5 A New FRA Strategic Plan

15 VA Re-opens Enrollment for Thousands More Veterans

J u n e 2 0 0 9F Y 2 0 1 0 B u d g e t u p d at e 8

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Volume 88 number 6

Featured18 The STAR-SpAngled BAnneR —

The FlAg And AnThem ThAT ConTinue To inSpiReWhen a Baltimore widow was commissioned to create a garrison flag in the summer of 1813, no one could have guessed she was also creating an American icon that would continue to inspire a nation more than two centuries later.

Departments 2 CommuniCATionS

5 nATionAl pReSiden]T’S peRSpeCTive A New FRA Strategic Action Plan

7 ShipmATe FoRum

8 on & oFF CApiTol hillFRA Leaders Storm the Hill

15 veTeRAnS’ AFFAiRSVA Reopens Enrollment

16 memBeRhip mATTeRSRegional Convention Information

25 hiSToRy & heRiTAge The Historical Context of The Star-Spangled Banner

26 newS FRom The BRAnCheS

30 ReunionS

32 TApS

33 looking FoR…

36 lA FRA newS

on The CoveRIn 1994 the Smithsonian Institute determined that the Star-Spangled Banner required further conser-vation treatment to remain on public display. This would require several years, specialized equipment and staff.

FRA iS A CongReSSionAlly ChARTeRed, non-pRoFiT oRgAnizATion AdvoCATing FoR CuRRenT And FoRmeR enliSTed memBeRS oF The u.S. nAvy, mARine CoRpS And CoAST guARd on CApiTol hill. FoR moRe inFoRmATion on The BeneFiTS oF memBeRShip, pleASe viSiT www.FRA.oRg oR CAll 800-FRA-1924.

loyAlTy, pRoTeCTion And SeRviCe

June 2009

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NatioNal officers/Board of directors

National President Donald Mucheck, L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50

