The Bulletin” is published eleven times annually by the Silicon Valley Chapter MOAA

P.O. BOX 2 Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035

Volume I Issue No 2 Editor, LTC Neil J. Miles (Acting) September 2012

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

With half the year already behind us, SVC members have seen some positive activities from the Chapter. New members have joined the chapter and we have also encouraged growth in National MOAA; our interaction with National MOAA goes in both directions – we receive funds for SVC use for each National member we add and National is reaching out to their members who live in this are who are not yet part of SVC, urging them to join the Chapter.

Our lunch programs have been informative, helped keep current members on board and serve to

recruit additional participants in Chapter activities. Contact with San Jose State University Veterans student organization was described in the June Bulletin; look for more interaction on that as the school year opens. SVC supported the retention of the radar tower at Mount Umunhum with letters to the Mid-Peninsula Open Space Board and the San Jose Mercury. Many SVC members signed the petition circulated in favor of keeping the historical icon in place to remind all citizens of those who served at that isolated lookout during the Cold War. I appeared at the public hearing/workshop to add the SVC position to the many other supporting voices. For additional Mount Umunhum information see Section F.

Chapter finances are on track to meet our obligations but more help in supporting scholarships will

keep that program health; use the donation designation of the lunch reservation for if you can participate. First Vice President LCOL Mike Sampognaro brought the Moffett Armed Forces Community Covenant to the board's attention and we are taking part in that inaugural event; a report is in Section D of this eBulletin.

In summary, the accomplishments for the first half of 2012 describe an organization that serves our

members and provides support for activities to honor the many who keep our Nation secure. One part of our mission deserves more attention from those who are National members; use the tools they provide - every email or postcard sent to a legislator counts! We who are retired can communicate more fruitfully to legislators than active duty folks who are worried about their careers and maintaining benefits. CAPT Paul Barrish

Silicon Valley Chapter The Bulletin

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

6 September Board Meeting 10:00 AM 20 September Luncheon 11:00 AM 4 October Board Meeting 10:00 AM

18 October Luncheon 11:00 AM

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section A September 2012

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EDITOR’S NOTE

The eBulletin

In addition to The Bulletin this chapter is pleased to announce that the SVC has released to our website, http://svcmoaa.org/, this electronic bulletin, which is to augment The Bulletin. It will have the same and similar information, and will include additional information and hyperlinks to other locations we believe helpful to our members. Other than entering the 21st century, it is the intent that the eBulletin shall also be of benefit and interest to younger members of our chapter and bring forward new members. The eBulletin, not being page limited, will also make it possible for interested members to submit articles of interest (including pictures).

The eBulletin contains Sections A thru H as follows:

SECTION A (front page)  CALENDAR  OF  EVENTS    PRESIDENT’S  PERSPECTIVE  

SECTION B OFFICERS,  BOARD  and  CHAIRS   DIRECTORS   COMMITTEE  CHAIRS   SVC  MEMEBERSHIP  REPORT   LOCAL  VETERAN  AFFAIRS  CALENDAR  OF  EVENTS  

SECTION C LEGISLATIVE  NOTES  

SECTION D CHAPTER  ACTIVITIES    (to  include  involvement  with  our  local  communities)  

SECTION E LUNCHEON  SPEAKERS  (present  and  past  month)  

SECTION F THE  IN  BOX    (letters  from  members  and  other  organizations)  

SECTION G PERSONAL  AFFAIRS    (info  that  would  be  helpful  to  our  members)  

SECTION H MEMBERSHIP  FORM   LUNCHEON  FORM   ADVERTS       EXTRA    

We would suggest you take some time and peruse the eBullein, and keep in mind that it is in its infant stage and will smoothly progress into a mature publication, especially with your constructive feedback. Please forward your comments to the undersigned.

 LTC Neil J. Miles (eBulletin Acting Editor) njmelm@gmail.com

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section B September 2012

OFFICERS, BOARD, AND CHAIRS PRESIDENT: CAPT Paul Barrish USN 408-356-7531 1st VP: LTC Mike Sampognaro USAF 408-779-7389 2nd VP: LTC Jay Craddock USAF 650-968-0446 Secretary: COL Warren Enos AUS 408-245-2217 Treasurer: CAPT Lloyd McBeth USN 408-241-3514 Past President: LTC Jay Craddock USAF 650-968-0446

