Vol 1 Special Issue July 2017

Indian River Chapter MOAAP.O. Box 644047Vero Beach, FL 32964-4047

INDIAN RIVER CHAPTERCELEBRATING 34 YEARS

1983-2017

MEMBERSHIPKnow someone who is a retired or former military officer or widowed

spouse of an officer but not a member of our Chapter or MOAA? If so, askTHEM TO JOIN and contact Carroll Oates

@ 954-494-8742

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INDIAN RIVER CHAPTER NEWS http://ircmoaa.org

EditorCAPT Don Wickstrand 231-6101PresidentLt Col Jim Rannazzisi 703-303-26721st Vice PresidentLTC Robert Albrecht, Jr. 257-6678Program Chair 2nd Vice PresidentLTC Carroll Oates 954-494-8742Membership ChairSecretaryLCDR Nancy Norton 696-0444 Treasurer CAPT Ericson “Eric” Menger 532—6132ChaplainLtCol Eric “Rip” Wielder 234-4111Past PresidentLt Col P. Scott Carson 794-2955Board of DirectorsLt Paul Dodson 589-6489CDR Mark Feurer 539-1860Col Carlos Halcomb ©696-0094COL Darryle “Sam” Kouns 978-6543Maj Terry Treat © 703-304-4935Capt Don Wickstrand 231-6101LtCol Eric “Rip” Wielder 234-4111

PLEASE NOTE:

We have several items of interest that we believed our members would appreciate in a Special Issuerather than wait until the next regular issue in September.

Future luncheons: We return to the Vero Beach Yacht Club on Friday, 15 September, speaker TBD; 20 October luncheon will feature Congressman Bill Posey.

Editor

2017 Officers and Board

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President's Message- JimRannazzisi

Thank you . . .

As many of you know my wife Barbara and I have been on an extended vacation since mid-April to clear multiple bucket list items, to visit family and to celebrateour 50th Anniversary.

I want to thank our 1st VP, Bob Albrecht, for taking charge and assuming my duties in my absence. Bob was just super! Upon my return in mid-July I hope to do as well for the Chapter as he did while I was gone.

Our Chapter 2nd VP and Membership Chairman Carroll Oates needs to be recognized for his recent efforts. On May 16 he led the staffing of our Chapter booth at the Velde Ford Veteran's event. He organized our Chapter's Memorial Day participation which consisted of obtaining and distributing flags at the Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary event. Later that day he served as master of ceremonies at an event organized by Cox-Gifford to honor our fallen heroes. On June 30 he led the Chapter effort at Downtown Friday...and he managed to recruit two new members along the way. Of course, he had to fit this all in between his Vets in the Classroom work,volunteering weekly as a Manager at the Victory Center Military Store and serving on the Veteran's Council.

Finally, I'd like to acknowledge Patrick Coakley for the superior leadership he's provided as our Legislative Affairs Chairman for the past three years. Patrick will be moving to Gainesville for the next two years and will not be able to continue in this capacity.

Our Chapter is, indeed, very fortunate to have such outstanding leaders as Bob, Carroll and Patrick who have so vigorously exemplified our motto: NEVER STOP SERVING.

"Petya ransom ware"

A massive cyber attack -- "Petya ransom ware" -- is underway in Europe and America. Protect yourself NOW. Update two things daily: your operating system (Windows/Mac OS). And update your anti-virus program every morning BEFORE looking at any emails or visiting websites. It takes only a few minutes. Have a full and daily incremental backup of your computers atthe end of each day. Do not leave the backup device or hard drive connected or turned on throughout the day because it can be hacked and locked with ransomware. Only turn it on or connect it when you're offline, ready to backup. When done, turn it off or disconnect from your system. You now can go back online. Maintain weekly and monthly versions of your backups in case one is infected. Every few months switch to a different backup drive or device to better your chances of surviving a breach of your system. The attacks are becoming more sophisticated zero-day penetrations before even the best anti-virus programs have updated their virus signatures to protect you.

Is it worth the bother? If this sounds like

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too much trouble, consider what you willdo if everything on your computer is lost, locked, or deleted. All emails, letters, contacts, addresses, music, books, films, photos, articles, financial records, tax records, etc. gone. Every few months, open one of your backups to view the files to verify they are valid. Nothing worse than assuming you are protected only to discover none of the backups were being made correctly. Remember, even paying the ransom doesnot guarantee the cyber thieves will give you a valid unlock code. And now they have your credit card info. Self-protection is best.

