VOLUME 57 NO.7 2018

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MILE HIGH OFFICERS CALL NEWSLETTER OF THE MILE HIGH MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

Our 57th year and a 5 Star Chapter since 2004

FROM OUR PRESIDENT WO1 DEAN CASEY, USA (RET)

July is the 7th month in both the Julian & Gregorian Calendars. It was named in honor of Roman General

Julius Caesar and, in the Northern Hemisphere, the warmest month of the year. Like our contacts in Facebook and Twitter, we ask “Where did the first six months of the year go?”

In the United States it is the Celebrat ion month. July 4th or, Independence Day, is the date we celebrate the adoption of the D e c l a r a t i o n o f

Independence in 1776. There will be picnics baseball games, parades and the best part, fireworks. However, let us bear in mind that a lot of veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are not fond of the fireworks. And please, let’s observe firework safety. Throughout the US numerous people, mainly children, will suffer injuries due to improper handling of fireworks. They also cause fires resulting in loss of homes or woodlands.

Don’t forget to place on your July Calendar the Mile-High Chapter picnic on the 14th. Chaplain Long will be hosting the picnic at his home again this year. Please contact members who we have not seen in a long time to attend this event.

Hope everyone has a great July and stay cool.

Dean

OUR JULY FUNCTION IS THE MHMOA ANNUAL PICNIC

Plan to join the fun at our annual MHMOA annual picnic on the 14th of July. Russell and Francis Long will again host our picnic at their residence at 6278 S. Kearney St. in Centennial. The fun will start at 1100 and will end at 1400. Due to parking challenges, Russell recommends “car Pooling” if possible.

If you would like to bring food or drink to share, please let me know so we don’t h a v e t o o m u c h o f one thing a n d n o t enough of a n o t h e r . The price is $10.00 per p e r s o n (which is h a l f t h e

price of picnics costing twice as much.) It would be of help if you could bring chairs and tables, if possible, so as to not be a burden on Russell and Francis.

We will again be entertained by the “Rootin’ Tootin’s’ Jazz Band.” If you’ve never been before, it’s fun - as it is supposed to be; a time to relax, enjoy good company, music and really great food.

Please have your information to me by July 9th. Thanks, I’ll see you there.

Wade Nofziger, 2nd VP Tele. (303) 933-7945 or e-mail at wadenof @ comcast.net

WO1 Casey

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTED OFFICERS President WO1 Dean Casey, USA, (Ret) 303-942-0632 1st V.P. CAPT Shelly Owens, USN (Ret.) 720-583-2941 2nd V.P. Maj. Wade Nofziger, USAF (Ret.) 303-933-7945 Secretary Col. Richard Wesbrook, USAF (Ret.) 303-572-0665 Treasurer Lt Col Pete Pistelli, USMC (R 720-489-7171 Pres. Emeritus COL Joe Gaddis, USA (Ret.) 303-693-4241 Past President Capt. Dennis Orr, USAF (Fmr.) 303-526-2156

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Civic Affairs Vacant Membership Capt. Dennis Orr, USAF (Fmr.) 303-526-2158 Personal Affairs MAJ Edward Bennett, USA (Ret.) 303-995-9549 Reservations Lt. Col. Bob Fretzs, USAF (Ret.) 303-694-9584 Public Affairs LTC Nick Reisdorff, USA (Ret.) 303-301-4429 Legislative Lt. Col. Roy Miller, USAF (Ret.) 303-980-5877

STAFF APPOINTMENTS Asst.. Secretary CWO Vergal Hastings, USA (Ret.) 303-690-7727 Asst. Treasurer LTC Keith Troutman, USA (Ret.) 303-955-5667 Srv. Sp. Liaison Pat LaMoe 303-979-5768 Chaplain LTC Russell Long, USA (Ret) 303-694-1079 Asst. Chaplain Maj. Charles Hutsler, USAF (Ret.) 303-514-1871 Chief Medical COL Clement Hanson, DO, USA (Ret.) 303-341-6425 Chapter Historian COL Jim Sherman, USA (Ret.) 303-443-0797 Military Historian Greg Kyle 3o3-912-5164 Newsletter Editor Maj. Adrian Presley, USAF (Ret.) 303-759-0959 ROTC/Phone Tree Lt. Col. Bob Fretzs, USAF (Ret.) 303-694-9115 TOPS Lt. Col. Bob Fretzs, USAF (Ret.) 303-694-9115 UVC Brig. Gen. Monroe Mathias, USAF (Ret.) 303-355-9825 Webmaster/Photos Larry Styer Hospitality Vacant Legal Officer “ Asst. Editor “ Sergeant at Arms “