DIRECTORS CWO4 Pat Clark USA 408-267-0135 CDR V.A. Eagye USN 408-733-3177 COL Keith Giles USAF 408-244-9401 CDR Ralph Hunt USN 650-967-8467 LTC Neil J. Miles USAF 408-929-1142 CDR Al Mouns USN 408-257-5629

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Auxiliary Liaison Mrs Patricia Pogue Auxiliary 650-948-4303 Chaplain Fred Tittle USMC 650-961-2019 Commissary/Exchange Advisory CDR Ralph Hunt USN 650-967-8467 Mrs Patricia Pogue Auxiliary 650-948-4303 Friends-in-Need (FIN) Program CDR Al Mouns USN 408-257-5629 Programs LTC Jesse Craddock USAF 650-968-0446 ROTC CWO4 Patrick Clark USA 408-267-0135 CALMOAA Liason CAPT Paul Barrish USN 408-245-2217 ROA Liaison COL Warren B. Enos AUS 408-245-2217 Membership/Recruitment COL Warren B. Enos AUS 408-245-2217 Scholarship CAPT Paul Barrish USN 408-356-7531 Travel (Space-A Advisory) CDR V.A. Eagye USN 408-733-3177 Web Master LTC Mike Sampognaro USAF 408-779-7389 Sergeant-at-Arms LTC Neil J. Miles USAF 408-929-1142

VETERAN AFFAIRS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FOR September 2012 Monday, September 3: Labor Day Friday, September 8: Charity Golf Tournament, Aerotek-San Francisco Bay Area, Sentinels of Freedom, 11:00 a.m. Location: Callippe Preserve Golf Course, 8500 Clubhouse Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94566 Contact: Danielle Pallavicini, 925-983-3302 Thursday, September 13: We Honor The Veterans Conference, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location: California State University, Monterey Bay, The University Center, 100 Campus Center, Seaside, CA93955 Contact: Fe Sallworth, 831-241-2817 Wednesday, September 19:  Upcoming Mt Umunhum Board Decision Hearing at 7:00pm Location: Arrillaga Family Community Center, 700 Alma Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025 The public is invited to attend. If you would like to receive notification of upcoming meetings, document releases, and other important project events regarding the Mount Umunhum site project, please send an email to mt.um.tower@openspace.org and indicate your preferred method of contact.

Wednesday, September 26: San Francisco Veterans Town Hall/Collaborative, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Location: War Memorial Building, 401 Van Ness, Rm 207, San Francisco, CA 94102 Contact: Mary Ellen Salzano, maryellen_salzano@yahoo.com

SVC MEMBERSHIP REPORT As of August 2012 Regular Member 165 Give Me Ten Count 7

Auxiliary Members 48 MAJ Jason Cullinane, USA, Mt. View, March 3rd  Total 213 Capt Hung Nguyen, ANG, Milpitas, February 6th Capt Daniel Drag, ANG, Sunnyvale, February 6th  

New SVC Members 7   Capt Brandon Pablo, ANG, San Jose, February 6th COL Steven J Butow, USAF, San Jose Cadet Ryan Vega, AFROTC, Fremont, February 17th CAPT Anthony J Megna, USN Santa Clara Capt Jimmy Weidman, ANG, Daly City, February 6th

CDR Denman P Glanzman, USN, San Jose LT Aldo Zilli, USAR, Davis, February 9th LTC Robert P Shepard, USA, Los Altos 2LT Jonathan P Roth, USNG, Burlingame CAPT Peter L Molinari, USA, San Jose LTC Richard J Wendt, USAF, San Jose Renewed (Final Total) 265 Old Total 277 Give Me Ten Count 7

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section C September 2012

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES

Panetta: Bureaucracy needs to stop

(DoD photo)

When asked by Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, R-N.Y., how the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) planned to streamline the transition process for troops leaving active duty, DoD Secretary Leon Panetta said, "The bottom line is, frankly, we've just got to kick ass, and try to make it happen. And that's what we're going to do."

Panetta made his reply while sitting next to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki at an historic joint session of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs (HCVA) and the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). The July 25 hearing was the first time that VA and DoD secretaries had both appeared as witnesses.

Buerkle noted it has been five years since the Dole-Shalala Commission issued an urgent call to streamline the transition process for veterans returning to civilian life. "We (still) have two very distinct entities," she said. "We've had multiple hearings trying to get assurance from DoD and from the VA as to how you're going to get this together, so we can make sure our veterans get the services, without being overwhelmed by an extremely complex system."

