THE BULLETIN BOARD May, 2004 LTC Mary A. Kelso, Editor

Editor on behalf of the membership and the Board----- THANK YOU, COL. HARRY SMITH for serving as our President for the past year. Anyone who has served in that position or in any position on the Board, knows that the job of leading the organization entails a great many tasks that do not necessarily show up in the "job description". We also know that the job is not really over just because you relinquish the gavel- because then you assume the title of Past President.  We Thank You and wish you Good Health, and look forward to your continued participation in the affairs of the Chapter.

Every one of us alone has the power to direct the course of our lives by choosing what actions we will or won't take. While some- times it's easier to believe you don't have a choice, the reality is that you always have a choice to behave differently.

EVENTS FOR MAY 19 MAY-DINNER MEETING-1830 HOURS                 BAE systems (Tracor) 25 MAY-BOARD MEETING-13:30 HOURS-                 CAMP MABRY NAVAL RESERVE BUILDING                  JOINT MEETING-THE PRESENT AND THE                 INCOMING BOARDS 28 MAY- ROWC-LUNCHEON-AUSTIN                 WOMAN'S CLUB CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU-to the ROWC for a great field trip to Wimberley.  Editor was privileged to accompany the group and found it not only fun but also educational and a great bargain. Who would ever have expected Texas Olives and Olive Oil??? ROTC-JROTC And Thank You, also, to COL Bill DelVecchio, the ROTC Awards Coordinator, for the opportunity to present the MOAA certificate and medal for excellence to a Cadet at Westwood High School, Round Rock.  This is a privilege that our members should avail themselves of-especially if you are among the many in the older generations who believe that the younger one is going to the dogs.  It was inspiring to see the devotion to duty and love of country displayed at these ceremonies, and the obvious pride in the uniform and the organization. The Army Green was lonely in-the sea of Air Force Blue, but it was welcomed. Thank You, COL DelVecchio-you can count on LTC Kelso for this duty any time. THANK YOU ALSO DUE--On behalf of the membership and the Board, your Editor extends THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE TO THOSE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WHO ARE COMPLETING THEIR TERM OF SERVICE WITH THIS MEETING. Col Maurice Quigley for good and memorable programs. LTC David Buttress-for arrangements for our dinner meetings that make them look effortless and don't let us see how much work was done behind the scenes. CAPT James T. Burrill-who has not only kept the finances straight, but also "owns" the Post Office box-a thank-less job in itself. LTC George McClure and LTC Harold Hampton who have served as representatives of their respective corps and have kept reservations in order. COL James Orr-who will no longer be THE Past President, but who, we hope, will continue to lend his expertise to the organization. THANK YOU ALL!!!!"!

EXCERPT FROM THE AFFILIATE FOR APRIL 04     OUTREACH STILL NEEDED TO FIND TFL BENEFICIARIES-     ARE THERE STILL WIDOWS WHO DESPERATELY NEED TRICARE for Life (TFL)?..... ..................If you are a military retiree, a spouse, or a dependent of a retiree, regardless of the branch of service, and you need assistance, the ROA-Retired Activities Office-at your nearest installation is there to serve you   A key element of all military services' retired activities programs, the ROAs constitute a link between the retiree and the military community, as well as other government agencies. The RAO volunteers are knowledgeable about the basic benefits to which all retirees, their dependents, and their survivors are entitled. RAOs are located worldwide in areas with a high concentration of retired military personnel.  Many are located at family service centers on military bases and reserve centers. Use them. You won't regret it. ------ end of excerpt------ IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO COULD BENEFIT FROM LEARNING OF HELP TO WHICH HE OR SHE IS ENTITLED BUT DOESN'T KNOW IT, PLEASE SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH HIM/HER. THIS COULD BE ESPECIALLY TRUE OF RESIDENTS IN NURSING HOMES OR ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES. ESPECIALLY WITH THE LATTER, IT COULD MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN THEIR BEING ABLE TO STAY IN THE FACILITY OR NOT. MEMBERSHIP ROSTER We all hate to Nag-Nag-Nag-but numbers do count!! MOAA Chapters are the legislative action arm; without them the organization would not be as effective as it is. It is understood that members have many reasons for not attending the evening meetings, but we would still like to keep you as part of the Chapter. The new roster will go to the printers on or about the 15th of this month. Please be on it. INFORMATION FROM THE APRIL "AFFILIATE" Member Service Center became responsible for handling MOAA member death reports about a year ago. Chapter members representing the family can report deaths in three ways *Fill out a Web form at HQ; *call the MSC at [800] 234-6622, 8am-6pm Eastern time * Send an e-mail to msc@moaa.org. Please make certain of the facts before reporting. Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible. Edward V. Rickenbacker (1890-1973) Aviator

THE BULLETIN BOARD     DINNER MEETING-19 May, 2004     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: Business Casual Dress or Pant Suit                            Charge: $18.00 [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!" If you don't participate in the activities, you have no standing to complain if you are unhappy. The new Officers for next year will be installed at this meeting---- COME OUT AND BE COUNTED!""""!

