MEET OUR SPEAKER The AMOAA wants its members to he healthy and active participants for a very long time. In keeping with this goal, a healthy diet and exercise are vitally important. Our speaker at the April meeting will be Vicki Griffin who is a Lifestyle Consultant here in Austin. She is a specialist in dietary supplements made custom, based on test results. Ms. Griffin was born in Miami, Florida and moved to Lubbock in 1966 for college. She graduated from Texas Tech University in 1970 with a BBA degree and became a Certified Financial Planner. After suffering from poor health much of her life, seven years ago she discovered for herself the value of functional medicine and testing first before taking dietary supplements. This has made such a profound difference in her own health that it has become her passion and mission in life to help others. She says, 'We are what we eat, absorb and assimilate. Too much of one thing can be just as damaging as not enough of another." Today, foods must grow big, grow fast, look good, and have a long shelf life. Growing big and fast means hormones and steroids for animals and chemical fertilizers for plants. Looking good means coloring and dyes. Long shelf life means chemical preservatives. And processed foods are made to taste good with sugar, monosodium glutomate, and other taste enhancers like flavorings. Even so called "organic" foods and "range-fed" poultry and animals are entirely dependent upon what is in the soil.

The soil near Pecos, Texas gives Pecos cantaloupe its distinctive flavor and taste-and nutrients. Rich soil, rich nutrients. Poor soil, poor nutrients. The bottom line is that it is virtually impossible for a person to get all of their needed nutrients from a healthy diet alone. Ms. Griffin will tell us about how to optimize how we think, what we do, why we make certain food choices, how nutritional supplements all combine for optimal health.   Every individual makes a difference. We cannot live through a single day without, making an impact on the world around us. And we all have free choice-what sort of difference do we want. to make? Do we want to make the world around us a better place? Or not?           Jane Goodall    EVENTS FOR APRIL  19 APRIL  - dinner meeting - 830 hours  - BAE system - (Tracor)  25 APRIL- Board Meeting - 1330 hours- Naval Reserve BIdg, Camp Mabry  21-22 APRIL - ROWC-Spring Surprise Trip Please note the change of date from the usual 4th Friday.

 