Shinseki's response to the same question focused on the Federal Recovery Coordination Program, created in 2007. "We have a task force with the specific direction to study and bring harmony to these programs," Shinseki said. "Where are we duplicating one another? Where are we not doing things that we should be doing?"

Buerkle's exchange with the two secretaries typified a major theme of the hearing: How can VA and DoD make their transition programs for veterans more timely, more effective and less bureaucratic?

In his opening remarks, Rep. "Buck" McKeon, R-Calif.,the HASC chair, said Congress is "painfully aware that, at this very moment, 26,000 servicemembers are in the midst of the disability evaluation process, and are forced to wait over 400 days, on average, before they can return home to their communities."

More than a decade ago, McKeon said, Congress mandated that DoD and VA create a joint, integrated electronic health record to facilitate servicemembers' transition from one health-care system to another. "Unfortunately, after continuing delays, we are now told that it isn't expected to be completed until 2017," he said.

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section C September 2012

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES

Panetta: Bureaucracy needs to stop (cont.)

With the jobless rate for veterans aged 18-24 standing at about 23 percent, McKeon wanted to hear the secretaries' views on the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for military personnel leaving active duty. "Do you both agree on TAP's objectives?" McKeon asked. "For example, is TAP designed to prepare servicemembers for entry into the job market? Or is the purpose to actually get a servicemember a job? How do you measure whether TAP is achieving its objectives?"

Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., the HCVA chair, said VA and DoD have created two separate programs for transitioning veterans, and the Government Accountability Office testified that, "Proliferation of these programs has resulted not only in inefficiencies, but also confusion for those being served. Consequently, the intended purpose, which is to better manage and facilitate care and service, may actually have had the opposite effect."

Despite repeated calls for VA and DoD to share their health-record information electronically, "it seems the goal post continues to move, over and over again, on when this is finally going to take place," Miller said.

Panetta's testimony centered on five priority areas that DoD and VA are working together on: re-tooling TAP, refining the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), delivering an integrated electronic health-record system, collaborating on mental and behavioral health treatments, and preventing military suicides.

As someone who has spent more than 40 years in government, Panetta said he is "well aware that, too often, the very best intentions of caring for our veterans can get trapped in bureaucratic in-fighting. It gets trapped by conflicting rules and regulations, it gets trapped by frustrating levels of responsibility -- this cannot be an excuse for not dealing with these issues."

Shinseki began his testimony by acknowledging veterans service organizations, whose "insights have been helpful in developing resources and improving the programs" that VA supervises.

"Our requirements in VA continue to grow for about a decade – maybe sometimes a little more – after the last combatant comes back from operations," Shinseki said. "So for us, it's important that we spend the time now to better anticipate (veterans') needs for care, for benefits, and for a successful transition to civilian life."

In his testimony, Shinseki listed VA's four top priorities: the Integrated Electronic Health-Care Record, more sharing of data with DoD, providing sufficient support for the IDES program, and redesigning the transition process so that it provisions of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act.

Collaboration between VA and DoD is critically important to the transition process for veterans, Shinseki said. "We simply must transition them better," he testified. "We do this best with ‘warm' hand-offs between the departments. That's key to ensuring the success of transitioning servicemembers back to their communities in productive ways.

"We know we have a responsibility to better-harmonize our two departments in ways that better serve our service members, families, veterans and our survivors."

Source URL: http://www.legion.org/legislative/211505/panetta-bureaucracy-needs-stop

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION D September 2012

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CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY COVENANT

