12 Voting is a Privilege and a Duty

26 Convention 101

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6BE READY: LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS CAN OCCUR RAPIDLY 8

F L E E T R E S E R V E A S S O C I A T I O N

AEROGRAPHER’S MATE More Than the Navy’s

Weather Experts PAGE 16

YES. I wish to order my Navy Career watch, featuring my birthstone in theeye of an American Eagle and my Career insignia on the custom watch band:

MY BIRTHSTONE MONTH (see choices above):_________________________

CAREER INSIGNIA (N1-N16 see pictures & numbers above): _________________

INITIALS (3): _____ _____ ____ YEARS SERVED.: _______ - _______

I AM AN HONOR RECIPIENT. Please add my Medal in place of my career insignia: Purple Heart Bronze Star Silver Star

NOTE: A copy of your DD214 or other authorizing document must be sent with your order. Thank You.

I WISH TO PAY AS FOLLOWS:Enclosed is my check or money order for $125* per watch payable to “Veterans Commemoratives” as payment in full, ORCharge my credit card $125* per watch as payment in full, ORCharge my credit card in two monthly installments of $62.50* each.

CREDIT CARD: Visa MasterCard AMEX Discover

CC#:__________________________________________ Exp.:____/ ________

Card Security Code:________ Signature_______________________________

SHIPPING ADDRESS (We CANNOT ship to P.O. Boxes) Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Name: ___________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

City:______________________________ State:______ Zip:________________

Phone: (_______)_______________Email: ______________________________(In case we have questions about your order)

OR, MAIL TO: Veterans Commemoratives™ Watch Order Center, Two Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 120, Radnor, PA 19087-4599

* Plus $19.95 per watch for shipping & handling.* PA residents add 6% ($8.40) sales tax.

FOR MORE FINE NAVY MILITARY COMMEMORATIVES VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.VETCOM.COM

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Watch dial is die struck with a Golden Navy Service Emblem set against a dramaticblack-enamel background. The effect is stunning!

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SELECT YOUR BIRTHSTONE: Birthstones are simulated for consistent size and clarity. Names refer to color.

1

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2016

YES. I wish to order my Navy Career watch, featuring my birthstone in theeye of an American Eagle and my Career insignia on the custom watch band:

MY BIRTHSTONE MONTH (see choices above):_________________________

CAREER INSIGNIA (N1-N16 see pictures & numbers above): _________________

INITIALS (3): _____ _____ ____ YEARS SERVED.: _______ - _______

I AM AN HONOR RECIPIENT. Please add my Medal in place of my career insignia: Purple Heart Bronze Star Silver Star

NOTE: A copy of your DD214 or other authorizing document must be sent with your order. Thank You.

I WISH TO PAY AS FOLLOWS:Enclosed is my check or money order for $125* per watch payable to “Veterans Commemoratives” as payment in full, ORCharge my credit card $125* per watch as payment in full, ORCharge my credit card in two monthly installments of $62.50* each.

CREDIT CARD: Visa MasterCard AMEX Discover

CC#:__________________________________________ Exp.:____/ ________

Card Security Code:________ Signature_______________________________

SHIPPING ADDRESS (We CANNOT ship to P.O. Boxes) Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Name: ___________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

City:______________________________ State:______ Zip:________________

Phone: (_______)_______________Email: ______________________________(In case we have questions about your order)

OR, MAIL TO: Veterans Commemoratives™ Watch Order Center, Two Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 120, Radnor, PA 19087-4599

* Plus $19.95 per watch for shipping & handling.* PA residents add 6% ($8.40) sales tax.

FOR MORE FINE NAVY MILITARY COMMEMORATIVES VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.VETCOM.COM

CAREER WATCH HONORS YOUR SERVICE TO COUNTRY

U.S. NAVY CAREER WATCHPersonalized with Your Birthstone, Career Insignia, Initials & Years Served

We proudly present our Exclusive United States Navy Military watchwith custom features not found in any other watch at any price:

©ICM 2016 BLKWAT-NA-1016

N3

AVIATIONSTRUCTURAL

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MACHINIST’SMATE

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QUARTERMASTER

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NAVY SERVICE

N2

AVIATION ELEC.TECHNICIAN

BOATSWAINMATE

PURPLE HEART

N13

CRYPTOLOGICTECH

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Watch dial is die struck with a Golden Navy Service Emblem set against a dramaticblack-enamel background. The effect is stunning!

Your Personal Birthstone is set in the eye of a Powerful American Eagle above the Dial.Your Navy Career Insignia is cast in golden bronze & positioned below the watchdial to complete this unique timepiece.

Water-resistant case and stainless steel band finished in contrastingBlack Ion Plating and golden bezel with Roman Numerals.

Your initials & Years of Service will be engraved on the case-back.

Precision quartz movement for accuracy within seconds per month.

Priced at just $125* payable in two convenient, interest-free monthlyinstallments of $62.50* each. (See order form for details.)

Your satisfaction is guaranteed or you may return your watch within30 days for replacement or refund - no questions asked.

CHOOSE YOUR NAVY CAREER INSIGNIA:N8

OPERATIONSSPECIALIST

SILVER STARBRONZE STAR

HONOR RECIPIENT OPTIONS

Shown withElectriciansMate (N4)Career Insignia.

FREE FLAG PINWITH EACH ORDER 1-800-255-3048FOR FASTEST SERVICE CALL TOLL FREE TO ORDER:

Monday - Friday from 9am - 5pm EST Have Credit Card ready when ordering.

YOU’VE EARNED THE RIGHT TO WEAR THIS SPECIAL WATCH!

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

GARNET AMETHYST AQUAMARINE ZIRCON EMERALD ALEXANDRITTE RUBY PERIDOT SAPPHIRE ROSE ZIRCON GOLDEN SAPPHIRE BLUE ZIRCON

SELECT YOUR BIRTHSTONE: Birthstones are simulated for consistent size and clarity. Names refer to color.

Volume 95 Number 10

Featured16 AEROGRAPHER’S MATE – MORE THAN

THE NAVY’S WEATHER EXPERTSWeather is a critical element of warfighting. Although it can’t be controlled, it can be predicted, and that knowledge can affect military operations in war and peacetime.

Departments 2 COMMUNICATIONS

4 FROM THE BRIDGE

6 SHIPMATE FORUM

8 ON & OFF CAPITOL HILLBe Ready: Legislative Developments Can Occur Rapidly

14 MEMBERSHIP MATTERSVeterans’ Assistance Programs

24 FRA TODAY STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

26 CONVENTION 101

28 TAPS

30 SHIPMATE NEWS

32 NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRAMessage from North Central Regional President Teresa Norton

ON THE COVERU.S. Navy Aerographer’s Mates (AGs) are the service’s resident experts on meteorol-ogy and oceanography, providing critical data to ships, aircraft and shore activities.

FRA IS A CONGRESSIONALLY CHARTERED, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION ADVOCATING ON CAPITOL HILL FOR CURRENT AND FORMER ENLISTED MEMBERS OF THE U.S. NAVY, MARINE CORPS AND COAST GUARD.

LOYALTY, PROTECTION AND SERVICE

October 2016

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COMMUNICATIONS

Lauren Armstrong

NATIONAL OFFICERS/BOARD OF DIRECTORS

National President Virgil P. Courneya, High Sierra Branch 274 National Vice President: Donald L. Larson, Corpus Christi Branch 94

National Executive Dir. Thomas J. Snee, Navy Department Branch 181 Finance Officer Nora M. Graham, CPA, CMA Junior PNP John D. Ippert, Honolulu Branch 46 National Parliamentarian PNP F. Donald Mucheck, Low Country

Branch 269 National Chaplain Dana Wallace, Annapolis Branch 24

REGIONAL PRESIDENTS

Northeast/New England Donna M. Jansky, North Shore Branch 31 East Coast Penny Collins, Annapolis Branch 24 Southeast Dave W. Davis, Atlantic Beach Branch 290 North Central Marcia Cunningham, Milwaukee Branch 14 South Central Donald R. Gibson, Lone Star Branch 11 Southwest Donald L. Kelley, Imperial Beach Branch 289 West Coast Patrick H. LeClaire, Silver Dollar Branch 192 Northwest Julian “JJ” Wynn, Honolulu Branch 46

ACTIVE DUTY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven S. Giordano

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald Green

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Steven Cantrell

RESERVE ADVISORY COUNCIL

Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve Clarence “CJ” Mitchell

USMC Reserve Force Sergeant Major Anthony Spadaro

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force

Eric Johnson

FRA TODAY MAGAZINEThe monthly membership publication of the Fleet Reserve Association

Publisher Fleet Reserve Association

National Executive Director Thomas J. Snee

Communications Director Lauren Armstrong

Managing Editor Victoria Duran

Marketing Bill Stevenson

Design and Art Direction

FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com

Design Director Scott Rodgerson

Production Manager Sandy Jones

FRA TODAY (ISSN 1935-7192) IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY FRA, 125 N. WEST ST., ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314-2754. A MEMBER’S SUBSCRIPTION IS COVERED BY THE MEMBER’S ANNUAL DUES. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ALEXANDRIA, VA AND ADDITIONAL OFFICES. PUBLICATION OF NON-SPONSORED ADVERTISING IN FRA TODAY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE FRA OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: MEMBER SERVICES, FRA, 125 N. WEST ST., ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314-2754. FRA TODAY IS PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF ALL CURRENT AND FORMER ENLISTED PERSONNEL OF THE U.S. NAVY, MARINE CORPS, AND COAST GUARD. ELIGIBLE NON-MEMBERS ARE NOT ENTITLED TO SUBSCRIPTION RATES. ESTABLISHED 1 NOVEMBER 1923. TITLE REGISTERED WITH U.S. PATENT OFFICE.

