a reservation or pay via PayPal on line at www.alamomoaa.org

Chapter” President’s Message - MOAA-AC · President’s Message ing is mishandled, ... COL Irving Njus USA (Ret) Capt Robert Rahal USN ... LtCol David Walker USAF (Ret)

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