THE MILE HIGH MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 32027 Aurora, CO 80041-2027

http://www.mh-moaa.org E-mail: webmaster @ mh-moaa.org

TREASURER’S REPORT 5/31/2018 Lt Col Pete Pistelli, Treasurer

MHMOA Operating accounts

Net Worth 4/30/2018 $6,052.70 Monthly Income $910.12 Monthly Expenses -$1,009.85

Net Worth 5/31/2018 $5,952.97

MHMOA Bank Accounts 5/31/2018 WF Checking $1,055.71 WF Savings $4,897.26

Total $5,952.97

MHMOA Scholarship Fund 5/31/2018

Net Worth 4/30/2018 $6,787.39 Monthly Income $ 68.18 Monthly Expenses $ 0.00

Net Worth 5/31/2018 $6,855.57

LUNCH OR BRUNCH SURVEY Lt Col Pete Pistelli

In the interest of increasing participation in our monthly meetings, we have asked our members, over the past two months, if they would prefer a Brunch meet ing over the cur rent Lunch meet ing . Approximately 75 % of those responding preferred a Brunch meeting, citing the freeing of the Saturday afternoon as a significant advantage.

We will now search for a facility with a brunch type menu. The general requirement is for a centrally located restaurant/hotel with a separate meeting room having a capacity of about 50 persons. If any of you have any recommendations, please share them with us.

For the time being, I’ll coordinate the search. You can email me at pistelli@comcast.net, or call me at (720) 489-7171. We’ll keep you informed of our progress through the newsletter and our monthly meetings.

Pete PistelliJoin the Air Force and see the world!

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CONDENSED MINUTES OF 6 JUNE 2018 STAFF MEETING

Attendance; WO 1 Dean Casey, President, LTC Russel Long, Capt. Dennis Orr, Mrs. Pat LaMoe, CAPT Shelly Owens, Maj. Wade Nofziger, Lt. Col. Bob Fretzs, Lt. Col. Pete Pistelli, COL Jim Sherman, Maj. Adrian Presley, Lt. Col Thom Fry and Col. Dick Wesbrook

Minutes; The minutes for 2 May 2018 were read and by motion and vote were approved. A recommendation, made by Maj Adrian Presley, to publish an edited version of the BOD using the abridged version of the Minutes, was discussed. The font utilized for the last Newsletter ie., an eight point verses a ten-point font, received mixed reviews but the decision was made to continue with the smaller type and the abridged version for the time being. Treasurers Report; LTC Pete Pistelli presented a copy of the 31 May 2018 financials for review. The Treasurers report for the month ending 31 May 2018 shows $5,952.97 in the operating account and $6,855.57 in the Scholarship account. A motion to accept the Treasurers report was made seconded and by vote were accepted.

President; WO Dean Casey told of the anniversary trip that he and his wife took to New Mexico and specifically the Carlsbad Caverns. The BOD discussed the outcome of Pete’s question to the membership about Luncheons vs. Brunches. Pete and others will search for a venue to do the brunches and present the question of the options to the Membership at the June luncheon. CAPT Shelly Owens said that she had received notice from MOAA that the National Committee Module had not been accessed. The persons that must access the module is the Chapter President or the Membership Chair. Dean said that he would access the Module by Monday 11 June at the latest. This affects our submittal of the Five Star Designation for the Chapter.

1st Vice President; CAPT Shelly Owens said that she has updated the By-Laws to reflect the change from Woman’s Auxiliary to Surviving Spouses. Shelly said that Mr. Louis J Zoghby, will be our speaker for June. Mr. Zoghby is a WW II Soldier who fought in the Battle in the Bulge (Ardennes). In July, we will rejoin, once again, for our Annual Picnic.

2nd Vice President; Maj. Wade Nofziger said that the Picnic will be held on the 14th of July at the home of LTC Russell Long. He then took note of the menu items that the BOD will be bringing. The last years picnic was attended by a total of 44 regular members of the MHMOA and guests.

UVC activities; Brig. Gen. Mathias Brig. Gen. Mathias said that the Colorado Legislature recessed in May, having addressed several legislative actions deemed beneficial to Colorado veterans. They resume the session after the recess.