FRA ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS: 125 N. WEST ST., ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314-2754 • PHONE: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924

FAX: 703-549-6610 • E-MAIL: FRATODAY@FRA.ORG • WWW.FRA.ORG

VOLUME 95 NUMBER 10

Find us on Facebook: www.fra.org/fb

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/FRAHQ

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/FRA_HQ

Lauren Armstrong is FRA’s Director of Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of FRA Today. Please contact her at lauren@fra.org.

Introducing Bill StevensonIT IS MY DISTINCT HONOR to introduce Bill Stevenson, FRA’s next Communications Director. Bill’s been on the National Headquarters (NHQ) team for several weeks now and is rapidly learning the ropes of FRA’s Communications Department.

Bill hails from Southern Maryland and brings a wealth of publishing and marketing experience to FRA. His work experience for other non-profit organizations includes promotion, public relations, development, art direction, production management and a broad array of other skills that will serve him well in his post at FRA. He’s an artist (he earned a degree in fine art from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.) with a creative spirit and has an eye for the aesthetic. He’s also got a firm grasp on budgets and the bottom line, and he is already proving he knows how to make the most of limited time and resources.

As my tenure on the FRA NHQ staff draws to a close, I’m feeling very good about turning the helm of the Communications Department over to Bill’s capable leadership. Bill authored this month’s feature story about Navy Aerographers and he’s got a lot of new ideas, with the en-ergy and know-how to bring them to life. I’m confident FRA Today and the other facets of this position are in very good hands.

Bill, along with Victoria Duran, our other Communications team member, will be attending our national convention in Jacksonville this month and I’m excited to introduce them to all the shipmates and Auxiliary members who will be there. It will be their first convention and I know you’ll make them feel very welcome. For anyone else who may be going to convention for the first time, be sure to read the con-vention tutorial on pages 26 and 27.

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An Open Letter from National President Virgil CourneyaShipmates:As I was giving thought to this article my mind was racing as to what the message should be to the membership.

As the Association year comes to an end, there are many situations that need to be considered by our ship-mates. The U.S. presidential election will have a tremendous impact on the country, including military per-sonnel and veterans. In addition to the White House, the entire House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate is up for grabs in the November elections. As members of one of the oldest veterans’ service organizations, it is our responsibility to cast our bal-lots in this, and all, elections.

Given all the exposure and politi-cal focus on the challenges facing vet-erans and their families over the past three years, this will be the most piv-otal elections in our lifetime. This elec-tion will determine the future benefits for service members and veterans, which includes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare sys-tem, TRICARE and TRICARE for Life benefits for military retirees and fam-ily members, and support for home-less veterans, to name a few areas of

concern. One of our duties as citizens is to encourage our members and fam-ilies to go to the polls and vote so that our voices will be heard. Let’s ensure that our veterans and their needs are not forgotten and that our currently-serving military personnel are proper-ly trained, equipped and compensated for the important work they do.

The need for personal accountabil-ity extends to many facets of our lives, including voting in elections and also

taking responsibility for the future of the FRA. In reviewing our member-ship statistics and the budget, it comes to mind that each shipmate of the as-sociation is accountable for recruiting and retaining fellow members. It is particularly important that we recruit and retain new (and younger) mem-bers in order to cultivate new ideas for charting FRA’s course for the future.

Membership is vital to our asso-ciation and I am sure that each of you probably knows a member or veteran of the Sea Services who could belong to our Association. It’s a simple mat-ter to educate them on what the Fleet Reserve Association is all about and what we have to offer. I appeal to you to get out and do recruitment so we may maintain the strength of our membership. In eight short years, FRA will be celebrating its 100th anniversa-ry. As we “Head to 100,” I would like to focus on plans to ensure that FRA and the important work we do is viable for another 100 years.

As the 2015–2016 Association year comes to a close and we head into the National Convention in Jacksonville, I wish all attendees safe travels, lots of fun and a successful convention. To those who will be shouldering new roles as members of FRA’s National Board of Directors, I encourage you to be creative and innovative as you give your full attention to the respon-sibilities of your office and embrace our three cardinal rules: Loyalty, Protection and Service.

FROM THE BRIDGE

Virgil Courneya

Virgil Courneya was elected to serve as FRA’s national president during the 2015–2016 Association year. He is a member of Branch 274 (Reno, Nev.).

The need for personal

accountability extends

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lives, including voting in

elections and also

taking responsibility for

the future of the FRA.

Employers Identification Number (EIN) and the Submission of the 990-N Form

Each FRA branch is responsible for having an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and filing their taxes (IRS Form 990-N) annually in order to maintain its non-profit status with the IRS. There are some excellent tutorials online.

For EIN information: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online

For 990-N information: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5248.pdf

If your branch is having difficulties in filing the required forms, please contact Finance Officer Nora Graham for assistance. She can be reached by email at finance@fra.org or at 1-800-FRA-1924, ext. 102.

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USCG’s Varied Missions As a former ice breaker sailor, (USCGC Glacier WAGB-11), I want to express my thanks for featuring one of the Coast Guard’s many missions. As I read the article it brought many fond memo-ries of my tour on the Glacier. Times like chasing rain squalls in the South Pacific (when our evaporators didn’t work) so we could have fresh-water showers. It also brought too many other memories to share.

Please don’t forget that ice breaking is just one of the Coast Guard’s many missions. The Coast Guard’s missions also include law enforcement, search and rescue, aids to navigation maintenance, hazardous spill cleanup, etc. I, as well as the rest of the Coast Guard, would appreciate it if FRA would publish future articles on any or all of the mis-sions the Coast Guard is responsible for. Writing about the other missions would provide better public awareness of what the Coast Guard does.

Michael Jakway SKCM (Ret)

FRA Response: Thank you for reminding our readers about the Coast Guard’s multiple missions. We endeavor to high-light a unique facet of each of the sea services’ missions at least once a year. (This month’s feature on Navy aerographers is a good example.) We traditionally highlight the Coast Guard in August — the service’s birthday month — and have featured stories on Port Security Units, Marine Science Technicians and Rescue Swimmers, as well as historical pieces on Coast Guard SPARS and lighthouses.

VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound BenefitAt last night’s branch meeting, the topic of aid and atten-dance came up. I’ve heard of it but know little about it. Several shipmates have family members dependent on them for assistance, including our branch secretary who is the caregiver for his widowed mother. He reported that he’d recently qualified for the Aid and Attendance Program with the help of a company in the Clermont, Fla., area.

Can you please provide resources/links for me to research and report back to my branch?

John S. Handzuk

FRA Response: According to Chris Slawinski, FRA’s national veterans service director, the VA’s Aid and Attendance and Housebound (A&A/H) programs provide additional finan-cial assistance to severely service-connected disabled veterans, veterans on VA pension and wartime widows. Eligibility for

the program requires the veteran or dependent to be receiving compensation or pension.

The requirements to receive A&A/H benefits vary by indi-vidual case, but in general, a beneficiary’s physical condition and limitations are the primary factor in determining eligibil-ity, particularly if the veteran or dependent is receiving some type of VA compensation. Veterans and widows receiving a pension must demonstrate a medical need for the benefit and also meet financial means testing thresholds. They must not have any type of income or net assets other than those needed to survive.

For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/pension/aid_attendance_housebound.asp

Veterans and widows must beware of legal and financial institutions that market “this hidden benefit” within VA.  It is not a secret benefit. Some of these businesses provide assis-tance in filing a claim for a VA pension and work to con-solidate the claimant’s financial assets into a “trust,” so the claimant appears to be under the financial threshold for VA pension and the A&A/H benefit. The problem is that hidden fees eat away at any remaining monies in the trust and the veteran or widow is left without any income.

To learn more about this type of scam, visit www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0349-veterans-pensions

Bottom line: A&A/H is a valuable benefit for those who need it, but “let the buyer beware” when engaging an out-side entity to assist in securing the benefit. The best course of action is to speak with an accredited VA representative or veteran service officer about the claimant’s options.

SHIPMATE FORUM

Submissions Send Shipmate Forum letters to FRA Today, 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Email submissions may be sent to fratoday@fra.org. Please include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content.

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ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL

FRA Action Center Usage at All-Time HighThe FRA Action Center has generated more than 70,000 messages (70,701) from shipmates to their legislators. This marks the largest number of mes-sages sent in any one year, and there is still important legislation pending on Capitol Hill that impacts FRA shipmates. Shipmates are encouraged to use the FRA Action Center (http://action.fra.org/action-center/) to weigh in on key issues. Shipmates’ grassroots advocacy has a direct impact on the Association’s ability to effectively represent member concerns before Congress and appropriate federal agencies. Shipmates can easily personal-ize the prewritten letters posted on the Action Center. Since the Action Center was established in 2005, shipmates have sent more than half a mil-lion messages to Capitol Hill.

John Davis

Be Ready: Legislative Developments Can Occur Rapidly BY THE TIME YOU read this issue of FRA Today, the federal government will be in Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, which starts on October 1, 2016. As this issue goes to press, many FY 2017 authorization and appropriations bills are still pending, and Congress is expected to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government operating at 2016 spending levels until the final federal budget for FY 2017 is approved.

It appears passage of the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA S. 2943/H.R. 4909) will remain stalled until after the November elections. The House and Senate have each passed their respective versions of the legislation and a conference committee has been appoint-ed to resolve differences between the two bills, but no

conference report had been released at press time. Once a final version of the NDAA is released, it will be voted on by both chambers and, if approved, will be sent to the President to be signed or vetoed.