Chapter representatives turned out Saturday, August 18th, NASA-Ames parade ground, 10:00am to 2:00pm, to participate in the Moffett Field Community Covenant, a new local effort to introduce timely programs and services for uniformed service members, wounded warriors, and their families. Opening ceremonies included a keynote speaker and Covenant signing ceremony. A very substantial Veterans resource fair got underway at 11:00am along with a military kids connection event. This Armed Forces Covenant made it possible for the community to commit to build partnerships that support the strength, resilience, readiness and reintegration of military members, Veterans, and their families; provide needed resources; develop and promote outreach events; and demonstrate understanding that the strength of our military members and Veterans comes from the strength of their families and support of the community’s employers, educators, service providers, civic and business leaders, and citizens. The Armed Forces Community Covenant was launched April 17, 2008 with a community signing ceremony in Columbus, Georgia. Since then, over 450 Community Covenants have been signed by community members in 48 states, three territories and the District of Columbia. The Armed Forces Community Covenant is tailored to the local level, with leaders at both local and state levels participating in covenant signing ceremonies recognizing the strength of Military service members, veterans and their families, and the support of the local community. With Moffett Federal Airfield now a significant center for active, Guard and Reserve forces, the Community Covenant is dedicated to reaching the hundreds of men and women who need the support of the community before, during and after their military service. Service members continue to deploy to Afghanistan leaving behind their families. As Americans, we all have to come together to take care of veterans and the families left behind. The Community Covenant is an excellent forum for communities to show their support and get involved. All kinds of activities took place on the expansive lawns. Employers had registered and made an effort to hire military personnel; more than forty organizations were set up at tables providing a wide range of opportunities and resources; service providers were involved with sharing and networking; and community members came to show appreciation and support. There were many people present and many ways to participate. Silicon Valley Chapter members were proud to be on hand, display the chapter’s banner, provide a variety of printed material resources, and in general serve the local military community. It was a pleasure to support those who serve. __________________________________ SOURCE: Moffett Community Covenant PS From National MOAA Paul  –  Great  job  on  this  event.  Good  looking  chapter  team  and  display Lee  F.  Lange  II Colonel,  U.S.  Marine  Corps  (Ret)

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION D September 2012

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COMMUNITY COVENANT (cont)

Opening Ceremony

VIPs with SVC sign Petty Officer 2nd Class Keynote Speaker

MOAA SVC Booth with (from L to R) LLoyd McBeth, Paul Barrish, Patricia Pogue and Warren Enos

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION E September 2012

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LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

SEPTEMBER SPEAKER

LCDR Ted Robinson, USNR (RET),

  In a September 1962 speech delivered at Newport Beach prior to the America's Cup Race, President John F. Kennedy observed, "All of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from whence we came."       The chapter’s September speaker will be LCDR Ted Robinson, USNR (RET), who has gone back to the sea - all the way back to1943 when he served in a fateful PT boat battle and later helped rescue John F. Kennedy. He related this compelling wartime account in a March 2012 book, "Water in My Veins." In his early ‘90s, spry, and energetic, he still makes the same presentation he did when he served on a major speakers circuit giving hundreds of speeches as director of possibly the largest executive speakers bureau in California. His presentation is likely to be characterized as a thoroughly entertaining, tragic-comedic roller coaster ride of politically-incorrect candor, perhaps a bit on the salty side as was standard in some WWII situations.       As the Radar Officer of the lead boat in the attack, Robinson is probably the best still-living person to know what happened when JFK's boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer. He was one of 12 men who went in on the boat that rescued him, and was the first to talk to JFK and his crew as to what happened during and after the ramming. JFK's sole hospital tent mate for two months after losing his own PT boat, Robinson acquired unique insight into the character, personality, and perspectives of John F. Kennedy in times of crisis and repose. There he learned first-hand JFK's version of it all.       An embryo of impending wealth as scion to a brilliant young business executive, Robinson was birth-slapped by reality into the hardscrabble rigors of abject poverty, having lost his father to the 1920 flu pandemic. From this nascent misfortune, his life suffered increasingly wretched hardship during America's Great Depression, aided only by the heroic help of his deaf, lame, and toothless septuagenarian granddad. Persevering with courage, tenacity, intelligence, and labor, he eventually graduated from Duke University - which qualified him to become a Navy Officer.       Concluding with his post-war business career at Pac-Bell, LCDR Robinson’s book "Water in My Veins" is a fine read from one of the very best of the "Greatest Generation" to serve this country during war and peace. Former California First Lady, Maria Shriver has called, Robinson's autobiography, an

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION E September 2012

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LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

SEPTEMBER SPEAKER (cont.)     From novice ensign as a "suicide sailor" on PT Boats to the youngest CO of an LST in the Navy, Robinson will offer sea stories with wisdom, wit, and relish including some of the most compelling first-hand accounts of intense, under-fire, behind enemy lines WW II combat, perhaps including his desperate attempt as Captain of a Landing Ship Tank (LST), to extract an Army unit trapped behind enemy lines under fire and during a typhoon!       Concluding with his post-war business career at Pac-Bell, LCDR Robinson’s book "Water in My Veins" is a fine read from one of the very best of the "Greatest Generation" to serve this country during war and peace. Former California First Lady, Maria Shriver has called, Robinson's autobiography, an "incredible story of overcoming challenges and of great courage during World War II." President Kennedy's niece commended Commander Robinson in a letter of appreciation, saying, "I so enjoyed your...amazing story that weaves your life into a patchwork of events that is truly inspirational."       David Johnson of Grass Valley said, “If you want to learn more about the Great Depression and the bravery of our young men who manned the PT Boats in the early days of WWII then this is a must read.” And Pat Williams of Moraga said, “After hearing him speak on Memorial Day, I was interested in reading his story about the war in the Pacific. Even before I got to that part of the story, I felt his recollections about his boyhood, especially about his grandfather, was worth the price of the book. The speaker will have copies of his book available for purchase.  __________________  SOURCE: Biography    