Personal Affairs Issues by JohnPapageorge and Terry Treat

Military Exchange On-Line Shopping available to all vets effective Nov 11, 2017. The Army, Air Force and Navy Exchange (what we used to call the PX or BX) will start allowing all honorably discharged veterans to shop online (thinkAmazon, but maybe cheaper with no sales tax). The target start date is Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2017. Registration is required and is now open.Go to: www.vetverify.org for more information:https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1049558/dod-opens-online-exchange-shopping-to-veterans/

WE CAREPlease contact Pat Cannon at 772-567-7727 with information regarding any of our members who are in the hospital, recuperating at home or in a nursing facility.

IN MEMORIAM

Lt Col Robert Ball, USAF (Ret)

Although not a Chapter member, Robert was a Life member of MOAA.

Lt Col Robert W.O. Ball, USAF, (Retired) passed away peacefully on June 22nd in Ft Pierce, FL at the age of 95. He served his country for 23 years asa US Air Force Pilot during WWll, Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He held the designation of command pilot with an aeronautical rating of navigator. During WW II his duty stations includedGuam, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima, Japan. Chapter members are invited to a Mass at St. John of the Cross at 9 AM onJuly 16th. Submitted by Chapter member Charles Read.

Ann Swenson

Ann Swenson beloved wife of Colonel Ivar “Swede” Swenson, USMC (Ret) will be buried in the Arlington National Cemetery on August 9th. Funeral Mass at2:45 p.m. in the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel followed by in ground burial service. Reception follows celebrating her life at Ft Myer Officers Club after the burial. Relatives and friend are invited. Contact Swede at 772-569-2021,cell: 941-769-9111 and he will send you detailed information. E-mail: ivar svenson@gmail.com.

Rays of Sunshine Needed!!!!

Pete Petersen (COL Peter Petersen USA (Ret) has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is undergoing radiation treatments. He is resting

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comfortably at home and is up for short visits.

Former Board member BG James “Mike” Molloy, KY National Guard isin a nursing home in Lexington, KY.

VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding Veterans Affairs, contact Joel V. Herman, Veterans Service Manager for Indian River County. His office is located at 2525 St. Lucie Avenue, Vero Beach; telephone: 772-26-1499, e-mail: jherman@ircgov.com

VETERANS COMPLAINT LINE

On 1 June 2017 the White House unveiled its Veterans Complaint Line, delivering on a campaign promise to give veterans direct access to the Trump administration.

Veterans can voice their concerns or individual complaints by calling (855) 948-2311.

Let's say, for instance, you believe your VA medical center unfairly charged you for an emergency room visit.

Or, you might wish to let the administration know of your concerns about its FY 2018 budget proposal or its plans to immediately halt payments to current and future veterans with a 100-percent individual unemployability rating once they are eligible for Social Security benefits at age 62.

The call center is operating under a soft launch until it is fully operational in August. During the soft launch period, the complaint line will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. In August, veterans can expect 24-hour continuous coverage.

The complaint line is a vehicle for the VA to start collecting, processing, tracking, and responding to complaints in a more responsive way. The VA will use the data to improve the delivery of high quality health care and benefits to veterans and their families in a measurable way.

MOAA encourages members who have concerns or problems to contact the complaint line.

Vero Beach Air Show2018April 21-22 2018 at Vero Beach

Regional Airport

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As one of only 32 Blue Angel performances scheduled throughout the nation in 2018, the Vero Beach Air Showis sure to draw large crowds numbering in the thousands, so be certain to mark your calendars and get your cameras ready! For additional information, to becomea sponsor or volunteer, please visit VeroBeachAirShow.com, Facebook.com/VeroBeachAirShow/

Space Coast Honor Flight byTerry Treat

Looking for an opportunity to serve a Veteran? An Honor Flight Guardian accompanies a WWII, Korean War or Vietnam War veteran on his trip to DC totour the monuments honoring his servicein those conflicts. In a single (long) day, the veteran flies to DC, tours the WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Air Force and Iwo Jimamemorials, observes the change of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown, and returns home.