Legislative developments can occur rapidly. If you have not already, please subscribe to FRA’s weekly legislative electronic newsletter, NewsBytes, to keep up with congres-sional action that could have a dramatic impact on your pay and benefits. If you would like to receive NewsBytes via email, please contact us at newsbytes@fra.org with “Subscribe” in the subject line and your name and mailing address in the body. If you would like to hear a recorded version of NewsBytes, dial 1-800-FRA-1924 (ext. 112).

Giordano Becomes 14th MCPONFLTCM Steven S. Giordano became the 14th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) in early September, as MCPON Michael Stevens retired after more than four years in the position. Giordano, a native of Baltimore, Md., en-listed in the Navy in June 1989. Following completion of basic training at RTC Orlando, Fla., he reported to Naval Technical Training Center Pensacola, Fla., completing the Cryptologic Technician Technical training. He most recently served as U.S. Naval Forces Europe/U.S. Naval Forces Africa Fleet Master Chief. MCPON Giordano has been invited to speak at the FRA National Convention in Jacksonville, Fla., later this month.

The position of MCPON was created in 1966 by legislation that was strongly supported by FRA. MCPON is the senior enlisted member of the U.S. Navy and is appointed by the Chief of Naval Operations to be engaged and advise senior leadership on issues impacting enlisted personnel.

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FRA Briefs Sergeant Majors of Marine Recruiting CommandFRA’s Director of Legislative Programs (DLP) John Davis recently provided a briefing to 65 Marine Corps Sergeant Majors at a Marine Corps Recruiting Command event. The briefing focused upon the newly enacted “blended” retirement system that applies to all service mem-bers who join on or after January 1, 2018. Those service members who joined on or after January 1, 2006, but on or before December 31, 2017, will have the option to elect the new blended system or stay with the current retirement plan. Davis also shared some of the provi-sions of the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, which may negatively impact service members’ basic pay, housing allowances and out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

FRA was the first military/veterans association to oppose the blended retirement plan enacted in 2015. The new retirement system will reduce the career military (20 or more years) person-nel’s defined benefit plan to pay for a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) benefit for those who serve as little as three years. Davis further explained that providing a portable TSP benefit may create a retention problem in the future, while the current system ensures a career force, despite ardu-ous service conditions few civilians would be willing to accept. FRA believes a military career is a unique profession that requires a unique retirement system.

FRA Supports CFPB Regulation to Limit Forced ArbitrationFRA recently cosigned a letter with several other military and veterans organizations in support of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) proposal to lift restrictions on service members and others who band together to seek justice from financial institutions that have broken the law. Forced arbitration is a system wherein service members’ claims against a cor-poration are handled in a system that favors the corporation and limits claimants’ rights. Forced arbitration clauses include provisions that ban the rights of consumers to band together to hold a corporation accountable. Given the expansive use of these clauses by financial institutions in contracts with service members, prohibiting the practice of forcing service members to sur-render fundamental constitutional and statutory rights is now more critical than ever.

FRA applauds the CFPB for moving forward on this rule that recognizes the detrimental effects of forced arbitration and class action waivers on our brave men and women in uniform. Our service members protect our nation against both foreign and domestic threats. The logistical undertakings and sacrifices they and their families make are compelling reasons to ensure they are not only shielded from predatory financial practices and unscrupulous lenders, but they are also able to enforce their congressionally mandated rights through our civil justice system if and when violations arise.

For more information on this issue go to: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/cfpb-proposes-prohibiting-mandatory-arbitration-clauses-deny-groups-consumers-their-day-court/

Update DEERS When There Are Life ChangesBeneficiaries need to keep their DEERS information up to date. The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database includes active duty personnel, reserve compo-nent members, retirees, their family members and others eligible for military benefits, including TRICARE. The Department of Defense (DoD) uses DEERS information to confirm eligibility for TRICARE benefits and programs.

Typical updates include changing an address, getting married, getting divorced or having a child. Only sponsors or a sponsor-appointed individual with valid power of attorney can add family members in DEERS. When there is a change in information, each family member’s DEERS record must be updated separately. Family members ages 18 and older may update their own information. For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/deers

ACTIVE DUTY/RESERVE ISSUES

SecDef Presents Employer Support Freedom Award

Secretary of Defense (SecDef) Ash Carter recently awarded the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award to 15 companies during a ceremony at the Pentagon. The award is the highest honor the Department of Defense (DoD) gives to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees. More information is available at: www.freedomaward.mil.

The SecDef honored:

• Alaska Airlines

• Albuquerque Police Department

• Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

• Burford Corporation

• Carolina’s Healthcare System

• Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office

• Delmarva Veteran Builders

• FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

• Hope Valley Industries

• Idaho State Police

• Lowe’s

• Maryland State Police

• Prairie Grove Consolidated School District 46

• Seattle Fire Department

• Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

FRA stands foursquare in support of the na-tion’s reservists and welcomes the Pentagon’s recognition program for employers. They were once known as “weekend warriors,” but today it’s a different story. Much like the active duty force, the reserve component is a stressed force and many reservists have served multiple tours in the long and on-going Overseas Contingency Operation.

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New Plan to Compare Commissary Pricing

FRA Assistant Director of Legislative Programs Brian Condon participated in a conference call with the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) leaders regarding the new methodology for calculating the average customer savings at stateside commissaries. DeCA has consistently claimed a 30-percent savings based on taking some 38,000 items that commissary shoppers typically purchase nationally and comparing those exact same items in off-base, civilian grocery stores. The new methodology aims to develop a more accurate representation of what items are being purchased and where the savings are occurring. The U.S. will be divided into seven regions and “comparable shopping” will be done within the local community where commissaries are located. It is expected that the average savings will vary depending on the location, but the objective is not to make the savings equal across the nation.

For example, if the Northwest region showed a 40-percent savings and the Southwest region showed a 20-percent savings, resources would not be taken from one region and diverted to another in order to bring both regions to a 30-percent savings benchmark. Instead, DeCA would use that 40 percent and 20 percent as a baseline for their respective regions and try to find other ways to improve service and savings, without going below the baseline for the region.

DeCA will be doing the local comparison shopping with the three most likely competitors of the local commissary, with at least one competitor being a “super store,” such as a Costco or Super Walmart. At this time, there is no good method to calculate savings in overseas markets. The stateside comparable shopping will be done on a monthly basis until DeCA has a better understanding of regional benchmarks.

Medicare and TRICARE After Age 65

By taking a few simple steps, military retirees can make sure they retain their TRICARE ben-efits after they turn 65. Beneficiaries should receive a postcard from the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) four months before their 65th birthday. Beneficiaries have to register in DEERS to get TRICARE coverage after reaching 65.

Beneficiaries must have Medicare Part A and Part B to be eligible for TRICARE For Life (TFL). TFL is Medicare “wraparound” coverage for TRICARE beneficiaries who are entitled to Medicare Part A and have Medicare Part B. The Medicare initial enrollment period begins three months before you turn 65 and lasts for seven months. If a beneficiary misses his/her initial enrollment period, the next chance to sign up for Medicare Part B is during the general enrollment period, January 1 – March 31. Medicare coverage will begin July 1, and the monthly premium for Part B may go up 10 percent for each 12-month period that a beneficiary could have had Part B but didn’t sign up for it. Also, there will be a lapse in your TRICARE coverage until Part B is effective. Be sure to sign up for Part B no later than two months before your 65th birthday. If beneficiaries do not receive a postcard they should call 1-800-538-9552.

Legislative Update: Concurrent ReceiptFRA supports concurrent payment of full mili-tary retired pay and veteran’s disability com-pensation for all disabled military retirees. Members of FRA’s National Board of Directors discussed this issue with legislators and their staff when they stormed the Hill on April 14, 2016, and FRA thanks the thousands of ship-mates who used FRA’s online Action Center (http://action.fra.org/action-center/) to con-tact their elected officials on this important issue. The significant number of legislators co-sponsoring these proposals indicates that our voices are being heard and shipmates are en-couraged to continue sending emails through the Action Center.

Ask your elected officials to support the fol-lowing measures:

H.R. 303 (Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Fla.) would extend concurrent retirement and dis-ability payments’ (CRDP) eligibility to retirees with disability rates of less than 50 percent. This legislation currently has 78 cosponsors.

H.R. 333 (Rep. Bishop Sanford, Ga.) includes the elements of H.R. 303 and would also authorize CRDP benefits for medically-retired service members with less than 20 years of service, also known as “Chapter 61 retirees.” This legislation, the “Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act,” now has 119 cosponsors.

S. 271 (Sen. Harry Reid, Nev.) ”The Retired Pay Restoration Act” is also compre-hensive legislation that authorizes concur-rent receipt for all disabled retirees, including Chapter 61 retirees. The bill currently has 24 cosponsors. This measure is sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Reid, who has filed four concurrent-receipt floor amendments to the Senate version of the NDAA, but none of those FRA-supported amendments were called for a vote.

Members can continue to weigh in on this issue through the FRA Action Center (http://action.fra.org/action-center/)

RETIREE ISSUES

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TRICARE: Call Your Regional Contractor First When Getting Specialty CareTRICARE beneficiaries with special needs or a serious illness or injury have several resources available for help. Care is best coordinated through a beneficiary’s regional contractor.

TRICARE rules require that if the care needed is available at a military hospital or clinic nearby, and there is space available, beneficia-ries will be referred there first. However, if the needed care is not available, a beneficiary will be referred to a network provider in the area.

It is important to call and remain in contact with your regional contractor. Your regional contractor will have the most current list of providers. If you contact a specialty care pro-vider directly, you could be placed on a wait list instead of getting the care you or a family member needs.

