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The “Nor’Easter” a newsletter of MOAA Northeast Florida Chapter (FL-18; published by the Northeast Florida Chapter (FL-18), which is an affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). MOAA and its affiliated chapters and councils are non-partisan. The advertisements that appear in this publication also do not reflect an endorsement by MOAA or this affiliate.

JUNE 2017 EDITION THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

I would like to thank LT David Mosley, USN(RET), our membership chair who has been working hard on our membership program. We can now digitally join and renew our chapter dues online at the following link on MOAA National's Website: https://chapterdues. moaa.org/Membership.aspx Please pass this information to any potential member or if you want a simple way to renew from home. I also want to thank CDR Bruce Carawon USN(RET) for finishing up all the awards he recently presented to all the local high school JROTC units in our area. Our keynote speaker this month will be Mr. Scott Grant. He will be coming to talk to us about the sinking of the SS Gulfamerica right off the coast at Jacksonville in April 1942. His presentation is well researched, and he has amassed a wealth of information of the U-123, the German raider that sunk her. IF you haven't heard a good sea story in quite some time, please join us this month!! Continue to serve,

Aaron

CHAPTER LUNCHEON

Please join us on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, 1100 at the NAS Jacksonville Officers’ Club. Please note: Social hour is 1100 to 1130; lunch served 1130 sharp. Lunch will be Roast Breast of Chicken, with rice pilaf, vegetable with preset salad and desert; coffee, tea, and decaf. The cost is $14.00 per plate. Please RSVP and payment to Pat Munn, no later than 1400 Monday, June 19, 2017. You may also make reservations by calling Pat at 770-570-0122 or by email at dpmunn@yahoo.com. Payment may be made at the door if preferred; however, you must have a reservation to eat and reservations cannot be accepted after June 19, 2017 at 1400. Dress is appropriate casual. For those of you who like to take home part or all of your meal, the staff has asked that you bring your own containers. The Club is not set up to accommodate take out. Thank you.

Please call 770-570-0122 for Reservations/CANCELLATIONS. If cancellation is confirmed by the above RSVP deadline, your check will be returned to you. Because we commit to a guaranteed attendance, NO SHOWS, OR LATE cancellations; checks will not be returned; or you will be billed. NOTE: TO SIMPLIFY ACCOUNTABILITY AND TO AID OUR GREETERS PAYMENT BY CHECK IS PREFERRED. Make checks payable to MOAA NE FL. THANK YOU.

THE “NOR‘EASTER”

MOAA Northeast Florida Chapter (FL-18), P.O. Box 442022, Jacksonville, FL 32222-2022

Chapter web site: www.moaafl.org/chapters/neflmoaa/

This publication is intended to communicate with our members via FL-18’s Board of Directors.

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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Kathy Spain, Legislative Affairs Officer

“The Times We Live In”