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION E September 2012

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LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

JULY SPEAKER

State Parks Archologist Mark Hylkema

    The chapter’s July luncheon speaker was Mr. Mark Hylkema, Santa Cruz District Archeologist, California State Parks System, and he set out to “provide 12,000 years of history in about 30 minutes.” His presentation was entitled, “Native American Lifeways of the Monterey Bay and San Fracisco Coast Areas.” He was talking about the Costanoans, known today as the Ohlone Indians.       California had the largest population of Native American people in North America, as well as languages and dialects. In the mid-1700s, Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived in California and found the Bay Area inhabited by the Ohlone Indians. Posolmi, a large Ohlone settlement, was located along the shore of San Francisco Bay, near the location of present day Moffett Field, and the area around the junction of highways 101 and 85 was the epicenter of the colonial period.       The focus of much of the presentation was on three distinguishable epochs or cultural horizons, namely the Early Horizon extending from about 4000 BCE to 1000 BCE; the Middle Horizon was from these dates to 700 CE; while the Late Horizon was from 700 CE to the coming of the Spaniards in the 1770s. Villages in the south bay were established about 4000 B.C.E. Prior to Spanish contact, the Ohlone formed a complex association of approximately 50 different nations or tribes with about 50 to 500 members each, with an average of 200. Over 50 distinct Ohlone tribes and villages have been recorded.       Ohlone folklore and legend centered on the culture heroes of the Coyote trickster spirit, as well as Eagle and Hummingbird. Coyote spirit was clever, wily, lustful, greedy, and irresponsible. He often competed with Hummingbird, who despite his small size regularly got the better of him. The myths tell how Coyote, with the help of Eagle, created mankind and taught him the art of survival. Umunhum, as in Mt. Umunhum, means “hummingbird”.       The Ohlone culture was relatively stable until the first Spanish soldiers and missionaries arrived with the double-purpose of Christianizing the Indians by building a series of missions and of expanding Spanish territorial claims. The Rumsen of the Watsonville/Pajaro River area were the first Ohlone people to be encountered and documented in Spanish records when in 1602 explorer Sebastian Vizcaíno reached and named the area that is now Monterey. Despite Vizcaíno's positive reports, nothing further happened for more than 160 years.       Skilled at basket-weaving, tool-making, creating feathered dance regalia, artwork, and other crafts, the Ohlone subsisted mainly as hunter-gatherers and in some ways harvesters. A rough husbandry of the land was practiced, mainly by

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION E September 2012

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LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

JULY SPEAKER (cont.) Skilled at basket-weaving, tool-making, creating feathered dance regalia, artwork, and other crafts, the Ohlone subsisted mainly as hunter-gatherers and in some ways harvesters. A rough husbandry of the land was practiced, mainly by annually setting of fires to burn-off the old growth in order to get a better yield of seeds. Their staple diet consisted of crushed acorns, nuts, grass seeds, and berries, although other vegetation, hunted and trapped game, fish and seafood including mussels and abalone from the Pacific Ocean, were also important to their diet. Animals in their mild climate included the grizzly bear, elk, and deer. The streams held salmon and steelhead trout. Birds included plentiful ducks and geese. In general, the Ohlone constructed dome-shaped houses of woven or bundled mats of tules, 6 to 20 feet in diameter. They built boats of reeds to navigate on the open water.     Spanish mission culture soon disrupted and undermined the Ohlone social structures and way of life. For 60 years in the missions, the Ohlone population suffered greatly from cultural shock and disease; they lost the vast majority of their population between 1780 and 1850, because of an abysmal birth rate, high infant mortality rate, diseases and social upheaval associated with European immigration into California. Some descendants of the Ohlones reside in the Bay Area to this day.  ______________________  Source: Luncheon Speaker  

