Austin, Texas Chapter
The Association for all Military Officers
Companion Bulletin-February
2008
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Companions, The January meeting at the Holiday Inn exceeded our expectations. The meal was probably the best that we have had there and the service was outstanding as usual. We were then blessed with a flawless discussion by former USAF multi-engine pilot, LtCol Ernest Dean, on the role of a chaplain. For you see, Ernest traded in his wings for liturgical robes upon military retirement and completion of his MDiv at Austin Presbyterian in 1978. A native of North Carolina, Col. Dean graduated with honors from NC State College in Raleigh and flew C-118, C124, C-130, C-131 and T-29 aircraft for 20 years. He currently mentors young pastors and is the Chaplain for AMOAA. What a wonderful after dinner program to start the New Year. Chaplain Dean is interested in becoming a member of our Chapter. We were fortunate to have Mrs. Shirley Dean as the guest of Companion Bullard and Mrs. Flo Kerr was the guest of Colonel Wes Lokken. Mrs. Mary Adelman was the quest of Companion Gabe Nossov. We welcomed dear friends and Chapter members that we haven't seen in some time, Companion Verne Philips and his wife Lavon. Mickie Burrill and Lois Howard were back and looking great as usual. |
Do you know that those members of our Chapter that have Perpetual
Memberships do not pay yearly dues to either the Chapter or to National
Headquarters. Such members remain on our membership roster forever. National Headquarters pays each Chapter a yearly dividend for each
Perpetual Member on their roles from Perpetual Membership endowment funds.
Perpetual memberships are a one-time cost of $350.00 and may be paid, at
your option, in four quarterly installments of $87.50. Please call me for
an application.
Companions, 14 February is Saint Valentine's Day and on that evening we are honored to have one of our own members, Companion Joe Studak, speak on the monumental undertaking, forever known as the Berlin Airlift. Joining the Army Air Corps in 1943, LtCol Studak flew in China as a member of the Air Transport Command and was selected for his experience to participate in the 1948-49 Berlin Airlift. We look forward to this very knowledgeable and talented Officer's presentation. The social gathering is at 1830 hours. Come early and bring a new member. Andrew J. McVeigh III |
Schedule:
| Meeting.
2008 Holiday Inn Northwest (Mopac & Hwy 183) The cost for the evening is $18.00. If you are not called by xxx th February., contact Andrew McVeigh at 261-6272 |
| Proposed
NATO Manifesto
THE West must be ready to resort to a pre-emptive nuclear attack to try
to halt the "imminent" spread of nuclear and other weapons of
mass destruction, according to a radical manifesto for a new NATO by five
of the West's most senior military officers and strategists. The former armed forces chiefs from the US, Britain, Germany, France and the Netherlands insist that a "first-strike" nuclear option remains an "indispensable instrument" since there is "simply no realistic prospect of a nuclear-free world". The manifesto has been written following discussions with active commanders and policymakers, many of whom are unable or unwilling to publicly air their views. It has been presented to the Pentagon in Washington and to NATO's Secretary- General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, over the past 10 days. The proposals are likely to be discussed at a NATO summit in Bucharest in April. |
"The risk of further (nuclear) proliferation is imminent and, with
it, the danger that nuclear war fighting, albeit limited in scope, might
become possible," the authors argued in the 150-page blueprint for
urgent reform of Western military strategy and structures.
