Newsletter: January 2011
President's Message
by Rod Williams
As I celebrated the end of 2010 at a gathering with family and friends, I looked back and saw many happy times and events to inspire hope in the New Year. Our Columbia River Chapter can equally look forward with optimism. The realist in me also sees the challenges we face as individuals and families, citizens and veterans. In this newsletter I would like to focus attention on two challenges facing us in 2011.
First, only if we bury our head in sand like an ostrich, can we avoid the challenge that an austere Federal budget will have on the lives and families of those currently serving, those fully retired who rely on past commitments in their retirement and also those who are in second careers with retirement plans based on past commitments. The news coming out of the Department of Defense on how they plan to achieve budget cut targets include dramatic changes. Some have described the DoD situation as similar to that of General Motors as it was seeking "bail out" dollars. GM was heavily burdened by the high cost of its retired workforce. I remember one talking head on a cable news show blaming greedy unions who negotiated Cadillac level salaries, pensions and health plans. Now, based on the recommendations from President Obama's bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, we can read and hear similar comparisons to the military retirement and health care costs.
The majority of Americans can accept that the only way to balance the national and state budgets is to reduce what is being spent. When faced with such decisions in a family or business where bail outs and raising the debt ceiling are not options, we look at the impacts and risks to be incurred by each possible cut before making the tough call. The DoD has to submit a budget plan for Congressional approval that does much the same.
As members of MOAA, we can be assured our National team will be in touch with those who have influence in both the DoD and Congressional budget processes. It is unlikely that we can change the way DoD is interpreting the impacts and risks to families and retirees, but we can influence our Congressional representatives who have to approve the budge to look at these issues with open eyes and minds. Expecting that there will not be change is unrealistic. Expecting past commitments to be honored and fairness in the outcomes is reasonable and achievable only if our voice is heard. Keeping up with the legislative action alerts from MOAA and our chapter legislative team is a very important role for each of us. Getting your message to your representatives is the critical action step. In this newsletter and on the MOAA Website you will find all the contact information you need. If not, contact any Board member for help.
The second challenge I want to address involves the vitality of our chapter. We have seen a marginal drop in attendance at some of our events. Your Chapter Board puts a lot of effort in planning our meetings. We seek your input in our annual survey so that we can continue to offer programs that are meaningful and you want to come to. The second part of chapter vitality is renewal, meaning recruiting new members and volunteers for Chapter Board and committee positions. Most of our new recruits come from member contacts in everyday situations. If you meet a potential recruit, talk to them about the chapter and what you like about it. Get contact information and pass it along to our membership chair, Dave Casteel, or any Board member. If you have been a past Board officer and now feel you have the time and energy to re-engage in such a role just let us know. Or maybe based on your experience, you know another member who would make a great Board or committee member. Talk it up with them and let us know.
Each of us needs to speak up with clear voice and be heard on the issues and be an active participant and recruiter for us to meet the challenges of 2011.
Federal Legislative Update
by John Hershberger
A whirlwind of legislative action during the Lame Duck session by our Congressional Representatives and Senators appears to be leading to a new and politically interesting year for 2011. Our newly elected officials will be installed January 5th as the 112th Congress convenes, and... let us hope, our legislators will achieve accord and wisdom in their service of the American people.
Locally, we have a new rep in the Legislative Affairs shop; me! I'm John Hershberger, a retired Naval Aviator. I have become a MOAA Life Member after seeing the good results and effectiveness of MOAA. I told my predecessor, Dave Casteel, I'd be glad to assist him since I was already active trying to urge our legislators to support the military. The next thing I knew, I got his job! (Smile!)
It is vital we contact our elected officials and let them know our views as various subjects come up. This helps Congress understand the will of the people they represent and the majority opinion. But what are the most effective ways to inform them? Various sources, and experience, suggest these effective contact methods, in descending order:
1. a personal visit,
2. a letter,
3. a phone call, and
4. an email.
Although it's listed last, note the MOAA member email has a distinct advantage, especially when we utilize the MOAA Web Base, http://www.moaa.org. For example, in late 2009, we generated over 60,000 emails to congress preventing TRICARE funding cuts. Our MOAA web base has the issues, the addresses and the emails. It just needs you. Then, our officers follow up with our legislators, backed by the thousands of emails we sent.
If you choose to make a personal visit, it's best to call for an appointment. The local offices are convenient. Both of our Senators Cantwell and Murray, have their offices in the Marshall House on Officers Row. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler's office is the second floor (elevator available) of the O.O. Howard House, one block South of the Officers Row traffic circle. See our previous page for local addresses and telephone numbers One can walk in, as well, and still be able to leave a brief opinion or comment with the receptionist. Realize it's best to talk with a staffer. Expect only 5 to 10 minutes and be cordial. Be sure to thank them for the opportunity to discuss your important issue. Send a "Thank You" note to the person by name when you get home. Next time, ask for them. There's more at "How to Effectively Lobby an Elected Official" or http://tinyurl.com/27tmofs
Feel free to call me at 360-573-2940 or e-mail me at hershberger6047@comcast.net if you have any question about this issue.