National Vice President Gary C. Blackburn, Vallejo Branch 8

National executive Joseph L. Barnes, Navy Department Branch 181

finance officer Paul Rigby

Junior PNP Lawrence J. Boudreaux, Hangtown Branch 275

regioNal PresideNts

New england Paul F. Loveless, Jr., Pinetree Branch 156

Northeast James E. Brown, Staten Island Branch 226

east coast Ray E. Santee, Virginia Beach Branch 166

southeast John E. Sutton, Mayport Branch 290

North central Robert A. Melson, USS Indianapolis Memorial

Branch 130

south central Donald Larson, Corpus Christi Branch 94

southwest Charles F. Tompkins, James Hunter Branch 47

West coast Nathan “Joe” Nash, Silver Dollar Branch 192

Northwest Donald L. Bordwell, Dungeness Branch 174

Nat’l. Parliamentarian PNP Robert G. Beese, Orange County Branch 175

Nat’l chaplain Tom Whitaker, B. Duke Woody Branch 147

actiVe duty adVisory couNcil

Master chief Petty officer of the Navy Rick West

sergeant Major of the Marine corps Carlton Kent

Master chief Petty officer of the coast guard Charles Bowen

reserVe adVisory couNcil

force Master chief of the Naval reserve Ronney A. Wright

usMc reserve force sergeant Major Kim E. Davis

Master chief Petty officer of the coast guard reserve force

Jeffrey Smith

fra today MagaziNe

Publisher FRA

Managing editor Eileen Murphy

contributing editor Lauren Armstrong

design and art direction

FIREBRAND, Alexandria, VA www.firebrandstudios.com

design director Scott Rodgerson

Production Manager Sandy Jones

fra today (ISSN 0028-1409) IS PuBLIShED MoNThLy By FRA, 125 N. WEST ST., ALExANDRIA, VA 22314-2754. A MEMBER’S SuBSCRIPTIoN IS CoVERED By ThE MEMBER’S ANNuAL DuES. PERIoDICALS PoSTAGE PAID AT ALExANDRIA, VA AND ADDITIoNAL oFFICES. PuBLICATIoN oF NoN-SPoNSoRED ADVERTISING IN fRa tODay DoES NoT CoNSTITuTE AN ENDoRSEMENT By ThE FRA oR ITS REPRESENTATIVES. PostMaster: seNd address chaNges to: MeMBer serVices, fra, 125 N. West st., alexaNdria, Va 22314-2754. fRa tODay IS PuBLIShED IN ThE INTERESTS oF ALL CuRRENT AND FoRMER ENLISTED PERSoNNEL oF ThE u.S. NAVy, MARINE CoRPS, AND CoAST GuARD. ELIGIBLE NoN-MEMBERS ARE NoT ENTITLED To SuBSCRIPTIoN RATES. ESTABLIShED 1 NoVEMBER 1923. TITLE REGISTERED WITh u.S. PATENT oFFICE.

FRA ADMINISTRATIVE hEADquARTERS: 125 N. WEST ST., ALExANDRIA, VA 22314-2754 PhoNE: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924 • FAx: 703-549-6610 • E-MAIL: FRAToDAy@FRA.oRG

W W W . F R A . o R G

VoLuME 88 NuMBER 6

Eileen Murphy is the Director of Marketing and Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of fRa today. Please contact her at eileen@fra.org.

Eileen Murphy

FRA’s wEbsitE, www.FRA.oRg, oFFERs a versatile and dynamic section called “Communities.” This portion of the website allows shipmates the opportunity to communicate and share opinions on a variety of top-ics. This section of the site will be showcased in the June “Your Voice” teleconference.

FRA Today readers are invited to a free teleconference on 10 June 2009 at Noon, EDST to learn how to use the “Communities” area of the site and to give input on topics for future online discussion.

To participate in the free tele-conference, please call 1-800-391-1709 and enter bridge number 444143 when prompted. If it’s possible to be online when you make the call, that would be helpful, but it is certainly not necessary. A guide to using the communities will be cre-ated from the questions and input given on the call.

Each branch and the members at large all have their own communi-ty. When you log in to the site and click the “Communities” button on the top navigation, the site recognizes which communities you should see, and automatically shows you those.

Why does this matter? It’s a great chance to communicate with members of your branch, have a conversation about health care, dis-cuss the latest topics in OnWatch or ask a question about the website.

To be notified when someone posts to the site, click “Global Preferences” where you will be offered the chance to subscribe to any communities in which you are interested. You will still see the other communities available to you, but you will not receive email notifica-tion if someone posts to those communities.

Branches can use this area to communicate with members who are not able to come to meetings regularly or who live far away. Let people in the branch know what is going on, what exciting things are happen-ing and how your recruitment, retention and reinstatement is going!

Branches can designate whomever they would like to be the com-munity administrator.

If you have a designee for your branch or there is a community you would like to start, email me at Eileen@fra.org and let me know. If you are considering offering to be a community administrator, be sure to join the call and learn more!

Communities

This issue of FRA Today highlights the history of the united States flag, as we prepare to honor “Old Glory” on Flag Day,14 June. Be sure to fly our nation’s colors proudly and encourage all you know to do the same.

CARMIL-NA-0609

We were there when you landed on the northern coast of France.

We were there when you returned to the Philippine shore.

We were there when you fought in Korea and Vietnam.

We were there when you rolled across the deserts of Iraq.

We were there then.

We will always be there.

Proudly serving those who serve.

1-800-MILITARY(1-800-645-4827)

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A new FRA Strategic Action PlanthE chAllEngEs FAcing FRA demand attention by all shipmates. As a follow-on to my initial “From the Bridge” mes-sage in the November 2008 issue of FRA Today, I’m committed to a plan of ac-tion, which was developed from input received during my travels through-out our regions, frequent visits to our National Headquarters and interaction with the National Board of Directors and others.

First, it’s important to note that there is no single solution to our mem-bership challenges. There are many facets to our current circumstances and many of our sister organizations are struggling with the same concerns.