ROTC-JROTC- COL Del Vecchio reports that he has had fair response from members volunteering to be presenters of awards this spring, but there are still vacant spots that need filling. All who have taken part in this program in the past have reported a very rewarding experience. It takes only part of an afternoon (or morning or evening). You would be impressed by the young people who earn these awards. Call 512_244-3248 or e-mail: colonelbdiSsbcglobal.net Austin Military History  Austin military officers should know about Austin military history. On the front wall of the Paramount Theater at 713 Congress Avenue is a bronze plaque marking the location of the log cabin of Secretary of War Albert Sidney Johnston when Austin was being built in 1839 as the new capitol of the Republic of Texas. Before becoming Secretary of War, Johnston rose from Private to Commanding General of the Texas Army. Johnston's Adjutant General, Hugh McLeod, was officed just to the north. Military protection was needed during Austin's construction since, according to Edwin Waller, "Our labors were liable every moment to be interrupted by the hostile Indians, for whom we were obliged to be constantly on the watch." Ten years later, in 1849 and after the War with Mexico, Albert Sidney Johnston was commissioned as a Major in the US Army to be the paymaster for all of the Army posts in Texas. At that time, his family home was on the other side of the street at a location which is now the Hickory Street Bar and Grill. At the beginning of the Civil War, Johnston resigned his commission as a Brigadier General in the US Army to accept a commission as General (4 star] in the Confederate Army. He was killed at Shiloh and is buried in the Texas State Cemetery at 909 Navasota Street. - - - - - - - - - - - the End- - - - - - - - - - -  JUST DO IT!  AT THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY.... Retired Army MB Vern Lewis asked that we read and pass it on to your retired military contacts. "I gathered some 16 of my old military friends who agreed to sponsor a movement-Veterans to salute, rather than place their hands over their heart when honoring the flag. fallen comrades, and/or the country.................................... - ....--We refer to saluting when we do the pledge to the flag, when the National Colors pass or are presented, when the National Anthem or honors are played, or when taps are played and firing squads or guns render honors. We got MOA magazine to ask veterans what they preferred, hand over the heart or saluting. When last I looked, some 583 veteran respondents had voted 81% in favor of the salute. In addition, my email address was in the questionnaire and I've had about 150 responses, with all but a dozen or so in favor of the salute. Obviously an overwhelming majority of the veterans want to salute. There are no regulations telling us veterans what we can and can't do in this matter. If we decide we, want to salute, who will dare to tell us "no"? It is a matter of personal choice. We've earned the right to render a salute. Now the challenge is to get the word out I believe the unit and branch associations are the best way. The commanders of the American Legion and VFW never answered my emails, presuming they ever got them. If we can get this started, it will take on a life of it's own. Those who object can continue the hand over the heart thing. Gradually the custom will change, as well it should. Just imagine thousands of fans saluting at NFL, MB, and Major League Baseball games when the National Anthem is played. It will telegraph a message to all others of how many have served this country in the Armed Forces- -it will be a positive and patriotic message. You can help by putting the word out in your organizations, which are made up of patriots like you and me. Thanks, my friend.............Vern" This came from the Internet, by way of CAPT Brotherton Editor note-Let's start with the next dinner meeting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ATTENTION, FELLOW CITIZENS- How many of you are familiar with the term "Sustainable Development" and/or its other name, Agenda 21 ??? If you are, you may know that it stands for a far reaching plan, developed by the UN, to remake the United States of America, that the implementation has already begun, especially in our schools, and that it is vitally important that we do know what it is and how it will impact us. Editor's comment

 

THE BULLETIN BOARD     DINNER MEETING -  Wednesday, 19 April, 2006     BAE Systems Dining Hall         6500 Tracor Lane (Highway 183, South of Webberville Overpass, Just off Ed Bluestein Blvd)                       1830 hours Attire:  Men: Business Casual or Uniform always appropriate Ladies:  Casual Dress, Pant suit or Uniform Charge: $20.00 per person [check payable to AMOAA ] Note: Reservations may be made with your assigned caller or with your service representative by calling before 2100 hours on the Sunday before the Wednesday dinner. Cancellations should also be made by the aforementioned time. Individuals who do not honor reservations will be billed.

 

-COME AND JOIN YOUR FELLOW MEMBERS  - SUPPORT MOAA!"  -Find a new member to bring with you. We are no longer a "retired" organization-we are a dynamic one.!!! National MOAA is starting a new "Give me 10" drive for new members. Bug your non-member friends-Tell them how important numbers are when we go to Congress. We want Guard, Reserve and Active Duty, too. Charge!!!!!!!!" Competition is easier to accept if you realize it is not an act of aggression or abrasion.......... Whatever you want in life, other people are going to want. too. Believe in yourself enough to accept the idea that you have an equal right to it.                           Diane Sawyer, TV Journalist

 

PROGRAM  This promises to be an interesting presentation and quite possibly a controversial one. There are many different points of view on the subject of nutrition, ranging from those who absolutely do not believe in the use of supplements to those who didn't, believe in them until they developed their own brand- and all points in between. Where ever you stand, this is a good chance to ask questions and perhaps, get another look at the subject. It always pays to keep an open mind. Come out- I am sure we will all learn something useful. See you on the 19th. Don't forget-lf you are not being called about the dinner meeting on the third Wednesday of the month, check with your service representative and ask to be added to someone's list. Your Service Rep is listed elsewhere in the bulletin. If you have not been called and wish to attend, and cannot reach your own Service Rep., call one of the others. They will be glad to take your reservation. Just, please do make a reservation if you plan to be there. Permanent name tags-contact Ben Meharg at the meeting or call 280-2569.  BenM@austin.rr.com- Keep in mind that Ben has a paying job in the daytime.