Surviving Spouses; Mrs. Pat LaMoe said that the trip, on May 5th, to the Air Force Museum in Colorado Springs, was a great success. All that attended enjoyed the day spent among the vintage aircraft from the Air Force inventory.

CCoC President and Historian; COL Jim Sherman said that he had received a letter from MAJ. Ron Thompson following the funeral service of his wife Debbie. Ron expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the sorrow expressed by members of the MHMOA following the death of his wife. Jim said that the next meeting of the CCoC will be held on August 11th in Grand Junction, CO. He polled he BOD to see who would be attending the event, which coincides with the Peach festival on the Western Slope. Jim also asked for a three-month report of MHMOA activities, for presentation to the assembled CCoC at the August meeting.

ROTC/TOPS, Reservations; Lt. Col. Bob Fretzs said that he presented medals to Marine members of the JROTC at Adams County. The cost of the medals was $121.00.

Chaplain; LTC Russel Long said that he had received no complaints following last year’s Picnic so use the same consideration this year. There are four parking spaces in his driveway so please free to park there. The ‘Rootin’ Tootin’ Dixieland’ Band will, once again entertain us.

Lt.Col. Tom Fry; Lt. Col Thom Fry said that he is interested in volunteering to work with the Colorado Legislature.

Adjournment; WO Dean Casey adjourned the meeting at 0747 hrs.

Respectfully submitted: Richard L. Wesbrook, Secretary, MHMOA

The MHMOA Board and members offer our deepest sympathy to Ron Thompson, MAJ, USA (Ret.) on the passing of his lovely wife,

Deborah Ann Thompson.

Many will remember Ron as a past member of our Chapter who served on the MHMOA

Board as Treasurer for many years. Following Ron and Deborah’s marriage they moved to

Bullhead City, Arizona.

VOL 57 NO. 7 JULY 2018

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SURVIVING SPOUSE LIASION By Pat LaMoe

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA !!

Display your flag, or some bunting, it is America's Birthday. You could have a cake, but don't think it will hold all 242 candles ! How about fried chicken, potato s a l a d , homemade ice cream (do you still have an ice cream maker?),

or watermelon. Lots of firework displays around town for a couple of days for you to enjoy. I invite you to come to 4 Mile Historic Park (in Cherry Creek area) on Tuesday, 2 July, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Enjoy a tour of the 1860's house, the farm animals, snacks from food trucks, and the fireworks in Glendale after dark. I am a volunteer at the Park and will be at the door to greet you.

Hope to see all of you on Saturday, 14 July at Chaplain & Mrs Long's home for our MHMOA summer picnic. Shorts, flip/flops, sunscreen & hats are the uniform of the day. Yes, Chaplain's son-inlaw will be there with his Dixie Land Jazz band for entertainment. Who enjoyed the big swing under the big trees - so relaxing ! Bring a dish to share. Strictly social time – no business, no program. See YOU there !

Any of you from the south, or learned to love it while stationed there? Want to savor some crayfish? Let me know ….. in September, IKEA has a crayfish dinner, all you can eat for about $15.00 !!!

Alert !! We are now half way thru 2018. Look at your To Do List-- time to start checking off the

items left on it. For sure, Time Flies When You Are Having Fun, and we retirees are busy having fun.

MEDICAL REPORT By COL Cement Hanson, DO, USA (Ret).

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury in adults (TBI) results from a blow to the head that causes brain injury. The degree of damage can depend on several factors inc luding how the in jury occurred and force of impact. It temporarily slows brain function. I t can l ead to long- te rm complications, including loss of consciousness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Mild traumatic brain injury may

affect the brain cells temporarily. Symptoms include no loss of consciousness or a few seconds of loss of consciousness, headache, nausea, vomiting, speech problems, insomnia, sleeping more than usual, dizziness, and loss of balance.

If the patient suffers several minutes to hours of loss of consciousness, then the TBI injury is serious. Symptoms may be a persistent headache or a headache that worsens, vomiting and nausea, convulsions or seizures, dilation of pupils of the eyes, fluids draining from the nose, loss of coordination, confusion, and slurred speech.

Long-term losses include poor memory and reasoning, lack of attention, memory loss, concentration, problems, and multitasking. Psychological symptoms include mood swings, depression, anxiety, and seizures. Severe TBI includes coma, brain damage, vegetative state, and “minimally conscious state.”