CONGRESS PASSES FY2017 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL: For eight straight years, Congress has failed to pass a defense appropriations bill on time. Consequently, the U.S. military has been forced—in time of war—to operate for months at the beginning of every fiscal year under a restrained spending authority known as a continuing resolution (CR). This year, there were three CRs before Congress finally approved the 2017 Consolidated Omnibus Appropriations bill on May 4—seven months late! This legislation provides $1.1 trillion in discretionary funding for the federal government for the current fiscal year only. While meeting the base discretionary spending caps provided for by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, the bill does provide additional funds for national defense, border security, and other emergency needs. Lawmakers increased national defense spending over current levels by $25 billion—a major step forward in restoring the strength and capacity of our armed forces. They also included a $1.5 billion down-payment on additional measures to bolster border security efforts, including new technology and repairs to existing infrastructure. It does not, however, provide funding for President Trump’s proposed wall on the Southern border. REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS PUSH FOR A REPEAL OF DEFENSE SEQUESTRATION: A majority of House Republicans have finally come to the conclusion that sequestration is a national defense issue rather than a spending issue. Dozens of lawmakers, led by Rep. Mike Turner, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land, are urging House leaders to take immediate action to repeal the caps on defense spending spelled out in the Budget Control Act of 2011. In a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan, 141 Republican lawmakers committed to supporting legislation that repeals sequestration. The chairmen of the House and Senate armed services committees—Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)—have been advocating a repeal of defense sequestration for some time because of its devastating effect on military readiness and capabilities. Both chairmen agree that defense spending should be about $90 billion above current budget caps. GLOBAL ASSAULT LAUNCHED BY DIGITAL TERRORISTS: On May 12, a massive cyber-attack disrupted computer systems in at least 150 countries. The malware, known as WannaCry, encrypts data on infected computers, and essentially holds it for ransom. To get the use of your computer and files back, a sum of money must be delivered via a digital currency called bitcoin. WannaCry is a malicious computer worm that exploits a software flaw in Microsoft’s Windows operating system, and it was able to infect Windows computers that do not have up-to-date security patches. Is this a harbinger of things to come? Defensive action you can take: (1) run Windows Update often (auto update is better); (2) make it a habit to avoid clicking on links and attachments in emails that are suspicious and/or unsolicited; (3) make sure you have updated antivirus software protecting your computer; and (4) back up your system so you can do a self-restore in case of disaster. NATO MAY REVIVE ATLANTIC COMMAND FROM COLD WAR DAYS: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is considering reviving a Cold War naval command known as the Atlantic Command because of concern over Russia’s increased submarine activity in the Artic and North Atlantic. Since the demise of the Atlantic Command, NATO’s ability to protect sea lanes or monitor activities in these regions has declined, and military analysts and defense experts are warning that the ability of Russia’s submarine fleet to operate undetected in the Artic and North Atlantic has been increasing at an alarming rate. Gen. Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, met with other top military officers from NATO nations this past week in Brussels for briefings and a discussion on bringing back NATO’s Atlantic Command. THE RISING THREAT OF NORTH KOREA: On May 14, North Korea launched its 10th missile test of the year—a new “medium long-range” surface-to-surface missile capable of carrying a large nuclear warhead. The new ballistic missile is called the Hwasong-12, and experts have estimated it to have sufficient range to reach U.S. bases in Okinawa and Guam. A week later, Pyongyang successfully launched yet another midrange ballistic missile—this one from Pukchang airfield, about 40 miles from the capital. The missile flew about 310 miles before splashing down in the Sea of Japan. Since Kim Jong Un assumed power in 2011, he has accelerated the country’s missile program—launching more missile tests in the last three years than in the previous three decades combined. He has also sharpened and ratcheted up his threats to the U.S. In January of this year, Kim Jong Un acknowledged that North Korea is determined to develop an ICBM capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the continental U.S.

U.S. WILL ARM THE SYRIAN KURDS: On May 10, the Trump administration announced that the U.S. would arm Syrian Kurdish militia called the YPG, in an effort to accelerate the removal of Islamic State from their de facto capital of Raqqa. The YPG is the largest and best fighting force in the Syrian Democratic Forces—a coalition of about 50,000 Kurdish and

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Arab fighters who work with U.S. Special Ops forces. These Kurdish fighters have proven themselves over and over on the battlefield. Nonetheless, the news was not well received by Turkey, who considers the YPG a branch of the PKK, a

regional Kurdish separatist force that has been fighting Turkey for decades. Turkey is concerned that weapons could be smuggled into Turkey and used against its own citizens and soldiers

MOAA CHAPTER TRANSITION

LIAISON ARTICLE – JUNE 2017

WAYNE L. ELLIOTT, CWO5 USN (Ret)