The Honor Flight covers all of the veteran's expenses. The guardian is required to pay his or her air fare at $400, which is a tax deductible contribution. For details, go to www.spacecoasthonorflight.org, or contact Terry at 703-304-4935, tjtreat@hotmail.com

Remaining 2017 Space CoastHonor Flight Schedule

Flight 5 19 Aug SaturdayFlight 6 9 Sep SaturdayFlight 7 14 Oct Saturday

Elected Federal Representatives

President Donald J. Trump (R)The White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.Washington, D.C. 20500Comments line: 202 456-1111E-mail: whitehouse.gov

Senator Bill Nelson (D)Washington, D.C. Office:Phone: 202 224-5274E-mail: bill@billnelson.senate.gov

Senator Marco Rubio(R)Washington, D.C. Office:Phone: 202 224-3041Website: www.rubio.senate.gov

Representative Bill Posey (R)Washington, D.C. Office:Phone: 202 225-3671Website: www.posey.house.gov

Rep Posey’s District Office2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Building CMelbourne, FL 32940Phone: (321) 632-1776Fax: (321) 639-8595Indian River CountyPhone: (772) 226-1701

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The Veterans Council of IndianRiver County

2525 St. Lucie Avenue (Vets Service Bldg)Vero Beach, FL 32960

Phone: 772-410-5820Email: info@veteranscouncilirc.org

Mailing Address:PO Box 1354

Vero Beach, Florida 32961

Indian River Chapter News

The Indian River Chapter News is published, by the Indian River Chapter FL36 of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Inc., P.O. Box 644047, Vero Beach, Florida 32964-4047. Web page http://ircmoaa.org. The chapter is an IRS501(C) (19) non-profit, tax-exempt organization affiliated with National MOAA and the Florida Council of Chapters, MOAA, but not associated with the Department of Defense. The chapter is non-partisan and the contents of the Indian River Chapter News are theopinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of the National MOAA, Florida Council of Chapters, theIndian River Chapter FL36, or the DoD.

Defense Intelligence AgencyViews Russian Military Power.

The DIA has launched a new series of unclassified publications on foreign

military threats to the U.S. with a report on the Russian military.

"The resurgence of Russia on the world stage - seizing the Crimean Peninsula, destabilizing eastern Ukraine, intervening on behalf of Syrian PresidentBashar al-Assad, and shaping the information environment to suit its interests - poses a major challenge to the United States," the report said.

The 116-page report provides DIA data and perspective on Russian military strategy, force structure, defense spending, intelligence, nuclear weaponry, cyber programs, foreign arms sales, and more. Though unclassified and citing open sources, it is presumablyconsistent with DIA's classified collection.

The new publication is inspired by the Soviet Military Power series that was published by DIA in the 1980s to draw critical attention to Soviet military programs. Both informative and provocative, Soviet Military Power was immensely popular by government document standards though it was viewed by some critics as verging on, or crossing over into, propaganda.

Vets in Classroom

Our officer team will be getting a request from Gifford Middle School to support them this coming year with both Patriotism Classes and on Career Days. Carroll Oates has made a great contact there who will promote our all officer team.

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MEMORIAL DAY 2017

Several of our MOAA members were recognized at the Cox-Gifford MemorialDay Remembrance on 29 May. Carroll Oates was Master of Ceremonies for theevent. Sam Kouns and Joe Burke weretwo of the veterans who represented the conflicts our service people served in since WWII.

LTC Carroll Oates, USAR, (Ret)Master of Ceremonies

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COL Sam Kouns, USA, (Ret) receivingletter of appreciation for his service to

our country.

LTC Carroll Oates, USAR (Ret)

Remarks of Secretary of DefenseJames Mattis, General USMC, (Ret.)delivered as the graduation address to

the Class of 2017 at theUnited States Military Academy, May

27, 2017.

These words will move even the crustiest of old vets, and inspire renewedfaith in the commitment of the young men and women who join this year the ranks of our Armed Forces as shiny new lieutenants and ensigns. It is said Gen Mattis has a bear skin rug on the floor of his den. The bear is not dead...just afraid to move. Submitted by Terry Treat.

GEN Mattis' remarks: Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: what a day…

It is a great honor to be here today at West Point, one of the foundational keystones of our nation, and to join you on behalf of our commander-in-chief, President Trump, to pay his respects, and the respects of the American people, to the Military Academy’s class of 2017.

I would never have imagined when I joined the military at age 18 that I’d be standing here, nor can you anticipate where you’ll be many years from now.

By the time this class was in first grade classrooms in every state in our union, our country had been thrust into who thought by hurting us they could scare us. Well we don’t scare, and nothing better represents America’s awesome determination to defend herself than this graduating class.