When you get your referral, your regional con-tractor will send a letter with the name and location of your specialty provider. The letter will also tell you what care is authorized, the length of time you are authorized to receive that care and the type and number of visits

you are allowed before you need another referral. If you would like a provider that is different than the one identified in your letter, you must call your regional contractor.

Family members with special needs require special considerations. There are resources and information available to help you get the care your family needs. However, you must contact your regional contractor to make sure you have access to the most current list and information for the providers.

You can reach your contractor by telephone. Health Net is the north region contrac-tor, serving beneficiaries in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa (Rock Island area), Kentucky (except Fort Campbell), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri (St. Louis area), New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Health Net can be reached at 1-877-874-2273.

Humana Military is the contractor for the south region, which includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas (excluding El Paso area) and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Humana Military can be reached at 1-800-444-5445.

The west region is managed by UnitedHealthcare, which serves beneficia-ries in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa (excludes Rock Island arsenal area), Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri (except St. Louis area), Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas (southwestern corner including El Paso), Utah, Washington and Wyoming. UnitedHealthcare can be reached at 1-877-988-9378.

If you don’t know which region you’re in, please visit the TRICARE website: http://www.tricare.mil/About/Regions.

RETIREE ISSUES

VOTING IS A PRIVILEGE AND A DUTYBy DLP John Davis

Many countries in the world are not democratic and the government tells the people what they can and cannot do. In a democracy, like the United States, the people tell the government what it can do by virtue of their vote. In recent years many people seem to have lost interest in politics for several reasons; some feel that our present leaders don’t attempt to accomplish anything while in office, and others feel they have been lied to so often that elected officials have forfeited their right to be trusted altogether. It’s important for all citizens to under-stand that voting is the only way to make elected officials accountable for their actions. Voting is a powerful medium to remind politicians of their responsibilities and duties to their constituents.

According to 2012 election data, only 70 percent of the eligible voters in America are registered to vote, as compared to

78 percent of veterans. The average presidential election attracts only 70 percent of all registered voters for both veterans and non-veterans. This equates to only 49 per-cent of eligible non-veteran voters and 54.6 percent of eligible veteran voters.

The challenges faced by active duty military voters are immense. As America’s most mobile popula-

tion, military voters are constantly moving from one duty station to the next. If they

have any hope of casting a ballot, military voters are required to navi-gate a confusing array of state absentee voting laws. In many cases, the request for an absentee ballot never comes or comes too late to vote.

In 2009, Congress attempted to alleviate these challenges by passing the FRA-supported Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act. Not only did the law promise to modernize absentee voting through the use of technology, but it also required a more robust voter registration system for military voters — one that would automatically provide military voters with an opportunity to update their voter infor-mation during the check-in process at their new duty stations.

Unfortunately, this latter provision has yet to be fully implemented and that failure appeared to have a significant impact on the absentee ballot request rate for military voters in 2012. Without immediate action, mili-tary voters once again will have their voting impact reduced in November.

The best voter is an informed voter. Shipmates can visit FRA’s online Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center/), scroll down to “Bills of Interest” and click on “key votes.” By clicking on a specific bill you can see how your legislators voted on key legislation.

Voting is an inalienable right. Our forefathers offered their “blood, sweat and tears” for us to enjoy this right. This is why it is important for you to vote. Remember, democracy is not a spectator sport.

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OTH Discharge Review

Each military service maintains a discharge review board with the authority to change, correct or modify discharges or dismissals that have not been issued by a sentence of a general court-martial. The Secretary of Defense (SecDef) recently issued guidelines meant to improve the re-view process for former service members who exited the service with an other-than-honorable (OTH) discharge. The Secretary of the Navy also issued new guidelines requiring post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI) to be considered before a service member is separated for misconduct.

Former SecDef and Vietnam veteran Chuck Hagel raised this issue in a September 3, 2014, memorandum to military boards of correction, regarding petitions from Vietnam veterans re-questing upgrades to their OTH discharges based on claims of previously unrecognized PTSD. In these cases, PTSD was not recognized as a diagnosis at the time of their service.

Veterans with disabilities incurred or aggravated during active service may qualify for medical or related benefits, regardless of separation and characterization of service. Veterans separated administratively under OTH conditions may request their discharge be reviewed for possible recharacterization.

Each service department also has a website with information:

Navy (includes Marine Corps personnel): http://www.donhq.navy.mil/bcnr/bcnr.htm Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/legal/BCMR.asp

FRA is currently supporting reforms to the military discharge review process contained in both the Fairness for Veterans Act (H.R. 1463 and S. 1567), and in the House and Senate FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA-H.R. 4909/S. 2943).

Online Exchange Shopping for Veterans Coming Soon

The Department of Defense (DoD) Executive Resale Board recently approved a recommenda-tion that military exchanges allow online shopping for 19 million honorably discharged veter-ans beginning in late 2017. The purpose of extending the benefit is twofold: first, to reward veterans for their service with product savings, and secondly, to increase exchange revenues. Military exchanges have experienced reduced sales due to sharp drawdown in active duty forces, base closures (particularly overseas), elimination of on-base tobacco discounts and lower margins from cheaper gasoline.

Whether exchange products are sold in stores or online, the military relies on the revenue to fund its morale, welfare and recreational (MWR) activities. Since the implementation of seques-tration (mandated budget cuts required by the 2011 Budget Control Act), DoD has been forced to use exchange revenue to pay for projects typically covered by appropriations.

Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work is expected to give final approval for the veteran online shopping benefit before the end of the year. He will be urged to do so by the resale board, which advises defense leaders about exchange operations, and senior Pentagon manpower officials who are finally backing the initiative after more than two years of study, internal debate and some very detailed preparations. Military retirees, 100-percent disabled veterans and Medal of Honor recipients would still be the only veterans allowed to shop in exchanges.

For more information about this issue members can read Tom Philpott’s syndicated “Military Update” column (August 18, 2016), available at www.fra.org

VETERANS ISSUES

MOPH Phone Scam

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) has issued a warning about a tele-phone scam being conducted in its name. Unknown individuals have been calling peo-ple and requesting donations for the upcom-ing presidential election. The callers say they are doing so on behalf of MOPH.

“The public should be informed that these calls are a hoax,” said a statement put out by MOPH. “MOPH remains an apolitical or-ganization and, as such, shall not contribute to or otherwise support or assist any political party or candidate for public office.” MOPH has asked people to contact local authorities if they receive such calls.

The FRA Legislative Team is National Executive Director Tom Snee, Director of Legislative Programs John Davis, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs Stephen Tassin, Assistant Director of Veterans’ Programs Brian Condon and National Veterans Service Director Chris Slawinski.

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Veterans’ Assistance ProgramsTHERE ARE MANY PROGRAMS designed to offer assistance, information and di-rect help to veterans with issues such as suicide prevention, homelessness, home repairs and job searches, just to name a few. Here are some highlights, provided by FRA shipmates, of the as-sistance or information to veterans.

Shipmate Cain Sauer, Secretary-Branch 093, Patuxent River, Md., com-pleted a training program sponsored by Southern Maryland Battle Buddies (SMBB). This is a nonprofit-501(c) 3, veteran volunteer-led organization and program dedicated to helping veterans and their families or signifi-cant others heal. Through one-to-one peer support and skilled advocacy, this organization helps veterans make a successful transition to civilian life. Through confidential peer support, in-formed advocacy and expert referrals, veterans receive help to overcome bar-riers to healthcare and to access work and educational opportunities. The veterans who participate in this pro-gram interact with others who have similar experiences, which helps them find stability and peace; that tends to build trust, create hope and promote health. All services are free and con-fidential. Shipmate Sauer attended the 33-hour training to become a more skilled listener. Upon completion,

Sauer received a certificate and was assigned to a veteran (Battle Buddy), along with a senior mentor for guid-ance, for a two-year stretch. Shipmate Sauer will provide his listening skills in order to obtain information about veteran needs. For more information, contact Dr. Al Brewster, LTC, USMC (Ret), President, Southern Maryland Battle Buddies, Inc.: 443-975-5262, email docbrewster@comcast.net or visit www.Battle-Buddies.us.

Branch 115, Lehigh Valley, Pa., has a dedicated team of shipmates who are construction experts. Led by Regional President-Northeast / New England (elect) and Branch President, Dave Sharp, Branch 115, is involved with the Habitat for Humanity organiza-tion to help with the planning and construction of veterans’ homes. To make this a more interesting project, Shipmate Sharp is planning to reach out to student veterans attending lo-cal colleges to add them to the team and get their participation in the grunt work. This will draw upon their mili-tary training experience and get them involved in a real community proj-ect. Many of the younger veterans are from the millennial generation. They need to be engaged in projects so they can have the sense of acceptance and belonging. When you align younger veterans with senior veterans in a project such as this, it is a win-win sit-uation. Branch 115 is also plank own-ers of the Veterans Health Program at the Lehigh Valley Health Network, a large area hospital tailored to veterans. Once each week, there is an evening round-table discussion group that meets with other veterans who have mental health issues. This creates a se-cure and confidential environment for veterans to feel safe and bond.

Shipmate Cher Lee Ann Garrett, President-Branch 280 in Tulsa, Okla., recently spoke about a program for veterans in her local community. The “Coffee Bunker” is a local place for veterans to connect. It was founded by Mary Ligon, the mother of a Marine veteran, in memory of her son, Cpl. Daniel Y. Ligon. After serving two tours in Iraq and receiving an honor-able discharge, Cpl. Ligon returned to Tulsa. Ligon was suffering from men-tal health and other personal issues and committed suicide in 2007. Mary’s passion is to redeem the tragedy of her son’s devastating death by reach-ing out to others facing the same silent wounds of war. The Coffee Bunker is a place for veterans, service members and their families, to find connection, honor, support, resources and renewal. Many veterans and service members drop by to get together, use computers, access Wi-Fi, enjoy games and group activities, watch TV or just hang out. The Bunker provides a safe and relax-ing atmosphere that welcomes all cur-rent and former military servicemen and women, as well as their family members. All of the services are pro-vided free of charge. For more infor-mation or to make a donation, please visit www.coffeebunker.org.

