PRESENT: Charles Bush, Ernie Dean, Bill Del Vecchio, Pat Eagan, Leon Holland, Merlen Howe, Norm Jefferson, Wes Lokken, Fred Lord, Gerry Walters

The meeting was called to order at 1230 hrs. by Chairman Leon Holland

Chaplain Dean opened the meeting with an Invocation

The MINUTES of the 20 October 2008 meeting were approved as submitted

COMMITTEE MEMBERS UPDATE

Merlen Howe was officially appointed as a member of the Committee. Fred Lord will continue as the Army Rep. replacing Gerry Walters. Martha Pyle will continue as ROWC Rep.

OLD BUSINESS

1. DFAS - Norm Jefferson reporrted that the list of useful telephone numbers was working well. He also reported there is a new toll free number at Randolph AFB. Fred Lord suggested there should be a consolidated list of A.F., Navy and Army numbers and that this list be given to J.R. Howard for posting on the website. This suggestion was approved for action.

2. List of Attorneys to assist Military Survivors - It was decided not to make a list per se but, rather, to publish a Family Law number from which survivors could choose any Family Practice attorney

3. Survivors Information Guide - Additional copies of this Guide can be made as needed. It should be noted that the Navy Rep, Bill Brown, is now deceased. It was also suggested that we make up a list of Funeral Homes and the cost of services at each establishment for use of Committee members only as they assist survivors.

NEW BUSINESS

1. It was reported that ADC is no longer taking Tri Care Prime due to problems with Tri Care's untimely payments. It was decided that we should send a letter to MOAA and ask for lobbying on our behalf. Fred Lord agreed to do so.

2. Aid and Attendance Program - This is a program which gives a special pension for nursing home care or home health care for Veterans and their spouses. It was requested that this information be put in the Newsletter next month.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

1. Bill Del Vecchio asked that we make sure that the Survivors Check List is available to everyone

2. Ernie Dean reported that he has been working with Charles Ferguson's wife and family to help them solve problems arising from Charles' recent fall and other issues

3. It was suggested that we have Survivors material available at every dinner meeting and that Chairman Holland continue to put P.A. information in the newsletter each month

Chaplain Dean closed the meeting with a Benediction.

Meeting adjourned at 1320 hrs.

NEXT MEETING WILL BE AT THE CALL OF THE CHAIRMAN

PAT EAGAN
SECRETARY