PROGRAM      ORDER OF THE EVENING Installation of Officers for 2004-2005 SPEAKER -Mr. Ollie Pope, who is currently serving as Travis County Veterans Service Officer, was an Assistant Services Officer for 10 years before this. So I think it would be safe to say that there probably are not many problems that he has not met and conquered in that span of time. If you have questions of general interest, now is the time to ask them. SEE YOU THERE ON THE 19th War without consideration for humanity is barbaric, and peace at any cost is the passive consent to unacceptable actions by others. Jim Chandler, Denver, Colorado in Bits and Pieces --Please Note: If you are not being called each month concerning the dinner meeting on the third Wednesday, please call your service representative (listed elsewhere in the Bulletin) and ask that he/she add your name to the calling lists. Your Service Reps have not changed, yet, but your caller may have. If you have not been called by Sunday Evening and wish to attend the dinner, and cannot reach your own Service Rep, please call one of the others. They will be glad to accommodate you and turn in your reservation. MOAA Name tags available-Members who wish permanent name tags should contact COL Ben A. Meharg at 280-2569. E-mail bmeharg@austin.rr.com . The cost is $3.00, but they will last a lifetime-unless you lose them.

ORDER OF THE EVENING SEATING CHARTS WILL BE PLACED ON TABLES AT 1830 HOURS 1830-1900 hours- Social Period                               Pay for Dinner      Check in with Service Representative      Select Seats ( sign form at end of Table) 1900-1910 hours: Invocation                              Pledge of Allegiance                              National Anthem 1910 -2000: Dinner and Door Prizes 2000: Speaker MENU      Waldorf Salad      Tomatillo Chicken Breast with            Mango Pico      Spanish Rice      Fiesta Corn      Cum/no Bread -Butter      Vanilla with Caramel Sauce      Coffee-Tea-Iced Tea ATTN; 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. Questions or Info-call George McClure 345-6520

CHAPTER OFFICERS 2003-2004 President: COL Harry L. Smith, Jr., USAF, 926- 8635   -incoming-  COL Maurice Quigley, USA First VP (Program): COL Maurice Quigley, USA, 327-0285 (mauriceq@sbcglobal.net) -incoming- Maj. Stanley Bullard. USAF Second VP (Membership): COL Ben_A. Meharg USMC, 280-2569 (bmeharg@austin.rr.com) - incoming- No Change Third VP (Support), LTC David Buttress, USAF, 280-5288 (DButtross@hotmail.com) -incoming- LTC. Hal Hampton, USAF Secretary: Mrs. Patricia 0. Eagan, FSM, 894-4036 (eaentrpr@aol.com) Treasurer: CAPT. James T. Burrill, USN, 261-7778 -incoming- LTC Rogerio Rabago, USAF USA Representative: LTC George W. McClure, 345-6520 -incoming- COL Bill Del Vecchio, USA USAF Representative: LTC Harold N. Hampton , 327-2378 (halhampton@aol.com) -incoming-  LTC J. Howard, USAF USN/USMC/USCG/USPHS/USNOAA Representative: LCDR Joyce Hoover, USN 452-9786 (jjhoov@mail. utexas. edu) Past President: : COL James Orr, USMC 267-3263 (jwoassoc@aol.com) Appointed Board Members Chaplain: LTC Ernest S. Dean, USAF 477-5390 (Essodean@earthlink.net) Assistant Chaplain : COL Leon Holland, USA 335-1224 (leon.holland@alumni.utexas.net) Personal Affairs Officer: CAPT William K. Brown, USN 345-5420 (Wkingbrown@cs.com) Austin Military Coalition Representative: COL Bruce Conover, USAF 2822-1844 Legislative Affairs Officer: LTC Carlos W. Higgins 258-3564 ROTC Awards Coordinator: COL Bill Del Vecchio, USA, 244-3248 (colonelbd@sbcglobal.net) Newsletter Editor: LTC Mary Kelso, USA 345-7140 (mkels1@aol.com)                                NO Changes in Appointed Board Members RETIRED OFFICERS WIVES CLUB ____________________________________ Friday,--28 May  We are back to our regular Luncheon-Austin Woman's Club.      PROGRAM--Spring Fashion Show-SURPRISE STORE          ALSO-lnstallation of New officers      Social time-10:45 a.m. Luncheon -11:30      Reservations: Martha Kirby 259-0423 or Jo Jean Gillespie_345-3069 Luncheon----     First Monday of each Month -1300 hours-that is 1:00 PM          Caring and sharing Widows Group-LUBY'S CAFETERIA ON STECK AVE (OFF MESA OR MOPAC)          Contact Genevieve Bruce (453-0871) BRIDGE     Second Friday of each Month- 0915 hours      Bridge - Cafeteria in the Headquarters building of CAMP MABRY      Contact-Shiriey Bone (1-246-9829) or Eva Costello (458-9064) TAPS COL WALTER PYHRR, USA, retired, 25 February, 2004 Eternal light shine upon him and may he rest in peace, amen. The best thing we can do for ourselves and the people in our lives is to love them unconditionally, forgive them without reservation and to accept them exactly as they are. lyania vanzant, writer