I recommend FRA branches en-hance their outreach programs to try to include veterans and their families. Also, if you have a branch home, please consider providing access to comput-ers and Wi-Fi, social events, games and activities for everyone in your facility.

These are only a few of the many programs and resources available for veterans. To learn more informa-tion go to the Department of Veteran Affairs at www.va.gov or your local state Department of Veterans Affairs.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Penny Collins is FRA’s Director of Membership Development and a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Md. She can be reached at penny@fra.org.

Penny Collins

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Left top: Aerographer’s Mate 3rd Class Faride Muwad from Orlando, Fla., reads surface winds with a handheld Anemometer used for forecasting weather aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Left middle: Aerographer’s Mate Airman Steven L. Davidson of Rockhill, S.C., reviews the AN-SPA radar screen that is used to read the heights of clouds within the radar’s radius aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

Right top: Aerographer’s Mate 3rd Class Blaine Knab from Manitowoc, Wis., uses a handheld anemometer to accurately find the air speed on the flight deck aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

Right bottom: Aerographer’s Mate 1st Class Daryl Meer, left, assigned to Fleet Weather Center Norfolk, and Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class Zachary Yanez, also assigned, set up an Advanced Automated Weather Observation System during Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2016.

U.S. Navy photo by Airman Maebel Tinoko.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Justin McGarry. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Alex J. Recalde.

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Tyler N. Thompson.

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AEROGRAPHER’S MATE More Than the Navy’s

Weather Experts

Remember General Eisenhower’s weather concerns

as plans were coming together for the invasion of

Normandy? Years of detailed planning went into the

D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, but success hung

on one uncontrollable element—the weather. In the

days leading up to the invasion, Allied meteorologists

delivered the most important weather forecast in

U.S. military history. If the forecast was wrong, tens of

thousands of men and World War II might have been

lost forever. Forecasting weather and sea conditions

was critical then, and it remains an integral component

of U.S. Navy operations.

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The Navy Aerographer rating was officially established in 1924, making it the same age as FRA. In 1942, the Navy’s experts in meteorological and oceanographic sciences became known as Aerographer’s Mates (AG). An Aerographer’s Mate is the Navy’s weather forecaster, collecting, measuring and analyzing the elements of the physical environment (land, sea, air, space) and land/sea interface. They bring together all the oceano-graphic and meteorological data, as well as firsthand observations and measurements to produce forecasts to support flight and navigation safety for naval/joint operations and missions. They also provide expertise in hydrography, geospatial information and services (GIS) and tactical decision aids (TDA), and they com-bine knowledge of the operating environment with a thorough understanding of warfighting capabilities to assess and predict environmental impacts on friendly and enemy platforms, sensors and weapon systems. They develop actionable recommendations for tactics, techniques and procedures in order to take full advan-tage of the surroundings and conditions as they work to mitigate risk and enable success across all warfighting capabilities. AGs distribute the information to aircraft, ships and shore activities using a variety of means to direct support of afloat units, fleet/joint staffs or com-batant/operational commanders. No aircraft takes off without first checking the weather.

AG “A” and “C” schools are currently located in Biloxi, Miss., at Keesler Air Force Base. AG “A” school con-centrates on weather observation and lasts 19 weeks. Upon graduating from “A” school, AGs work toward qualification as environmental observers through completion of personnel qualification standards and job qualification requirements. They also prepare for advanced training at “C” school by the four- to six-year stage of their military career. Those who go on to AG “C” school spend approximately nine months learn-ing to use their observation skills to actually forecast weather patterns.

AGs are assigned to larger ships (such as aircraft carri-ers, amphibious ships and cruisers) to naval air stations, weather centers and other shore facilities both in the U.S. and overseas. AGs spend about 60 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 40 percent to shore stations.

How It All StartedAlexander G. McAdie, director of Harvard University’s meteorological observatory, agreed to provide Aerography instruction to a small group of U.S. Navy officer candidates. On December 3, 1917, enlisted weather observers — predecessors to today’s AG rating and known as Quartermasters Aerographic [QM(A)] —were trained at the QM school located at Pelham Bay Park, on Long Island, N.Y.

Professor McAdie was sworn in to the U. S. Naval Reserve on February 1, 1918, and was assigned to the aviation desk in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. The Secretary of the Navy at the time, Franklin D. Roosevelt, encouraged the development of a Naval Aerological Organization, which later became the beginnings of the Naval Weather Service.

In April 1918, McAdie, eight junior officers and 15 QM(A) traveled to Ireland and France, where they set up coastal aerography stations to support offshore patrol flights. When the hostilities in Europe ended, the Naval Aerographic Organization was comprised of 53 reserve aerologists and 200 enlisted personnel. Of course, most of the enlisted personnel were from the U.S. Weather Bureau.

In 1918 the Navy began to organize a meteorological observatory. Weather observations were made and there was a data exchange via telegraph with sev-eral other locations, one of which was the Blue Hill Observatory located at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. This was the beginning of map plotting, analysis and forecasting at naval air stations, carried out primar-ily by assigned QM(A) personnel. By October 1919, the wartime numbers were reduced to five officers and three QM(A) personnel.

A four-month training course at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., was started on November 1, 1919, to develop and provide some aerological support to naval aviation at all Navy and Marine Corps air stations, plus three seaplane tenders. The creation of the Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer) in 1921 helped to clarify aerology’s responsibilities to Naval aviation.

In 1923, the QM(A) rating was replaced by “Aerographer,” and Navy Chief Quartermaster John R. Dungan changed his rating to Chief Aerographer, becoming the first AerM. BuNav Circular Letter 99, dated December 23, 1923, officially established the rating of Aerographer beginning in 1924.

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Seniority in the AerM ratings was built up by accepting senior petty officers from other ratings for training and conversion to Aerographer. By 1925, nearly all ship-board and naval air station aerological units were led by Chief Aerographers.

These were lean times throughout the Navy and Marine Corps, but the advent of WWII loosened the purse strings.

In early 1942, the U.S. Navy was expanding rapidly in advance of World War II and the need for aerographers grew as well. Training classes got larger and shorter to meet that need. Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service, WAVES, were also added to the AG rating for the first time. Class length was reduced from 12 to 10 weeks and classes overlapped so that every month 125 men and 25 women graduated.

On August 8, 1942, the AG rating was changed to Aerographer’s Mate (by Circular Letter 113-42) in order to accommodate the new Warrant Officer specialty being established. Wartime personnel detailing was decentralized from BuAer, and pools of AerMs accu-mulated in Norfolk, San Diego, Seattle and Alameda; detailing authority was granted to the Aerological Officers at those locations. By the end of WWII there were roughly 5,000 AerMs serving, but this was fol-lowed by rapid downsizing of the military when hostilities ended. For example, on July 16, 1945, the monthly quota for Class A Aerographer school plunged from 64 to 12.

A major change happened in 1948 when AerMs became AGs, as part of the Group IX (Aviation) change for designating ratings by digraph. The restructuring was made easier with machine processing or IBM punch card systems to keep track of all personnel records. Ten years later, the Navy created Senior and Master Chief Petty Officers (pay grades E-8 and E-9) and Lee O’Rork became our first AGCM. The new Command Master Chief program soon followed. AGCM William Heagley was the first to serve as CMDMC of the Naval Weather Service.

One Man’s StoryShipmate Edward Belbin (Warwick, R.I.) joined the Navy in 1951. He’d been working in a factory as a young 20-year-old high school graduate, living in a single-par-ent household, and considered himself to be poor. The factory job was not to his liking so he decided to join

Aerographer’s Mate (AG)

General DescriptionAerographer’s mates are the Navy’s meteoro-logical and oceanographic experts, trained in the science of meteorology and physical ocean-ography. They also learn to use instruments that monitor weather characteristics such as air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and wind direction. They then distribute this data to aircraft, ships and shore activities.

What They DoThe duties performed by AGs include:• Collecting, recording and analyzing weather and oceano-

graphic information• Preparing up-to-date weather maps and oceanographic

data• Issuing weather forecasts and warnings• Conducting weather/oceanographic briefings• Using, testing, calibrating and performing minor and preven-

tive maintenance on meteorological instruments including satellite receivers

• Preparing balloon-carried instruments for flight, evaluating and analyzing data received

• Operating, programming and maintaining computers and related equipment

Working EnvironmentMen and women in the AG rating perform their duties in clean, comfortable, office-like environments. Their work is usually mental, is done closely with others and requires little supervision.

RequirementsASVAB: PAY 97 VE + MK + GS = 162 or

PAY 80 VE + MK + GS = 165

Must have normal color perception.

Security clearance required. No exceptions.

Must be a U.S. Citizen.

NotesAdvancement opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a rating’s manning level (i.e., personnel in under-manned ratings have greater opportunity than those in overmanned ratings). Rating conversions will normally only be considered for those who are in appropriately manned or overmanned ratings who seek entry into undermanned ratings. Please see a career counselor for more information.

Credit: Official Website of the United States Navy

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the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard—all at the same time! What he didn’t know was the recruiting office near Providence, R.I., was the hub for all three branches.