Causes include falls, motor vehicle collisions, violence, sports injuries, explosive blasts, and head trauma. TBI occurs most often in adults over sixty who are more

Continued on page 5

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accident-prone and young adults between fifteen and twenty four who think they are invincible.

Damage to the brain results in bruising, torn tissues, b l e e d i n g a n d p h y s i c a l d a m a g e t o t h e b r a i n . S y m p t o m s m a y o c c u r immediately and others can appear days or weeks later. Consequences include fluid build- up in the brain,(hyd rocepha lus ) , b r a in infection, meningitis (brain

infection,) blood vessel damage, dizziness, ringing in ears and hearing loss. Multiple TBI’s will mimic Alzheimer’s dementia.

In the elderly, there is a concern of TBI as a result of falls, auto accidents, penetrating wounds, and sports activities. When people have TBI, the trauma injuries persist. However, if you are a younger person with TBI, you can recover over time.

If you have good relationships with people close to you, avoid alcohol, and take care of yourself through diet and exercise. You will improve.

MEDICAL REPORT Continued from page 4 Repair of the injured neurons (neurogenesis

will be slower if you are older. The most important thing is to avoid a repeat TBI.

Unfortunately, those affected tend to sequester themselves. This causes a downward spiral of depression. However, having a purpose in life, interaction with family and friends provides reassurance, which helps the patient have a perspective and drive to get up in the morning.

There are alternative treatments that may help recovery from TBI include smoking marijuana, which decreases brain inflammation.

Cognitive rehabilitation, speech and language rehabilitation, and injury coping skills can be improved by treatment with a combination psychiatrist and neurologist for comprehensive treatment at the same time. The neurologist typically orders an overnight sleep study. Prevention is the best strategy. Do not get hit on the head with a golf club, fall off a ladder cutting down a tree, or get into a gun fight.

Y’ALL COME! MHMOA ANNUAL PICNIC, SAT. 14 JULY, 11:00 TO 1400

HOSTED BY RUSSELL AND FRANCES LONG 6278 S KEARNEY ST. CENTENNIAL, CO

$10 PER PERSON PLUS A FOOD ITEM SO THERE IS PLENTY FOR ALL MAKE RESERVATIONS BY 10 JULY BY CALLING BOB FRETZS AT (303)

694-9584 OR WADE NOFZIGER AT (303) 933-7945 (CALL EVEN IF SENDING IN A PAYMENT)

NAME________________________________________FIRST MEETING ____(Y/NNUMBER IN PARTY AT $10 EACH _____……………………………………………………..TOTAL: $_________I AM INCLUDING $______FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND………………………………….. $_________I AM INCLUDING $15.00 FOR EACH NAME BADGE ……………………………………………… $_________ TOTAL TO REMIT $_________NAME BADGE SPELLING 1._________________________________________________________________NAME BADGE SPELLING 2_________________________________________________________________

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO MHMOA AND MAIL TO: RESERVATIONS, MHMOA P.O. BOX 32027, AURORA, CO 80041-2027

VOL 57 NO. 7 JULY 2018

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MEMBERSHIP AND/OR RENEWAL APPLICATION Mile High Chapter, Military Officers Association

P.O. Box 32027, Aurora, Colorado 80041-2027

_________________________________________________________________________ Last Name (please print) First Name Initial Rank Service Spouse ( first name)

_______________________________________________________________________________________ Mail Address (please print) City State Zip (9 digits) Phone Retired___Active____Former Officer____Widow/Widower____Reserve/Nat. Guard______________ Assist with Chapter Activities? Yes____ Preference?____________ E-mail______________________

Dues: Regular and Associate: _____1 year $25 _____ 2 years $42 _____ 3 years $59 Dues: Auxiliary (Widows/Widowers): _____1 year $17 _____ 2 years $29 _____ 3 years $41 National MOAA membership expiration date ______________ Amount remitted $_________

Please mail this application and check for dues to the above address. Make check payable to MHMOA

M H M O A

MILE HIGH OFFICERS CALL Newsletter of the Mile High Military Officers Association P.O. Box 32027 Aurora, Colorado 80041-2027

Nonprofit Org. US Postage

Paid Permit No. 312

Aurora, CO

Mile High Officers Call is published monthly for the Mile High Military Officers Association, a non-profit organization, and not affiliated with any governmental agency. The views expressed in editorials and articles do not necessarily reflect Chapter policy.