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ September 2012

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THE IN BOX

 CALIFORNIA COUNCIL Silicon Valley Chapter is a member of the Military Officers Association of America California Council of Chapters (CAL-MOAA), a state-wide nonprofit organization of and for the presidents of the 40 California chapters. The chapters support the Council financially by paying $1 dues for each regular chapter member as of December 31st. The organization provides presidents an opportunity to meet periodically, become better acquainted, discuss vital issues, share best practices, and coordinate activities around the state. The specific objectives are to promote the aims of national MOAA; further the legislative and other objectives of MOAA; protect, in matters of state legislation, the rights and interests of the retirees of the Uniformed Services, dependents and survivors; provide certain support to chapters; and, to participate with the California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC), a state military coalition of 23 veterans groups. The Council is governed by a president, vice president, state directors, secretary, treasurer, and certain committee chairs, all of whom make up the Executive Committee. The current president is CDR John Sammons, USPHS (RET), of Novato. Silicon Valley Chapter and 7 other chapters are in Area 2, San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas. National MOAA staff specialists conduct a regional meeting every four years for presidents and others in the western states. The intent is to offer updates on chapter management, membership, legislation, and The Officer’s Placement Service (TOPS) activities. The next scheduled meeting will be September 28-30 in Las Vegas; CAPT Barrish and other chapter leaders are likely to attend. Col Lee Lange, USMC-Ret, Director, MOAA Councils and Chapters Department, travels to California periodically to meet with Council leaders and the chapter presidents. He and others provide late national news, conduct management training and development sessions, and provide useful best practices information for chapter leaders. Past meetings have been held at Vandenberg Air Force Base, San Luis Obispo, and in San Diego. CAL-MOAA schedules an annual Council of Chapter Presidents meeting in late October or November to give the presidents an opportunity to review and approve Executive Committee actions. One of two mandated Executive Committee meetings is generally conducted just prior to the annual meeting; the other EXCOM meeting is generally held in the early spring. Current issues include possible adoption of new bylaws, an expansion of legislative advocacy efforts in Sacramento, and new chapter membership initiatives. CAPT Barrish represented the chapter at the 2011 Annual Meeting in Morro Bay. Area Directors, those who serve as liaison between Council leaders and the local chapter presidents, often schedule local planning and coordination meetings in order to discuss and develop positions on current issues, often in advance of state-level conferences. An Area 2 meeting was set for late June at Travis Air Force Base, and CAPT Barrish attended the meeting. The Council has been active responding to national MOAA requests, providing assistance to chapters with special problems, working with and meeting the needs of the state legislative advocate, and helping to advance the goals and objectives of the state military coalition. Among the most important achievements has been improved state-wide communication provided by the 8 area directors. In 2009 the Council worked hard to promote a California bill, which would have eliminated state income taxes on military retired pay; however, the bill died in committee. _________________________________ Source: CAL-MOAA History & Bylaws  

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ September 2012

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THE IN BOX  MT. UMUNHUM

Recent luncheon speaker Mr. Basim Jaber wrote that, “I hope the presentation was enlightening and informative, but most of all I hope it raised awareness that there exists a precious historic relic atop Mt. Umunhum that was a very important factor during the Cold War in providing a blanket of protection during what were then very difficult times.” Certain structures are in danger of being destroyed and chapter members are asked to help save a multi-story tower that can be seen from many parts of the southern Bay Area. “The reason I am reaching out to you,” Jaber said, “is that the Open Space District who owns the land recently certified an environmental impact report that allows them to proceed with tearing down and demolishing all structures atop Mt. Umunhum from the historic Almaden Air Force Station except the main radar tower. It may be too late to save any of the other structures, but the main radar tower is still in limbo and desperately needs our help to save it.” Chapter president CAPT Paul Barrish, USN (RET), summarized the feelings of board members and others, “The sentinel structure atop Mt. Umunhum deserves to be retained, reminding current Bay Area residents of a time when 20th century threats existed. This highly visible monument will honor those who stood watch 24/7; their efforts helped make it certain that we would not have radioactive fallout blowing in the wind." The final decision on the fate of the iconic radar tower, a south bay landmark since 1962, will not be made until sometime in October. The Open Space District has set forth three options for consideration: tear down the tower; tear it down to the first floor walls; save the tower for future use. In July the chapter sent a letter to the Open Space District officials in support of saving the tower. In addition, Basim Jaber encourages all members to sign a special petition here: https://www.change.org/petitions/save-the-mt-umunhum-radar-tower. Jaber said, “Any chapter members who are veterans of the Cold War are asked to be vocal about how tearing down Almaden Air Force Station in its entirety is a travesty and disrespectful to the military service personnel who manned the sites.” ______________________ SOURCE: Mr. Basim Jaber  