FROM THE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE-05-07-04 House Subcommittee Proposes Survivors Benefit Program (SBP) Fix-but delayed The good news is that House Armed Services Total Force Subcommittee Chairman John McHugh [R-NY] Wednesday what none of his predecessors had ever done before: he included a plan to eliminate the Survivor Benefit Plan Age-62 annuity reduction in his draft of the FY2005 Defense Authorization Bill (HR 4200). This resulted, in large measure, from the efforts of House SBP champion Rep. Jeff Miller [R. FL] who has built up large cosponsorship lists for his two SBP bills [H.R. 3763 and H.R. 548] and has lobbied Armed Services and Budget Committee leaders insistently for months that the Committee needs to take substantive action on this issue this year. The bad news is that, because the Budget Committee has not yet provided the subcommittee any SBP budget authority for the next 5 years, the only way Chairman McHugh saw to do the fix was to delay the first-step annuity adjustment until 2009. Under the Subcommittee-approved bill the minimum SBP annuity for survivors age 62 and older would rise from 35% of covered retired Pay to 40% on October 1, 2009: and then to 45% on October 2010: to 50% on October 1, 2012, and 55% on October 1, 2014. It also would authorize a one-year "open season" to let currently non-participating retirees enroll in the upgraded SBP, with a premium penalty proportional to the length of time they have been retired. The Subcommittee's senior Democrat, Rep Vie Snyder [D-AR] Proposed an alternative amendment that would start the annuity adjustments on October 1, 2005, as envisioned in Rep. Miller's H.R. 3763. He and several colleagues spoke ardently on the need to do something sooner and try to find the money. ................................McHugh and others expressed the concern that proposing a 2005 SBP increase without an offset would make the Defense Bill subject to a point of order on the House floor that could kill the bill. Accordingly, the Subcommittee voted 8-6 against the proposed Snyder amendment. HOUSE BILL RECOMMENDS RESERVE UPGRADES, COMMISSARY PROTECTIONS In addition to the SBP provision discussed above, here is a synopsis of selected provisions of the defense bill draft approved by the House Armed Services Total Force Subcommittee: * 3.5% across-the-board basic pay raise for active duty, Guard and Reserve members. *400M to increase military housing allowances to fully cover median housing expenses for each grade and location. *Authority to make up any differential between civilian salary and military pay for mobilized Guard/Reserve members: a. after 12 continuous months on active duty,

b.1 y ( after being on active duty for a cumulative total of at least 1 after being on active duty for a cumulative total of at least 11 months within a 5-year period c. if mobilized within 6 months after coming off a previous mobilization.      *Establishes a statutory definition of the commissary benefit and requirement for the Secretary of Defense to provide the benefit; establishes 90-day congressional notification requirement of intent to close any commissary; establishes that finances are not a reason for commissary closure and that evaluation of the serviced population for any closure consideration must include Guard and Reserve patrons.      *Adds 300 million to permanently authorize TRICARE eligibility 90 days before and 180 days after mobilization for Guard/Reserve families.      * Requires 3-year demonstration TRICARE eligibility for Selected Reserve members and families who have no employer-sponsored health care, with payment of an annual enrollment fee. The demonstration must be conducted at least 10 sites. (NOTE: MOAA does not support backtracking to a 10-site minimum. Last year's requirement for a one year program, which DoD so far has refused to implement was not limited in this way The Pentagon has fought this much-needed coverage tooth and nail, and such intransigence should be reprimanded, not rewarded.] *Directs a study of the recruiting and retention impact of authorizing a DoD-funded stipend to help cover the cost of Guard/Reserve members employer-provided health coverage for family members during periods of mobilization. *Authorizes permanent ID cards for spouses and survivors who are age 70 or older, so elderly beneficiaries who have trouble traveling to military installations or navigating mail renewal requirements will no longer suffer interruption of their TRICARE For Life coverage because of inadvertent ID card expiration...... SCHWARTZ APPEARS BEFORE SPENDING SUBCOMMITTEE Specifically, Schwartz: *Urged full funding of the defense health budget-so the defense health budget doesn't have to be balanced on the back of beneficiaries. *Expressed concern over the Pentagon's lack of progress in implementing the Guard and Reserve health care benefits passed by congress last year-especially for the lack of a timeline to provide TRICARE coverage on a cost-share basis for reservists who have no employer-sponsored health insurance. Upon hearing that last year's enhancements had not all been implemented, Subcommittee Chairman Stevens (R-AK] expressed his concern as well and indicated he would look further into the matter personally. *Schwartz also reminded the Subcommittee that last years enhancements are temporary, with the authority and funding due to expire at the end of this year. She urged the Subcommittee to fully fund the permanent expansion of TRICARE health care benefits for the Guard/Reserve. --------End of Excerpts------ MEMBERS- Please contact your Representative in support of Rep. Edward's SBP discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 548, Rep. Jeff Miller's [R-FL] bill to phase out the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP] age-62 annuity reduction over five years. http://capwiz.com/moaa/home or [877] 762-8762.