RAMP UP YOUR RESUME

The US employment rate has been steadily dropping. The fastest growing occupations are in technology, health care, and professional and business services. To ensure you are well prepared to take full advantage of these employment opportunities, below are five critical steps to take immediately: Step 1: Update your resume. Read your resume closely, with a focus on a specific job opportunity. Review your specific skills that may apply towards this specific job. Check your summary and ensure it matches your updated resume. Step 2: Write new job search letter. Ensure you incorporate your updated resume in your cover letters, networking letters, recruiter letters, etc. Step 3: Help recruiters find you. Linkedin has added a new feature where you can indicate your interest in specific opportunities from recruiters. Step 4: Strengthen your Linkedin profile. Ensure you update and enhance your profile content in accordance with your updated resume. Step 5: Expand your network. Add to your networking database the people you’ve met, worked with, worked for and/or interacted with over the past year. Reach out to them with your updated resume, and letters. Include a link to your Linkedin profile. Your goal should be to get to know who they know who might be interested in a candidate with your qualifications. Please pass this on to any of your family members, neighbors, friends, who may know of Military Officers that are separating or retiring in the next twelve months. Also, invite them to our monthly meeting. Obtain a short BIO so you can properly introduce them to our membership.

CHAPTER SCUTTLEBUT

TRICARE DENTAL CONTRACTOR CHANGE-UP

April 14, 2017

The TRICARE Dental program, which covers eligible families for active duty as well as the Guard and Reserve members, will change to a new contractor May 1. While a typical change in contractors involves different providers joining the new network, the recent change to United Concordia has drawn quite a bit of attention by concerned beneficiaries and their dentists.

The new TRICARE contract requires United Concordia to provide a minimum of 95 percent of beneficiaries enrolled in the program with an in-network dentist. The dentist's office must be within a 35-mile radius of the beneficiary's home, and provide an appointment within 21 days of a request. United Concordia stated it has exceeded this contractual requirement. However, reports of complaints from beneficiaries are surfacing, suggesting existing dentists will not be joining the new network due to lower reimbursement rates. These potential disruptions in care were enough for MOAA to express concerns to both the Defense Health Agency, who oversees the TRICARE program, and to congressional staff members of the Armed Services Committees on Capitol Hill.

MOAA and other Military Coalition partners will be closely following the TRICARE dental contract change. MOAA scheduled a meeting with United Concordia representatives at the end of April prior to the start of the contract to discuss members' concerns. You can bet the issue of beneficiary satisfaction with dental provider choices will be at the top of the list.

- See more at: http://www.moaa.org/Content/Take-Action/Top-Issues/Currently-Serving/TRICARE-Dental-Contractor-Change-

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MONTHLY PROGRAM

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AWARDS TO OUR JROTC PROGRAMS

Fleming Island JROTC Awards event 9 May 2017.

The Military Officer Association of America

NE Florida Chapter 18 presented the MOAA

Medal to Cadet Lieutenant Colton Braddy by

CDR Bruce Carawon USN (Ret), during the

Fleming Island High School JROTC Awards

ceremony on the 9th of May 2017.

Lieutenant Braddy has received an

appointment to the US Naval Academy and

is scheduled to arrive for his summer

indoctrination on 20 June 2017. This Medal

was created by the Military Officers

Association of America (MOAA) to

recognized leadership and academic

achievements of JROTC Cadets. The seven

uniformed services are listed on the medal

and the ribbon colors are the colors of our

nation’s flag, which our armed forces have

rallied around during war and peace.

. Ridgeview High School Cadet Victoria Minor awarded the MOAA Medal for her Leadership and Academic Achievements

Ed White Cadet Jade Brown receiving her MOAA Medal in for attainting one of the highest GPA of the Cadet Student Body.

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STAY ENGAGED CORRESPOND WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

Rep Ted Yoho (R) District 3 35 Knight Box Rd, Suite 1 Orange Park, FL 32065 904-738- 0854 (https://yahoo.house.gov/contact/email-me) Rep John Rutherford (R) District 4 4150 Salisbury Rd, Suite 2500 Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-831-5205 (https://rutherford.house.gov/index/contact-form)

Rep Al Lawson (D), District 5 1010 N. Davis Street, Suite 206 Jacksonville, FL 3209 904-354-1652 (https://allawson.house.gov/contact-me) Rep Ron DeSantis (R) District 6 31 Lupi CT, suite 130 Palm Coast, FL 32084 386-302-04714 (https://desantis.house.gove/contact)