“I really didn’t care for the idea of running around with a rifle in fox holes, plus I just didn’t like the color of the Army uniform,” quipped Belbin. The Navy Chief at the recruiter’s office kindly explained to Belbin that he just couldn’t join all three branches and he really needed to choose one. Because of Edward’s age compared to the other younger men who were joining up, and maybe because of his eagerness to serve, the Chief committed to moving Belbin to the top of a recruiting list of more than 375 people.

Before long, Belbin was off to recruit training at Bainbridge, Md. After posting higher-than-average test scores, Edward was offered the opportunity to become an AG. “If you did well on the exam you got a good job,” he said. Edward chose AG school, or what was known then as weather school, at Lakehurst, NJ. It was a tough class with lots of difficult course work. “There was an awful lot to learn and it was certainly not easy,” recalls Belbin. “I served on a carrier, USS Sicily (CVE-118), out of San Diego. The Sicily was a leftover escort carrier from WWII. We were sent to Korea after boot camp for four years.”

When Belbin completed his tour with the Navy, he returned to Boston, determined not to work in a factory. He used the G.I. Bill to attend college where he became a civil engineer, all the while staying in the Selected Air Reserves at Naval Air Station, South Weymouth, Mass. Shipmate Belbin shared, “I was in the Navy for 37 years and got to travel all around the world. Once it gets into your blood, it never leaves. It was the greatest experi-ence of my life.”

Hunting Hurricanes with Seismology

Shipmate Alvin Berry (San Diego, Calif.) joined the Navy in June 1951 and was discharged in May 1955 after achieving the rating of AG2. Berry was trained as a micro seismographic weather man, tracking hurricanes during his tours at Naval Air Station Jacksonville (Fla.) and aboard USS Worcester (CL-144). “Having been transferred in February 1953 from cold NAS Brunswick, Maine, to sunny Miami, Fla., and to take part of this ‘unknown project’ was great! I enjoyed my time at NAS Jacksonville, Fla.,” shared Berry.

Oceanography Warrant Officers to Make a Return

The Navy has announced that it is bringing warrant officers back to naval oceanography in 2018 after a 28-year hiatus. At the same time, the Navy is eliminating the Oceanography Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Program. The goal is to meet the increasing demand for officers with meteorology and oceanog-raphy knowledge, skills and abilities. The Secretary of the Navy approved the Oceanography Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) rate, with the first candidates to be selected by Fiscal Year 2018.

“The Navy wants to retain the technical expertise of the senior enlisted Aerographer’s Mates and give sailors opportunities to pursue their interests in the technical aspects of our work,” said Cmdr. Christi Montgomery, oceanography officer community manager.

Currently there are no commissioning programs that provide advancement opportunities to allow technical skill growth. Senior enlisted sailors gain administration and policy respon-sibilities, while the technical aspects of their specialties are de-emphasized. LDOs with seniority are increasingly focused on officer/leadership responsibilities and less on the technical aspects of the job.

The FY 2018 In-Service Procurement Board will select the first oceanography CWOs for a FY 2018 commission. Annual appli-cation deadlines to Navy Personnel Command likely will be Oct. 1. To be eligible for the program, sailors must have 14–20 years of service with waivers up to 22 years of service for master chief petty officers only. Applicants must be E-7 (select) or above and must have previously qualified as Aerographer’s Mate forecasters (NEC 7412). Montgomery said plans at this point call for approximately three CWO selections per cycle.

“This is a very positive change for the [Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Community] (METOC),” Montgomery said. “We want to keep the best technical leaders in our force in order to advance our support to the rapidly expanding naval mission set and platform base.”

Credit: Naval Information Forces Stennis Public Affairs

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During hurricane season, Berry served one day on and one day off. AGs would also record any earthquake or seismic activity and send related data to the 46 reporting station across the continent. Personnel at the U.S Coast and Geodetic Survey would then issue a preliminary determination of the epicenter. “When an earthquake would hit our station, we would lose all trace of it because we were receiving on photo paper. The trace would move so fast it would not record until the wave subsided, creating a blank spot,” said Berry.

Recently Berry placed a weather-tracking display in the Tavares City (Fla.) Historical Museum for visitors to view. Local weather man Tom Sorrells, of TV 6, included the historical display in his May 2014 weather story called Surviving the Storms.

In 1977, the U.S. Air Force was designated the Single Service Manager for all enlisted military weather train-ing. To contain expenses and eliminate duplicative efforts, all Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps weather training was consolidated to Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Ill., where USAF training had been conducted for many years. When Chanute AFB was closed during a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) effort, weather train-ing was moved, in its entirety, to a larger, more modern facility at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Miss.

Technology-DrivenThe AG rating continues to evolve, driven by the rapid technological changes that are taking place in the telecommunications and related fields. In 1960, the Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) was capable of remote sensing of the earth, it allowed sci-entists to view earth from a new perspective — space. The TRIO, a program promoted by Harry Wexler, began sending cloud photographs back to earth and proved the value of satellite weather. Computer technology permitted the processing of photos and other satellite data. Because of the technological aspect of the pro-gram now, training requirements have expanded greatly and there is an awesome responsibility at Keesler AFB to prepare AGs for duty in the fleet.

Today’s AGs: Highly Sophisticated and Technical

The new areas of support that today’s AGs provide include hydrography (mapping the ocean floor), oceanography, unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV)

operation and sonar data processing. As part of the Information Warfare Forces, AGs use the latest technol-ogy to enhance battlespace awareness by providing the characterization, forecast and impacts of the environ-ment. The Navy’s approximately 1,000 AGs play a vital role in all of the Navy’s traditional warfare areas, including aviation, as well as the new realm of informa-tion warfare. They also support safety of navigation to the Navy’s global humanitarian aid/disaster relief efforts and safety at sea. AGs have also become the Navy’s accepted experts in the operation of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), which they extensively use in mine-warfare operations and hydrography, for access routes and charting.

“AGs are the backbone of Operational Navy Oceanography. As a group, they are smart and technologically adept. They have always been willing to accept new and additional duties — what-ever they have been asked,” said Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NAVMETOCCOM ) commander. “That’s why the job has expanded so much into oceanography, hydrography and information warfare — because they were willing and able to learn new things and take on new responsibilities. The U.S. Navy is a safer and more effective fighting force because of the AGs — and I know this to be a fact from my firsthand experiences with AGs in the Persian Gulf and Western Pacific, and the Mediterranean, Arabian, Yellow and Red Seas.”

Aerographer’s Mate Master Chief Petty Officer Mark E. Mageary (AW/SW) is currently assigned to the Naval Oceanography Operations Command (NOOC) at the Stennis Space Center, Miss. The NOOC is responsible to the fleet for providing enhanced asymmetric war-fighting capabilities in the undersea domain from the shore to blue water, 24/7, and critical support of the information technology infrastructure across Naval Oceanography Units.

Today’s AG plays a significant role in disseminating the NOOC products directly to the fleet to insure “home field advantage anywhere in the world. We know the water!” emphasizes AGCM Mageary.

“The most rewarding part of my job is watching both officers and enlisted personnel grow and learn about how much impact our AG community has on the warfighter. The most challenging part of the job is the ever-changing technology and how we stay on top of that,” stated Master Chief Mageary.

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AGCM (IW/AW/SW) Patricia Kelly at Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center at Stennis Space Center, Miss., de-scribed what her command currently does and how that plays a role in today’s sea services. “Our command cur-rently collects and processes data utilizing a collection of highly technical equipment to analyze the undersea environment and aid in the detection of mines. We help reduce the timelines for commanders and aid in the revolution of warfighting in the littorals. Additionally, we provide asymmetric information warfare of the ocean environment, reducing risk and tactical execution timelines through the fusion of oceanographic science, intelligence preparation of the operational environ-ment (IPOE), tactical mine hunting and data analysis. In today’s sea services, we deploy certified teams in direct support of global mine warfare forces to conduct ocean bottom surveys, assessment and data fusion.”

AGCS (IW/AW/SW) Jessica Mihailin with Naval Oceanographic Office and Fleet Survey Team (FST) at Stennis Space Center added, “As a senior enlisted leader, the most rewarding part of my job is witness-ing the success of my sailors. They have a tremendous impact on worldwide operations and are highly praised for their efforts. Whether they are operating a UUV, analyzing post-mission data or briefing warfare com-manders on environmental impacts to operations, they are highly regarded for their subject-matter expertise and professionalism. They never cease to amaze me with their eagerness to continue to learn and enhance the warfighters’ ability to succeed in the mission.”

“Fleet Survey Team (FST) is a specially trained team that employs 62 military and civilian personnel. Deploying globally, FST conducts hydrographic surveys and related environmental assessments to enable safe and effective maritime navigation and access to the littorals for naval and joint forces. In general, FST provides lit-toral hydrographic support to enable safe navigation to a wide variety of missions. Using organic survey plat-forms, the team collects and processes data on scene to provide timely products to the warfighter, including the best possible graphic depiction of potential hazards to navigation,” said Senior Chief Mihailin.

FST maintains a team of 96-hour, globally-deployable hydrographers to conduct swift navigation check surveys in support of humanitarian aid, disaster relief efforts or other emergent tasking. Teams operate hydrographic survey vessels to execute high-quality navigation surveys that produce on-scene field charts

and update current nautical charts. Teams actively en-gage with host nation counterparts to promote theater security cooperation and build upon long-standing international hydrographic agreements. Rapid Littoral Survey Vehicles (RLSVs) deploy to provide an immediate navigational tactical decision aid to on-scene command-ers. They support safe ship-to-shore force movements by surveying from the 10-meter contour to the beach.