 

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ September 2012

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THE IN BOX CAMP ROBERTS MUSEUM A number of chapter members likely spent time at Camp Roberts, either on active duty or as a member of a National Guard component, and there are plenty of memories to be recalled. Camp Roberts officially began its mission as one of the world’s largest training sites in March 1941. It featured the world’s largest parade field (the length of 14 football fields) and hosted an Infantry Replacement Training Center and a Field Artillery Replacement Training Center. 436,000 troops passed through an intensive 17-week training cycle. A peak population of 45,000 troops was reached in 1944, with thousands of these soldiers quartered in huge tent cities. Besides the two Training Centers, there was a 750-bed hospital and intern facilities for German and Italian prisoners of war. Many of the Italian POWs swore allegiance to America after Italy surrendered, and spent the remainder of the war as service unit workers at Camp Roberts. The Camp Roberts Historical Museum's mission is to familiarize visitors with the long legacy of Camp Roberts as a major training site for America's military. Camp Roberts, completed in 1941 and named after Medal of Honor awardee Corporal Harold Roberts, was one of the US Army's largest Infantry and Field Artillery Training Centers during World War II, and has continually trained active and reserve soldiers ever since. On July 1, 1946, with the out-processing of WWII soldiers complete, Camp Roberts was inactivated as a training site, reverting to ‘caretaker’ status, with a skeleton crew to maintain it. Reserve units conducted their 15-day summer training cycles, and it remained so until the outbreak of the Korean War. In June 1950 North Korea invaded South Korea, and the United Nations quickly responded. The following month, Camp Roberts was re-activated for Regular Army troop training, and soon added an Armor Replacement Training Center. During the Vietnam era, Camp Roberts once again bustled with activity, though not on as grand a scale as in WWII or the Korean War. The installation was not ‘officially’ open, and thus earned the title “most active inactive post in the U.S.” Many troops were brought down from Fort Ord after in processing for their basic training and returned there for graduation and assignment. The US Army officially closed Camp Roberts in April 1970, and on April 2, 1971, the California Army National Guard received control of the Camp under license from the Army to establish a Reserve Component training and mobilization facility. Camp Roberts continues to operate in this fashion today. In recent years, many National Guard units have been processed through Camp Roberts to meet the Nation’s needs in the War on Terrorism by being deployed throughout the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Many famous people received their military training here during WWII, including Caspar Weinberger, Robert Mitchum, Steve Allen, Steve “Hercules” Reeves, and comedy legend Red Skelton, who headlined Camp Roberts’ entertainment troupe. Many other celebrities, like Laurel and Hardy, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Jack Benny and Marlene Dietrich have come to Camp Roberts to entertain countless troops at the Soldier Bowl.  

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ September 2012

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THE IN BOX CAMP ROBERTS MUSEUM (cont.) The Camp Roberts Historical Museum is located on Camp Roberts, California, just halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on Highway 101 (12 miles north of Paso Robles). The Museum is the repository for the entire history of one of America's most historic Army installations, and is open to the public on Thursdays AND Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding National Holidays). The topics of its exhibits range from the early ranches and the Salinas Indians through World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, to present-day pre-mobilizations to the Middle East. Admission is free. _____________________________________ SOURCE: Camp Roberts Historical Museum

Admission is always FREE to all visitors.

   

 

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PERSONAL AFFAIRS EMPLOYMENT

For those seeking employment there are job listings posted on the CALMOAA website on line at http://www.calmoaa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=15&Itemid=36 . For additional employment assistance there are sites on our LINKS site at http://siliconvalleymoaa.org/link.html MEDICAL AND PHARMACY For information on medical and pharmacy information refer to our LINKS site at http://siliconvalleymoaa.org/medpharm.html ID CARD CHANGE     The Moffett Field ID card office is currently located in the U.S. Army Reserve Center, 230 RT Jones Road, Mt. View, CA 94043-1809. The office can be reached by making the left hand turn from the 4-way stop immediately prior to the Moffett Field main gate. The building is one half mile down the road on the left.      