Northeast Florida Chapter, FL-18 Elected Officers, Board Members and Appointed Chairperson selected Officers:

President: LCDR Aaron Kaiser, USNR, 904-233-1888, kaiseraaron@hotmail.com 1st Vice President: COL William M. Bransford, USA, (Ret), 904-297-4829, bransfordwm52@gmail.com 2nd Vice President: CWO2 Richard Chadwell, USN (Ret), 904-264-5589, cappo7842@att.net Treasurer: LCDR Richard Hall, USN, (Ret), 904-772-0301, dickjax@aol.com Secretary: Mrs. Johnnie Walsh, 904-282-4650, johnnie.walsh@gmail.com Elected Board Members: Transition Liaison: CWO5 Wayne Elliott, USN (Ret), 904-282-9604, elliottwf@att.net Legislative Affairs: Mrs. Kathy Spain, SS, twin_oaks@comcast.net Immediate Past President: CAPT Frank Brough, USN, (Ret), 904-291-0584, babrufff@hotmail.com President Appointed Chairs NROTC/NJROTC: CDR Bruce C. Carawon, USN, (Ret), 904-276-9025 brcar1@bellwouth.net

Membership: LT David Mosley, USN, (Ret), 252-469-1824, dlynnmosley@gmail.com

SS Affairs: Mrs. Mary Lee Trayner, AUX, 278-9177, mltrayner@gmail.com Personal Affairs: Mrs. Pat Sundt, AUX, 384-6316 Official Greeter: Mrs. Pat Sundt, AUX, 384-6316 Public Affairs: Mrs. Dot Wilson, AUX, 579-3183, ggmaw927@aol.com ID Officer: CWO4 Stephen Kerlin, USN (Ret), 386-3860, sandpkerlin@yahoo.com Newsletter Editor: CWO2 Richard Chadwell, USN (Ret), 264-5589, cappo7842@att.net Scholarship: Vacant Chaplain: CAPT Frank Brough, USN, (Ret), 904-291-0584, babrufff@hotmail.com Director: RADM Daniel Lestage, USN, (Ret), 904-264-6542, Daniel.lestage@comcast.net Director: CAPT Frank Brough, USN (Ret), 904-291-0584, babrufff@hotmail.com Director: CDR Don Walsh, USN, (Ret), 904-282-4650, donwalsh@att.net (PLEASE DETACH THIS PAGE AND SAVE IT FOR YOUR USE. THIS PAGE WILL NOT BE A PERMANENANT PART OF THE “NOR’EASTER”

GOING FORWARD. THIS PAGE WILL ONLY BE PART OF THE “NOR’EASTER” WHEN CHANGES OCCUR.) 4/17

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ers

and

PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

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Military Officers Association of America

Northeast Florida, Inc., (FL-18)

P.O. Box 442022

Jacksonville, Florida 32222-2022

2017 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION OR RENEWAL NEW MEMBERSHIP or RENEWAL NORTHEAST FLORIDA CHAPTER

The Military Officers Association of America

A local organization comprised of retired, regular, reserve and former officers of the uniformed services. Dedicated to the safeguarding and the promoting the best interests of Our Country; its uniformed services; its members and their Dependents; and their survivors, in every proper manner. Chapter members are required to have and maintain a National MOAA membership.

Annual dues are $25.00 ($12.50) for (Surviving Spouse)

Chapter dues are payable in January yearly. Please enclose your check; Make check payable to: MOAA NEFL

Please complete the following for our records and mail to: MOAA NE FL CHAPTER

P.O. BOX 442022

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32222-2022

For renewals please indicate and changed information

LAST FIRST INT RANK SERVICE ACTIVE/RETIRED DATE OF BIRTH

SPOUSE’S NAME

ADDRESS STREET APT# CITY ST ZIP

PHONE # EMAIL ADDRESS: _

SIGNATURE