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Every one of you could have opted out. You’d grown up seeing the war on ‘round-the-clock news. There was no draft. Colleges across this land would have moved heaven and earth to recruit you for schools that would never make such demands on you as West Point, starting with Beast Barracks, an aptly named introduction to the long gray line,creating American soldiers who are at their best when times are at their worst…

Today in honoring you graduates, in celebrating your achievements and giving thanks for your commitment, we can see clearly your role in our world.

You graduate the same week that saw themurder of 22 innocent young lives. Manchester’s tragic loss underscores the purpose for your years of study and training at this elite school.

For today you join the ranks of those whose mission it is to guard freedom andto protect the innocent from such terror.

We must never permit murderers to define our time or warp our sense of the normal.This is not normal and each of you cadets graduating today are reinforcing our ranks, bringing fresh vigor, renewingour sense of urgency and enhancing the Army’s lethality needed to prove our enemies wrong. You will drive home a salient truth: that free men and women will volunteer to fight, ethically and fiercely, to defend our experiment that we call, simply, “America.”

You graduates, commissioned today, willcarry the hopes of our country on your young shoulders.

You now join the ranks of an army at war. Volunteers all, we are so very proudof you, cadets, for taking the place you have earned in the unbroken line of patriots who has come before.Your oath of office connects you to the line of soldiers stretching back to the founding of our country…and in the larger sense, it grows from ancient, even timeless roots, reflecting the tone and commitment of youth long ago who believed freedom is worth defending.

In terms of serving something larger than yourself, yours is the same oath thatwas taken by the young men of ancient Athens. They pledged to “fight for the ideals and sacred things of the city…to revere and obey the city’s laws and do [their] best to incite a like respect” in others, and to pass on their city-state as “far greater and more beautiful” than they had received it.

In that sense, it is fitting the cadet cover you wear today, for the last time, features the helmet of the Greek goddessAthena, echoing respect of civic duty found in a democracy, and of a nation, inPresident Lincoln’s words, of the people,by the people, for the people.

After four years at West Point, you understand what it means to live up to anoath; you understand the commitment that comes with signing a blank check tothe American people, payable with your life.My fine young soldiers, a few miles northwest of Washington at Antietam battlefield cemetery is a statue of a Union soldier standing at rest, and overlooking his comrades’ graves. It is inscribed with the words, “not for themselves, but for their country.”

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How simple that thought. So long as our nation breeds patriots like you, defenderswho look past the hot political rhetoric of our day and rally to our flag, that Army tradition of serving our country will never die.To a high and remarkable degree, the American people respect you. We in the Department of Defense recognize that there are a lot of passions running about in this country, as there ought to be in a vibrant republic.

But for those privileged to wear the clothof our nation, to serve in the United States Army, you stand the ramparts, unapologetic, apolitical; defending our experiment in self-governance…you hold the line.

You hold the line…faithful to duty…confronting our nation’s foes with implacable will, knowing if there’s a hill to climb, waiting won’t make it smaller.

You hold the line…true to honor…livingby a moral code regardless of who is watching, knowing that honor is what we give ourselves for a life of meaning.

You hold the line…loyal to country and Constitution, defending our fundamentalfreedoms, knowing from your challenging years here on the Hudson that loyalty only counts where there are a hundred reasons not to be.

Behind me, across Lusk Reservoir, stands a memorial dedicated to the American soldier. On it are inscribed the words: “the lives and destinies of valiant Americans are entrusted to your care andleadership.”

You have been sharpened through one ofthe finest educational opportunities in

America, given to you by the American people via General Caslen’s superb faculty, who expect admirable leadershipby example as soldier leaders.

My view of a great leader is the player-coach. We need coaches, men and women who know themselves, who take responsibility for themselves, coaching their soldiers to the top of their game.

Every soldier in your platoon will know your name the day you step in front of them.Your responsibility is to know them. Learn their hopes and dreams. Teach them the difference between a mistake and a lack of discipline. If your troops make mistakes, look in the mirror and figure out how to coach them better.

And while we never tolerate a lack of discipline, we must not create a zero-defect environment, because that would suffocate initiative and aggressiveness, the two attributes most vital to battlefieldsuccess.In leading soldiers, you will have what F.Scott Fitzgerald called, “riotous excursions with privileged glimpses into the human heart.” So recognize you should never permit your passion for excellence to neutralize your compassionfor the soldiers you serve, and who will follow you into harm’s way.

Remember that when the chips are down, it will be the spirits of your often rambunctious soldiers that will provide the reservoir of courage you will need to draw upon.