"The first use of nuclear weapons must remain in the quiver of escalation as the ultimate instrument to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction." The authors paint an alarming picture of the threats and challenges confronting the West in the post-9/11 world and deliver a withering verdict on the ability to cope. Ron Asmus, head of the German Marshall Fund think tank in Brussels and a former senior US State Department official, described the manifesto as "a wake-up call". "This report means that the core of the NATO establishment is saying we're in trouble, that the West is adrift and not facing up to the challenges," Mr Asmus said. GUARDIAN |
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Program Joe Studak will talk about his aviation experiences from the CBI to B-52's. Quote to Ponder:
Lou Holtz / Arkansas |
Home Remedies If you're choking on an ice cube simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself. Staff Meeting |
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Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles Several criticisms of the MRAP program have been its lack of a common design, which presents a wartime logistical challenge, the vehicle's inability to withstand EFP attacks, and the relatively few number of units which have been delivered to Iraq and Afghanistan, despite large orders. However, some analysts see the diversity of MRAP vehicles as an advantage. Other criticisms include the vehicle's weight and size, which severely limit its mobility off main roads, in urban areas, and over bridges. Its heft also restricts several of the vehicles from being transported by C-130 cargo aircraft. Although three MRAP vehicles will fit in a C-17 aircraft, airlifting is extremely expensive at $750,000 per vehicle, estimated by the U.S. Transportation Command. |
For comparison, sealifting costs around $13,000 per vehicle,
but takes between three and four weeks for the vehicle to arrive in
theater. For these reasons, in December 2007, the Marine Corps
reduced its request from 3700 vehicles to 2300. The Army followed
suit, and substantially reduced the number of vehicles it intends to
order.
This program is very similar to the US Army's Medium Mine Protected Vehicle program.
"We live one day at a time and scratch where it itches." Darrell Royal / Texas |
Austin Chapter Website and
Newsletter
Inspiration Selection |
Chapter Officers Commander - COL McVeigh 1st Vice Cmdr. - MAJ Bullard Adjutant - Patricia Eagan Treasurer - CAPT Burrill Chaplain - CDR Cochran Youth Leadership Conference Coordinator - LTC Tom Anderson ROTC Coordinator - Col Leon Holland
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| Key Veterans Accomplishments in the 110th Congress Historic increases in support for the VA health care system o $11.8 billion in increases over 12 months § $3.4 billion increase to FY07 CR § $1.8 billion in Supplemental funding in May 2007 Iraq war spending bill § $6.6 billion increase in FY08 bill (last $3.7 billion as contingency) o 30% increase in the VA funding baseline from January 2007 (from $33.1 billion to $43.1 billion) o Other key increases since January 2007 (when the budget was frozen at FY06 levels) § Medical Services $29.1 billion (from $22.5 billion, a 29% increase) § Medical Administration $3.5 billion (from $2.9 billion, a 21% increase) § Medical Facilities $4.1 billion (from $3.3 billion, a 24% increase) § Medical Research $480 million (from $412 million, a 17% increase) |
§ Substance Abuse $428 million (from $358 million, a 20% increase) § Homeless veterans $130 million (from $63.6 million, a 104% increase) 240% increase in non-recurring maintenance at VA facilities since January
2007 to prevent a Walter Reed-like tragedy from occurring there. Focusing on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. |
| TRICARE EOBS UPDATE 02: Tricare for Life (TFL) beneficiaries can soon print a copy of their Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from the convenience of their own homes. Starting in JAN 08, the only paper EOB's that beneficiaries will receive are monthly summaries. The exception to this is if a claim includes services that are rejected, and those services have appeal rights; or if the EOB is mailed with a payment to the beneficiary. In February, beneficiaries will have the option to receive an electronic notification every time a claim processes. Beneficiaries can then log on to the secure web site at www.TRICARE4U.com, to view and print their EOB. The EOB will be available online and beneficiaries will have the ability to access EOB's for any claim processed during the last 27 months. Once a beneficiary signs up for this option, they will not receive a monthly paper summary. TFL beneficiaries will receive letters notifying them of the changes, either with their current EOB's or any other correspondence. If there are any questions about the registration process beneficiaries can call 1-866-773-0404. Those requiring a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) can call 1-866-773-0405. [Source: TMA News Release 9 Jan 08 ++] |
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Battle of Actium" The Battle of Actium was an important turning point in the history of Egypt and Rome. When Octavian (later known as the Emperor Augustus) met the combined forces of Mark Antony and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, Roman forces faced Roman forces, pretty evenly matched. The fighting continued throughout the day of September 2, 31 B.C., until, inexplicably, Cleopatra took her troops and left the naval battle. Mark Antony, leaving his troops behind, followed her. The result was that Octavian, helped by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, won the battle. This left only Octavian to be the leader of Rome, soon to become Augustus, and first Roman emperor. |