Senior Chief Mihailin shared, “I have the privilege of working with some of the finest professionals in the Navy. The sailors and civilians never cease to amaze me; their professionalism, their drive, their thirst for knowledge and their dedication to the mission are awe-inspiring. Watching them come together to execute the mission, the pride they exhibit in their work, watching them grow personally and professionally and being able to interact with them daily is the most rewarding part of my job. Being the senior enlisted leader for this com-mand has been one of the highlights of my career.”

Even More Critical There have been a lot of technological changes in how AGs track weather and oceanographic patterns, but some aspects of their work remain the same. Weather impacts virtually every facet of military operations today, just as it did during the D-Day invasion in 1944. Rapid advancements in technology, coupled with a better un-derstanding of how the wind and ocean currents affect our military capabilities, have made Navy aerographers an even more critical tool in our nation’s warfighting arsenal.

Acknowledgements: A special thanks goes out to AGCM Robert J. Picchi CNMOC, CMC and Aerograph Editor AG2 Gary Cox, USN (Ret.) with the Naval Weather Service Association. This article would not have been possible without their efforts.

Bill Stevenson is the Contributing Editor. He can be reached at williams@fra.org

What Memorial Day Means to Me

What Memorial Day Means to Me

2016–2017 AMERICANISM ESSAY CONTEST

Proudly Sponsored by:

FRA AMERICANISM ESSAY CONTEST RULES• All entrants shall be students in grades seven through 12 (or

equivalent).• Entrants must be sponsored by a member or branch of the Fleet

Reserve Association or a unit of the Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association.

• The essay shall be on the theme designated and shall not exceed 350 words.

• The essay shall be legibly written or typed on one side of the paper.• A student may submit only one entry each year.• Each entry must be accompanied by a separate sheet stating: the en-

trant’s name; address; zip code; telephone number; school grade (or

equivalent); name of school or the words “home schooled;” number of words in essay; and the sponsoring shipmate/branch/unit. A par-ent or guardian must also sign the cover sheet.

• Entries submitted to branches shall be submitted to the Branch Americanism-Patriotism Committee and postmarked not later than December 1 for judging at the branch level.

• Entries sponsored by members-at-large shall be submitted to the national chairman and forwarded to an appropriate branch for judging in their respective grade group. All entries shall be post-marked not later than December 1, 2016.

• All entries become the property of the Fleet Reserve Association.

GRAND PRIZE: $5,000Plus 18 National Awards and Regional and Local Prizes

Eligibility: Students, Grades 7 through 12Deadline: December 1, 2016Requirements: 350 words or less on “What Memorial Day Means to Me”Internet: www.fra.org/essay

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FRA TODAY STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

FRA Today is required to complete an annual Statement of Ownership (SF-3526) and submit it to the U.S. Postal Service. We are also required to publish it in the magazine.

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Pre-Convention Board Meeting (sometimes referred to as the “Pre-Board”)Although the convention officially begins with the joint open-ing ceremonies (see below), the National Board of Directors (NBOD) meets the day prior to discuss old business, per-haps hear special presentations, and prepare for upcoming Convention business sessions. Although all shipmates are welcome to observe the meeting, only NBOD members are permitted to speak during the gathering. When all business has been conducted, the floor is opened for all shipmates who wish to make comments under “the good of the order.”

RegistrationWhile every member of the FRA is welcome at convention, only accredited delegates have the privilege of speaking from the floor or voting on Association resolutions. To be a convention delegate, shipmates must be a member of an FRA branch and register at convention. (FRA Members-at-Large are not eligible to be delegates.) Shipmates who are planning to attend convention should contact their branch secretary and ask to be included in the branch’s list of pro-spective delegates.

Registration is a simple process, made even easier and faster if shipmates have their membership cards with them. The registration tables are usually open early in the week, an hour prior to the first business session of each day and again for two or three hours in the early afternoon. (Specific hours will be posted at convention.) When you register, you will receive a delegate kit, which is a book containing all officers’ and committee reports, resolutions to be considered by committees and delegates during the convention and a section where delegates can track the voting strength of each branch. Voting strength is very im-portant if the need arises for a roll-call vote (see “Business Sessions” below). Delegate kits are useful reference mate-rials as the convention progresses and are only available at the registration tables.

When they register, delegates will also receive a conven-tion program (which outlines the schedule of events for the week), a convention journal (that includes welcoming wishes and messages of support from shipmates, ladies, branches and units, as well as advertisers who support the

convention), a nametag, and usually some discount coupons and other goodies.

Joint Opening CeremoniesConvention official kicks off with the joint FRA and Auxiliary Opening Ceremonies. The convention is called to order and honored guests are escorted into the hall to the sound of syncopated clapping, a long-standing FRA tradition that originated with shipmates clapping on the off-beat to a spe-cific melody played to herald guests’ arrival. Following the introduction of the guests, the colors are presented, and the National Chaplain offers an opening prayer, during which shipmates remove their caps and place them on their left shoulder. (Caps are removed in this manner as a sign of rev-erence during all prayers and also when the Bible is opened and closed at the beginning and end of each business ses-sion.) The National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance are followed by remarks from our keynote speaker. There is also a Two-Bell Ceremony during which departed shipmates are honored. The two-bell ritual is unique to FRA and is outlined in the Association’s Rituals and By-Laws. Opening Ceremonies conclude with greetings and announcements from the convention chairpersons and the FRA and Auxiliary National Presidents.

Attendees usually dress as they might for church or dinner at a nice restaurant, wearing coat and tie/business attire for this event. Past National Presidents (PNP) often wear red jackets and Auxiliary members traditionally wear white to the Opening Ceremonies.

Welcome Aboard PartyAs its name implies, this is a social event to welcome all the shipmates and Auxiliary members to convention, and it’s a great opportunity to renew old friendships and make new ones. Beverages are available and light snacks are also usu-ally served. Music and dancing are often featured highlights of the evening.

Business SessionsFRA is one of the most democratic organizations of its kind, with convention delegates determining the future of the Association. Prior to convention, branches, standing national

Whether you’re a convention newcomer or a seasoned delegate, there are some traditions and protocols about the FRA National Conventions that are unique to our organization. To the uninitiated, our conventions might seem...well...a little unconventional. If you’re new to the whole convention scene, don’t hesitate to find a more experienced shipmate to assist you. As a starter, here are some tips for navigating Convention Week...

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committees and the National Board of Directors may submit proposals, called resolutions, for new initiatives and changes to the Association’s governing documents. These resolu-tions are referred to the appropriate national committees for consideration. At convention, committees meet to discuss these resolutions (see “Committee Meetings” below) and the chairmen report their committees’ recommendations and rationale to the delegates during a subsequent business session. The delegates then vote to approve or reject each resolution. Committee chairmen also present their annual reports to delegates during the business sessions.

Robert’s Rules of Order is used as the parliamentary guideline for the business sessions, with motions being pre-sented and seconded, followed by discussion and a vote. Registered delegates may make motions and seconds from the floor, and all delegates are authorized to cast a “yea” or “nay” in voice votes. If a clear majority cannot be deter-mined by a voice vote, the National President may request a roll-call vote.

In the event of a roll-call vote, a representative from each branch will stand at the floor microphone and cast his/her branch’s votes on the issue at hand. The size of the branch determines the number of votes that may be cast. This voting strength is determined by the number of branch ship-mates in good standing at the time of the vote.

Many shipmates choose business casual clothes (such as FRA polo shirts, a sweater or collared shirt) for these ses-sions, while others elect to wear more casual attire.

Committee MeetingsOver the course of Convention Week, members of con-vention standing and special committees meet to discuss the resolutions that have been referred to them. The Americanism-Patriotism; Budget and Finance; Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions; Honorary Membership and Certificate of Merit; Hospitals, Welfare and Rehabilitation; Membership and Retention; Public Relations; Veterans’ Service; and Youth Activities Committees (as well as spe-cial committees appointed by the National President) hold meetings in smaller rooms throughout the convention hotel. (Specific locations will be noted in the convention program.) These meetings are open to all shipmates. Guests are asked to sign in, but they do not traditionally participate in the dis-cussion unless called upon by the chairman.

Special LuncheonsDuring the course of Convention Week, there are a num-ber of luncheons for specific groups. For example, there are usually FRA and separate Auxiliary luncheons for Past National Presidents, Past Regional Presidents, and sitting Regional Presidents and Vice Presidents. These events are for those particular groups only and will be designated as “closed” in the Convention Program. Other luncheons, like the Auxiliary National President’s Luncheon, are open to convention delegates. Reservations and payment for these

events are required in advance. Check with Convention Committee members to see if tickets are still available.

WorkshopsThroughout Convention Week, there will be a series of workshops available to convention attendees. These semi-nars are usually held in the early morning (and often include a continental breakfast), at midday (including a light lunch) or later in the afternoon. The workshops cover a variety of topics including presentations by TRICARE contractors, nutritionists, financial advisors, representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and members of the NHQ staff.

Installation of OfficersOn Saturday evening, the newly elected FRA and Auxiliary national officers are installed and take their respective oaths of office. The event is rich in tradition and includes a “cap-ping” ceremony, during which a new officer receives his/her cap. Regional Presidents receive gray caps, while the National President receives a red cap. (Past National Presidents are often referred to as “Red Hats.”) All shipmates and Auxiliary members are invited to attend the formal ceremony and no reservations are required.

Banquet and BallImmediately following the installation ceremony, shipmates, Auxiliary members and guests are invited to attend the annual banquet and ball. Reservations and payment are required in ad-vance for this event, which is a formal dinner and dance.

The attire for the installation, banquet and ball is formal/semi-formal. National officers (male) traditionally wear tux-edos, but suit and tie are appropriate for other shipmates. Ladies often wear cocktail dresses or gowns.