Rest assured that nothing you will face will be worse than Shiloh. Nothing can faze the U.S. Army when our soldiers believe in themselves.

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The chips were down in the freezing cold days before Christmas, 1944, when the Nazi army was on the attack in the Ardennes.A sergeant in a retreating tank spotted a fellow American digging a foxhole. The GI, Private First Class Martin, looked up and said to the sergeant in the tank, “are you looking for a safe place?”“Yeah,” answered the tanker.“Well, buddy,” the private said with a drawl, “just pull your vehicle behind me…I’m the 82nd Airborne, and this is as far as the bastards are going.”

On the battlefield, no one wins on their own. Teams win battles, and if you can win the trust and affection of your soldiers, they will win all the battles for you.

If you wish to be a credit to our nation, you must carry West Point’s ethos everywhere you go and practice every day the integrity that builds your character.

When destiny taps you on the shoulder and thrusts you into a situation that’s tough beyond words……when you’re sick and you’ve been three days without sleep……when you’ve lost some of your beloved troops and the veneer of civilization wears thin, by having lived adisciplined life, you’ll be able to reach inside and find the strength your countryis counting on.

You are privileged to be embarking on this journey. You will learn things about yourself that others will never know.We can see the storm clouds gathering. Our enemies are watching. They are calculating and hoping America’s

military will turn cynical. That we will lose our selfless spirit.They hope our country no longer produces young people willing to shoulder the patriot’s burden, to willingly face danger and discomfort. Byyour commitment you will prove the enemy wrong.

We are not made of cotton candy.You are a U.S. soldier, and you hold the line.

The class of 2017 now joins an Army that left bloody footprints at Valley Forge…an army that defeated the Nazis’ last gasp at Bastogne…

Your class will be remembered for an Army football team that took to the field of friendly strife and beat Navy… but you will also be remembered for the history you are about to write, and when you turn over your troops to their next commander, they will be as good or better than you received them.

I may not have had the pleasure of knowing each of you personally, but I have very high expectations of you…

Your country has very high expectations of you…

And we are confident you will not let us down because while we may not know you personally, we do know your character, West Point character.

So…fight for our ideals and sacred things …incite in others respect and lovefor our country and our fellow Americans…and leave this country greater and more beautiful than you inherited it, for that is the duty of every generation.

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To the families here today, I can only say: apples don’t fall far from the tree. Thank you for the men and women you raised to become U.S. soldiers.

Thank you too, General Caslen and your team, who coached these members of the Long Gray Line. They will write the Army’s story, and in so doing will carry your spirits into our nation’s history.

For duty, for honor, for country…hold the line.

Congratulations, class of 2017, and May God bless America.

3rd Annual Veterans Salute &Celebration BBQ

WHERE: Christ Church Community Center, 667 20th St, Vero Beach (near Miracle Mile at SR 60 and 6th Avenue.)

When: Saturday, 15 July at 1:00 PM

Cost: Free for all Veterans, Spouses and Children

For all local veterans. A celebration of gratitude for your service. Bring your children to join the fun, festivities and food. CASUAL dress.

PLEASE RSVP: 772 696-3160 BY Thursday, July 13th.

Annual Veterans Outreach GolfTournament

Our Chapter recently received a “THANK YOU” letter from the VeteransCouncil of Indian River County, Inc., for

donating $200.00 to the Annual VeteransOutreach Golf Tournament held on 17 June at the Sandridge Golf Course. As a “Hole Sponsor” a sign with our MOAA Logo and name was posted at the hole. The Tournament raised over $22,000 to benefit Indian River County Veterans. Revenue from the tournament will be used for various programs such as:

Veterans Outreach Program which locates and assists veterans in need especially those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Upward American Veterans Program that provides veterans with emergency basic living expenses.

Transportation Program that provides transportation to veterans and caregivers to and from medical appointments locally and at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

Did You Know . . .?

HHS/Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are taking steps to remove Social Security numbers from Medicare cards through the Social Security Number Removal Initiative (SSNRI). Through this initiative CMS seeks to prevent fraud, fight identity theft and protect essential program funding and the private healthcare and financial information of Medicare beneficiaries.

CMS will issue new Medicare cards witha new unique, randomly-assigned number called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) to replace the existing Social Security-based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) both on the cardsand in various CMS systems.

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New cards will be mailed to Medicare beneficiaries beginning April 2018. All Medicare cards will be replaced by April2019.

GOD BLESSES AMERICA!