ORDER OF THE EVENING SEATING CHARTS WILL BE PLACED ON TABLES AT 1830 HOURS 1830-1900: -Social Period - Bar Open--  Pay for Dinner, Check in with Service Representative, Select Seats (sign form on table)  1900-1910 : Invocation Pledge of Allegiance National Anthem  1910-2000: Dinner and Door Prizes 1940 - 2230 Speaker MENU Caesar Salad  Chicken Parmesan with marinara Spaghetti  Green beans  Whole Wheat rolls & Butter  Strawberry Labomba Pie  Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea ATTENTION-SINGLES We try to sit together at MOAA dinners. Look for the sign SINGLES-and sign your name if you want to sit with us. -You do not have to sit there. -----

 

CHAPTER OFFICERS 2005-2006 President Capt. James D. Brotherton USN  394-9381 email Duties First VP Col Seldon P. Graham USA  452-4000 email Duties Second VP Col. Ben A. Meharg USMC 280-2569 email Duties Third VP Major Rylen B. Rudy USMC  452-9923 email Duties Secretary   Patricia O. Eagan FMS 894-4036 email Duties Treasurer LtC. Rogerio Rabago USAF 345-8193 email Duties USA Representative Col. Bill Del Vecchio USA 244-3248 email Duties USAF Representative LtC. J. R. Howard USAF 716-4224 email Duties USN/USMC/USCG/USPHS/USNOAA LCdr. Joyce Hoover USN 452-9786 email Duties Immediate Past President Col. Maurice Quigley USA 327-0285 email Duties

 

Appointed Board Members
Chaplain	LtC. Ernest S. Dean	USAF	477-5390	email	Duties
Assistant Chaplain	Col. Leon Holland	USA	335-1224	email	Duties
Personal Affairs Officer	Capt. William K. Brown	USN	345-5420	email	Duties
Austin Military Coalition Representative	Col. Bruce Conover	USAF	282-1844	email	Duties
Legislative Affairs Officer	LtC. Carlos W. Higgins	USAF	258-3564	email	Duties
ROTC Awards Coordinator	Col. Bill Del Vecchio	USA	244-3248	email	Duties
Newsletter Editor	LtC. Mary Kelso	USA	345-7140	email	Duties
Webmaster	LtC. J. R. Howard	USAF	255-2206	email	Duties

RETIRED OFFICERS WIVES CLUB The usual 4th Friday-of-the-Month Luncheon has been superceded by the Spring Trip. Reservations will be closed by the time you receive this Newsletter, so no details are being given. Caring and Sharing Widows Group-first Monday of each month-1300 hours   -LUBY'S CAFETERIA ON STECK AVE (OFF MESA OR MOPAC)   Contact Genevieve Bruce (453-0871) Bridge Second Friday of each Month- 0915 hours   - Cafeteria in the Headquarters Building of CAMP MABRY    Contact-  Shirley Bone (246-9829) MOAA ROTC/JROTC PROGRAM The purpose of the MOAA ROTC medal/certificate is to recognize an outstanding ROTC cadet or midshipman or JROTC cadet, in his next-to-last year in the program, who shows exceptional potential for military leadership (exceptional academic achievement, in the case of the Marine Corps JROTC program). The medal cannot be used for any other purpose. The candidate must:  1. Be in the next-to-last year of the ROTC or JROTC program  2. Be in good academic standing. 3. Be of high moral character. 4. Evidence a high order of loyalty to his unit, school and country. 5. Show exceptional potential for military leadership.  Interested in being a Presenter??? Contact COL Bill DelVecchio, USA. Ret. (colonelbd@sbcglobal.net) or phone 244-3248 -You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.     C.S.Lewis (1898-1963) From Bits & Pieces  APRIL BIRTHDAYS MRS. ALICE BLOOD USAF  CAPT WILLIAM BROWN USN  MRS. KAY BUTCHKO USAF  MRS. IRIS CHRONIS USAF  LCDR WALTER CONLEY USN  COL DAVID CONRAD USAF  MAJ GUY DAVIS USAF  MRS. JOY DAVIS USAF  COL HENRY FOUTS USA  MRS. VIRGINIA FREDA USA COL SELDON  GRAHAM USA  MRS. MARIE HESTER USA  LCDR JOYCE HOOVER USN  CDR JOE HOPSON USN  ADM BOBBY INMAN USN  MAJ RICHARD KESKINEN USAF  MRS. NANCY KOJZAREK USAF  CAPT FRANCIS KOVAL USN MRS. MERCEDES MCPARTLAND USAF  MRS. MARGE MICEK USAF  MRS. MARJORIE MOLNAR USA  MRS. SANDY NIELSEN USAF  MAJ LEON POTEET USAF  MRS. JEAN RICHARDSON USAF  MRS. MARY RODRIGUEZ USA MRS. JAN1CE ROGERS USA  MRS. MABEL STUBBS " USA  MRS. MARY THROOP USA  CWO4 GERRY WALTERS USA  MRS. AUDREY WILSON USAF  LTCOL PAUL XIQUES USAF HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all of you, and many Happy Returns of the day. If you are present at our dinner meeting you will have a 1 in 31 chance of winning a birthday present-but you do have to be present to win the present.