It will be necessary to make an advance appointment for entry to the building and obtaining the new card. Appointments can be made at (650) 526-9517 or (650) 526-9616 or on-line click on “Moffett Appointment” at this location http://siliconvalleymoaa.org/iddecal.html

REPORTING DEATHS Members can report the death of a retiree locally through the Retiree Activity Office (RAO). The phone number is 650- 603-8047. You can also notify a MOAA member’s death to: MOAA: Attn: MSC, 201 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314-2539. Or call 1-800-234-6622 Or: E-mail: mailto:msc@moaa.org. Notify SVC-MOAA by phoning the Membership Chair – see listing in Section B of The Bulletin.  

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Membership Application and Renewal Form

Silicon Valley Chapter Military Officers Association of America Mail to: SVC-MOAA P.O. Box 2

Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035

Membership Application and Renewal Form Date________________ Enroll Me As: New Member_____Renewing Member_____Aux Member____ Annual Dues: $26.00 $__________ (Auxiliary – Dues are not charged, donations gratefully accepted) Donations to SVC Fund $__________ Donations to Scholarship Fund $__________ Donations to PAWS $__________ Donation to USO $__________ (All Donations are Tax Deductible) Total: $____________Make checks payable to SVC-MOAA and mail to above address. Please complete all applicable blanks Status: Active___Reserve____ Guard___Retired____Former Officer___ Widow(er)______ Name:__________________________________/__________________/_____/__________/_________ Last First MI Rank Service Address:_________________________________________/___________ Number Street (P.O. Box, etc.) Apt/Suite City____________________State_______Zip_________/______Spouse’s Name_____________

5 Digit 4 Digit

Phone (____)_________________________ E-mail ________________________________

SVC Dues are due 1 January and are separate from National MOAA Dues. SVC Dues support the Bulletin and Administrative functions. Luncheons are self-supporting. Dues are not prorated. Donations can be made to the Silicon Valley Chapter’s general fund and/or the various funds listed above. If you are a new chapter member, please advise us how you learned about this chapter. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For present members we are trying to update and enhance our records; so please provide the month

and year you joined the SVC. _______________

Are you a National MOAA Member? ________

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LUNCHEON

LOCATION – BILTMORE HOTEL – 2151 LAURELWOOD RD, SANTA CLARA, CA DIRECTIONS: Going North on Hwy 101: Exit at Montague/San Tomas, then Montague; then Right on Laurelwood. Going South on Hwy 101: Exit at Montague/San Tomas, then Montague, then Right on Laurelwood. --------------------------------------------------Cut Here-----------------------------------------------

****LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM**** Deadline to reach SVC no later than 14 September

If you have not sent in your reservation form by the above date and still wish to attend,

please call Jay Craddock, 650-968-0446 LUNCHEON PRICE - $24.00 Times: Social Hour 11:00 AM, Luncheon 11:45 AM Please reserve _______ places for the 20 September Luncheon A TOTAL of $__________________ including a donation of $_______ for (circle one) Scholarship, PAWS, USO, or undesignated donation Make checks payable to: PROGRAM CHAIR-SVC Mail to: LTC Jay Craddock 1448 Fallen Leaf Lane Los Altos, CA 94024-5809 RESERVE IN THE NAME OF: ____________________________ Telephone: ______________________________________________ MENU: Buffet - Two hot entrees with vegetables. Assorted breads and rolls. Desserts. Coffee and tea. NAMES OF PERSONS WHO ARE INCLUDED IN YOUR PAYMENT _______________________________________________________________________

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★ EXTRA ★ FROM THE SILICON VALLEY CHAPTER (SVC)

Members of the SVC are actively engaging in activities in support and assistance to our communities and veterans. Some of these activities are with the following: Assisting our veterans at theVA Health Care System in Palo Alto and

San Jose http://www.paloalto.va.gov/ and http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=5073

University and high school ROTCs San Jose State University (SJSU), where there are 400 plus veterans, who

can use our guidance, counsel and support http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/history/Resources/Fall_2011_TheSpartanSalute.pdf

Creating a local liaison for The Officer Placement Service (TOPS) http://www.moaa.org/main_article.aspx?id=1982, which will be of great benefit to those officers looking for a second career and our returning vets. Our chapter is also searching for National members, who may be interested in an opportunity to meet with other officers in the local area and attend our monthly luncheons, where we also have excellent speakers. For more information see our monthly bulletins at this site: http://svcmoaa.org/Bulletin/MBulletinList.html We are pleased to offer these outstanding opportunities to welcome members of our chapter and be of great value to our fellow officers, vets and the community. Take the challenge and call COL Warren Enos @ 408-245-2217 for chapter membership or if interested in local activities contact LTC Neil J. Miles @ 408-929-1142

★ EXTRA ★

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