Post-Convention Board Meeting(sometimes referred to as the “Post-Board”): The last event of Convention Week is the post-convention meeting of the NBOD. Although not officially part of convention, this meet-ing is the first opportunity for the newly-installed national officers to meet and conduct business. As with the pre-convention meeting, all shipmates are welcome to attend and will be given an opportunity to speak under the good of the order at the end of the meeting.

Hospitality RoomThe branch and unit hosting the convention also sponsor a Hospitality Room — a casual environment to share food, fellowship and fun. Beer, wine and liquor are available. The Hospitality Room is often the site of fundraising raffles and is open to all shipmates and Auxiliary members.

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TAPS In Memoriam

NAME BRANCH NAME BRANCH

Abbott, Kenneth C, SH1, USN 091Allen, William, EMCS/SS, USN 269Andersen, Evan R, YNCM, USN 091Andrews, Mitchell E, BMC, USN MALAsquith, Richard A, HMC, USN 091

Balbach, Robert E, MGYSGT, USMC 091Barker, Roland D, CS1, USN 022Barrera, Joe, CPO, USN MALBashaw, Robert W., PR1, USN 022Benson, James B, SSGT, USMC 175Biehner, Carl, BTC, USN 087Burger, John H, EOCS, USN 120Burnell, Robert, SCPO, USN 091Burt, Donald M, CPO, USN 186

Campbell, William D., TM2, USN 269Christensen, Raymond, BT1, USN 136Cirino, Francis J, BUCS, USN 166Cleghorn, John T, CWO4, USN 184Cube, Joseph G, RMC, USN 090

Evans, Vernal E, BTC, USN MAL

Fall, Robert, CDR, USN MALFry, Robert H., HMC, USN 094Fuller, Thomas E, CSC, USN 238

Gant, Charles, USN MALGates, Ronald E, ETC, USN 126Gladfelter, Rodger, HT1, USN 106Goddard, William F, HMC(SS), USN 117Godfrey, Cecil R, YNCM, USNR 089Gomez, Frank P, HMC, USN 296Gooch, Dewitt R, CTRCS, USN 293Good, Ralph J, PN1, USN 049Granfors, Arthur J, IM1, USN 156Griffiths, David J, HTCS, USN 087Gross, Ervin B, ADRC, USN 091Guest, Leonard R, FTC, USN 293Gullickson, Grant G, CDR, USN 060

Hash, Edgel C., EN1 (SS), USN 269Hill, Robert L, ABH1, USN 091Holzwarth, Leroy F, QM3, USAF 376

Kearley, Jerald T, ADC, USN 022Kimmons, Carl E, LT, USN 020Kink, Dennis E, POC, USN 061Kiser, Charles F, EM1, USN 126

Krull, Larry, CPO, USN 091

Lewis, Marshall L, MMCM, USN MAL

McClellan, Arthur A, ADJC, USN MALMcElroy, Percy J., ENC, USN 105Menton, Dennis W, BMC, USN 053Moak, Leroy William 091Moat, Charles N, YNCS, USN 020Moore, Clinton, SMC, USN 101

Newhouse, Raymond F, ADRC, USN 101Northey, Harry G., LC/CPL, USMCR 137

Perritt, Thomas, BTCM, USN 047Pickel, George P., PFC, USMC 118Poland, Jack W, MMCS(SS), USN MALPorter, Hager A, CW03, USN 091Powell, Frederic F, DK1, USN MAL

Reece, John H, AT1, USN 230Reed, Virgil D, RMCM(SS) Ret, MALReins, David F., PHC, USN 181Roberson, John W, HTCS, USN 223Robinson, Charles O, QMC, USN 285Ryan, Earl W, CS1, USN 334

Sample, Harvey C, LCDR, USN MALShaw, Donald J, ADR1, USN 217Slocumb, Walter E, USN 091

Taylor, James A, ADCS, USN 097Tenney, Basil D, CPO, USN 147Tepper, Jim, USN 293Thorn, Raymond, HMC(AC), USN 106Thrasher, Dale R, CTCM, USN 147

Vandenberg, Richard F, ADC, USNR 071

Walter, Joseph, PHCM, USN 070White, John E, PO3, USN 022Williams, William B, ABH2, USN 289Worthy, Dudley B, SSGT, USMC 046

Ybarra, August B, MMLC, USN 070

Zable, Edward L, USN 101

Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members.

The toll of the ship’s bell

reminds us of the reverence

we owe to our departed Shipmates

and to those who guard the honor

of our country

upon the sea,

under the sea,

in the air

and upon foreign soil.

Let it be a reminder

of the faith they

confide in us.

Let us who gather here

not forget our obligations

and in silence

breathe a prayer

for our absent Shipmates.

Your involvement in FRA demonstrates extraordinary commit-

ment to improving the quality of life for your shipmates and their

families. Please consider joining other shipmates who’ve chosen

to leave a legacy of Loyalty, Protection and Service by remember-

ing FRA or the FRA Education Foundation in your will, living trust

or estate plan.

Create a lasting tribute and perpetuate your commitment to the

guiding principles of our organization.

You’ve traveled long and far…

LEAVE A LEGACY of Loyalty, Protection and Service

To learn more, contact FRA National Headquarters at 1-800-672-1924 or 703-683-1400, or via email at Lauren@fra.org

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SHIPMATE NEWS

BRANCH 136 MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.

Branch President Thomas Dooley (left) congratulates Shipmate Al Ruzicka for his 50 years of continuous FRA membership.

BRANCH 186 HERNANDO, FLA.

Citrus Branch awarded certificates and medals, along with two $500 scholarships to NJROTC cadets at Crystal River (Fla.) High School. Shown (l to r) are Logan Huffman, Kaytlyn Karr, Rachel Halleen, Branch President Florence McCann, Schyler Powers Matthew Sundquist, with NJROTC Commanding Officer Akil King looking on. Cadet honoree Kyle Stroble is not shown.

BRANCH 146 JOHNSVILLE, PA

Shipmates spruce up the Air Museum Memorial Gardens located at the former NAS JRB Willow Grove, Pa., with flowers and new U.S. flags for Memorial Day. Shown (l to r) are Branch Chaplain Gene Dyer, Shipmate Tom Concannon and Branch President Dave Carver.

BRANCH 101 SANTA CLARA, CALIF.

Two Bell Ceremony for Master Chief Boye Sweet at the Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Villages over the 4th of July weekend by members of Branch and Unit 101 Santa Clara!

BRANCH 223 PADUCAH, KY.

Dr. Aaron Beals represented the branch as he present-ed Hannah Gorham three awards for the Fleet Reserve National Essay Contest. Gorham received $50 for being the 12th grade local winner, $100 for being the 12th grade winner in the North Central Region and a $1,000 scholarship for being “Best in the Region.”

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SHIPMATE NEWS

BRANCH XX LOCATION

Text

To submit a photo for Shipmate News, please email a photo as an attachment in jpeg format to FRAToday@fra.org or mail a high-quality photograph to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted.

BRANCH 57 SOUTH JERSEY, N.Y.

Branch Vice President Anthony McDonald con-gratulated Shipmate John Margie for his 50 years of continuous FRA member-ship and presented him a certificate, pin and Branch 57 shirt.

BRANCH 212 GLEN BURNIE, MD.

Shipmate Phillip Langlois receives his 50-year continuous membership certificate and pin from Branch President Dan Fischio.

BRANCH 276 OMAHA, NEB.

The branch Memorial Day service at the Lewis and Clark Landing was greatly enhanced by the Seabee Veterans of America Rifle Squad, Sea Cadets Cornhusker Division and the “Casting the Wreath upon the Waters” by Memorial Day Service Chairman James Black.

BRANCH 207 DALE CITY, VA.

Shipmates Bill Ashton (left) and Abe Zino pose with representatives from the Golden Corral Camp after presenting a generous donation to the cause.

BRANCH 112 BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

Branch Secretary Juan Bowden con-gratulates President Garland O’Dell for recruiting 10 or more members.

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NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

Message from the Regional President North Central

IT’S THAT TIME OF year again, when summer comes to a close and autumn follows with its rich, warm colors and welcome relief from the nagging heat. The kids are back in school and the holidays are right around the corner. We are beginning our new association year with either new unit and regional officers in place or previous officers serving another term.

I am returning and am very happy to serve again as the North Central Regional President. This past year has been very trying for me and my family. My LA FRA family has been very supportive of us. I’ve learned that your life can be turned topsy-turvy in the blink of an eye and you should never take too much for granted. But you can always count on the compassion of the LA FRA family.

The North Central region continues to support the work of the FRA and to raise awareness about the organization in the various communities. The units are busy helping out on a regular basis at VA hospitals and nursing homes. Various fundrais-ers that benefit our communities are held throughout the year and the funds help support schools, homeless shelters, children’s homes and battered persons’ shelters. Useful items are also collected and donated throughout the year. At Christmastime, presents are bought, wrapped and distributed to children’s homes. The children are also given parties, which they seem to really appreciate.

While we may be struggling a bit with our membership numbers, we still have many loyal, hardworking Auxiliary members who help make a big difference in many people’s lives. We still keep coming up with new ideas to help us “keep on keeping on.”

TERESA NORTONNorth Central Regional President

North Central Regional Vice President Chris Drew, National President Helen Courneya, National Vice President Karen and JrPNP Doris Fri listen to the remarks of the keynote speaker during the North Central Regional Convention.

Past National Executive Secretary Rozena McVey and Regional Chaplain Ernestine Combs (front row, l to r), and Unit 161 member Dottie Curry (second row) attend Opening Ceremonies at the North Central Regional Convention.

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