POSTCARDS- Has everyone remembered to send in the Postcards that were included with the March issue of Military Officer??? At this time, the increases in TRICARE fees don't impact most of us, but they will affect members of the Reserve and the Guard when deployed, as well as the younger members of MOAA. It seems to be the Sicilians who make up the Dept. of Defense who are coming up with these ideas, based on a misguided idea that Military Health Care is subtracting from the funds available for Military Hardware. That is the main reason we must keep our Representatives and Senators fighting for us. Unfortunately as time goes by, the number of persons in Congress who have served in the Armed Forces becomes fewer and fewer. But NUMBERS COUNT. "The very strength of our government lies in the ability of its citizens, especially those in the minority, to be heard. And let's face it military members are in the minority." (quote from Col. Giaimo, Director, Council and Chapter Affairs.) YOU ARE IMPORTANT- Perhaps you no longer drive at night and no one in your area comes to AMOAA -but don't drop your membership either in National or our local chapter. The dues are not that great, you will continue to receive the Newsletter so you can keep up with what is going on locally and maybe some program will strike your fancy so you get son, daughter or GRANDCHILD to bring you to a meeting and stay for dinner and the program. Talk to your Reservist neighbor who just came home from deployment-get him or her to join - just don't give up. Editor

SECOND "GIVE ME 10" CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED Excerpts from The Affiliate for March Last year's campaign was successful, and now- - with the threat of increases to TRICARE enrollment fees looming ever closer- MO national is asking each of its 415 chapters to "give another 10" so we can continue our strong advocacy campaign against these health care increases.. Participating chapters will receive $10 for every new member they recruit and a $100 bonus after they recruit 10 members. Chapters will continue to receive $10 for every new member, even after they have signed up 10 new. As an additional incentive, chapters will receive $20 for every new member who signs up for a life membership. Chapters will be broken out by size and a $1000 prize will be given to the top chapter in each category.  Remember, your recruiting efforts go a long way in helping MOAA remain a strong and formidable force on Capitol Hill. - - - - - end of Excerpt- - - -

DUES FORM Please fill in the form below, detach it, and mail it with your check (payable to AMOAA) to: Military Officers Association of America P.O. Box 1071 Austin TX 78767-1071 o New Member          o  Returning Member     o Current Active Member Dues for 1 Jan thru 31 Dec            are $ 17 for Officers and $ 12 for Widows and Widowers   Name, Rank, Service ___________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City ___________________________________________ State _______________Email________________________ Telephone no. _______________ Fax________________________