Membership Surevy and 2011 Dues
Don't forget to complete our 2011 Member Surevy and submit your 2011 Chapter dues. Downlaod Survey and Dues Form (PDF)
2011 Membership Drive
MOAA gives each chapter a goal of recruiting ten new members each year in what's called the "Give Me Ten" program which is designed to keep MOAA growing and chapters vibrant. We achieved this goal again in 2010 and are pleased to announce a new national member who joined our chapter: Heather Cotoia, Maj, USMC. Heather is the Commander of the Marine Recruiting Detachment serving here in Portland on a three year assignment and lives in Vancouver. We welcome Heather and her husband John to our chapter.
We also want to thank and recognize Evelyn Brady of our chapter who is serving a one year active duty assignment in Sacramento, CA. Evelyn has done a great job recruiting two national members for us this year. John Donnelly also deserves recognition for recruiting Col Daniel Kern, USA.
Want a GREAT gift for your spouse? Give the gift of a Life Membership conversion. When you are gone your spouse will never have to pay any annual dues and will receive seamless assistance from MOAA. When you make the Life conversion, PLEASE write MOAA "WA-01 Columbia River Chapter" on your application so our chapter receives credit. I have a prepaid form for you. Call me at 834-2448 or e-mail me at shilohcamas@comcast.net and I'll get it to you.
Did You Know?
...that your Columbia River MOAA Chapter is 501 (c) 17 non profit organization under IR code? This means that donations to the chapter (not dues) are tax deductible as allowed by law. This includes your donations for scholarships, Support the Troops, etc. You can donate by cash, check and even appreciated stock. You can also make a bequest to the Columbia River Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America by remembering us in your will. If you would like more information about large gifts please call or e-mail Dave Casteel at 834-2448 or shilohcamas@comcast.net. Deductibility questions should be directed to your financial advisor.
VA Community Reintegration Program
by Dave Shoemaker
The Camas Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus is supporting the Veterans Administration's (VA) Community Reintegration Program, an effort to end homelessness among veterans by 2015. The local VA manager for this effort is located on the Vancouver Campus. The Knights of Columbus is an international fraternity of 1.8 million Catholic men. The purpose of the Fourth Degree is to advance the cause of patriotism.
Our Assembly is interested in partnering with business and community organizations to fund and staff this effort. We would welcome MOAA participation in this patriotic effort to serve those who have served in the armed forces that guard our country. Our current efforts involve collecting and delivering supplies and essential housekeeping items to homeless veterans who are moving into VA rent-supported, unfurnished housing. Recent efforts include delivery of donated furniture such as bed frames, tables, chairs, and television sets.
The VA has provided a list of recommended items. The list is not all inclusive - donors are asked to consider what they would need when moving into an apartment with no furniture or supplies. Among the suggested items are kitchen and bathroom paper products, kitchen appliances, bed and bath linens, pots and pans, bed frames (no old mattresses please-unused mattresses OK, or just bed frames OK), toiletries, dishes, eating utensils, cleaning supplies, TVs, radios, etc. Cash donations are also appreciated. Checks may be made out to Knights of Columbus Assembly 2926 and sent to:
Earle Putnam
VA CRP Coordinator
2635 NW 42nd Ave
Camas, WA 98607
The Camas Assembly's point of contact for this project is Earle Putnam. He can be reached at 360-834-9795.
See also the VA's Web page support for our homeless veterans: http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
27 January |
OWC & MOAA Annual Joint Luncheon ~ RSVP by 19 Jan: nancylbp@comcast.net |
17 February |
Luncheon - Installation of Officers - Clark County Skills Center Program: Historic Flight |
19 March |
Brunch - Location: TBD ~ Program: TBD Should be interesting and informative. Bring your questions. |
21 April |
Dinner - Orchard Hills Country Club (tentative) Program: TBD |
June |
Wine Tasting/Picnic |
OWC & MOAA 11th Annual Joint Luncheon - The Waterford at Fairway Village
27 January, Thursday
~ Noon
The Vancouver Retired Military Officer's Wives' Club (OWC) Takes great pleasure in once again inviting MOAA members to join us for lunch
Newsletter Distribution
We are now distributing our newsletter by e-mail so if you are receiving this via postal service and would prefer e-mail please notify our Chapter Secretary, John Donnelly, donnellyj@comcast.net. Even if you have an e-mail address but wish to continue receiving newsletters and postcards by regular mail please notify John at donnellyj@comcast.net or 360-260-7284.
Newsletter Editor
Newsletter Editor: Rich Wersinger. You can contact him at 360-901-1915 or e-mail him at rich@rjwconsulting.org. John Donnelly continues to coordinate calendar inputs and newsletter distribution.