The Focus on the Future Forum conducted prior to the 81st National Convention in Branson, Mo., pro-vided an outline of key elements that must be part of FRA’s future actions. These include the importance of tak-ing individual ownership of our great Association and working together to build and sustain a strong member-ship base. Other components of the plan include:

Identifying FRA’s unique value proposition for target audiences (vet-erans, retirees, active duty, Reserve and family members): By highlight-ing our Association’s rich heritage, our scholarship program, Americanism Essay Contest, Disaster Relief fund, and Sea Service-focused legislative advoca-cy, we can make FRA more relevant to each segment of our constituency.

Improving FRA’s image: We can raise awareness of FRA by spotlighting tangible examples of our valuable legis-lative victories for members and their families, as well as promoting our edu-cational and professional services. FRA members are well-informed through receipt of FRA Today, NewsBytes, and other FRA communications.

Well-versed shipmates then become a source of information, and others will come to respect and rely on that exper-tise. By participating in FRA’s online surveys and using our Action Center to communicate with elected officials, we strengthen our image as a professional military association and a voice for the enlisted force.

Maximizing opportunities to pro-mote FRA programs: Establishing and maintaining long-term relationships is an overriding foundation for building FRA’s future. Our principles are time-less and there’s truly something for everyone, regardless of age or military status. Help others understand the value of membership by making them aware of opportunities for involvement and support. Orient new shipmates, assist those in need, mentor those who wish to assume more responsibility, and help them find what they’re look-ing for. Just like their military service, FRA can be a great place to make a dif-ference and share fun and fellowship at the same time.

Many new initiatives have been (or will soon be) implemented, in-cluding additional information on our redesigned website, an expanded membership application form that al-lows new members to indicate their interests, development of a leadership mentoring program, and expansion of the Call Program to include new members. NVP Gary Blackburn and I now receive a list of shipmates who have not renewed their membership for reference during our visits to indi-vidual branches. There is also ongoing discussion about expanding efforts to sponsor shipmates who are experienc-ing financial hardship at renewal time.

Additionally, I’m announcing other recommendations for a broader plan of action:

• Expand the establishment of new branches, with a goal of one annu-ally per region,

• Initiate research on changing the name of the Association (subject to authorization of associated funding),

•Develop a new version of FRA’s 1977 White Hats Panel / Sound Off to Congress presentations,

• Expand veteran service officer support along with much greater branch or regional support for the USMC Wounded Warrior and USN Safe Harbor programs,

• Establish a recurring FRA presence at Transition Assistance Program (TAP) seminars within all regions,

• Expand participation in the “Bring ‘em Back” Call Program to make contact with non-renewing mem-bers and to welcome new members within the first 90 days of their FRA membership,

•Revamp regional and branch meet-ings to include speakers, outreach initiatives and programs to draw greater attendance,

•Reinstitute consistent training and mentoring at the regional level to include orientation for new branch leaders and those considering lead-ership positions, and

• Establish a Special Committee on the Future of the FRA.I salute and thank the shipmates

and branches who are already working hard to recruit and retain members, manage an amazing array of great out-reach efforts and provide invaluable support to their fellow shipmates. This is great —however, we must do much more. I urge all shipmates to join me, lead by example, and get involved.

Our Association has faced many challenges throughout our first 85 years, and this is no different. We must work together and take action now.

nATionAl pReSidenT’S peRSpeCTive

NP Donald Mucheck

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paid-up SBp for ReservistsI have two questions that need to be answered to submit an appeal for the number of months credited [for SBP paid-up status].

1. What month did NFC Cleveland start the allocation of SBP monthly premiums in 1972?

2. Where can I obtain a copy of the law that was used to terminate SBP premium deductions after 360 months, and the effective date of that policy?

In my case, there was a monthly allocation of SBP pre-miums from drill pay implemented in 1972, until I was transferred to the Retired Reserve. Then began the “gray” period until I reached age 60 in April 1994. My SBP rights and election continued during this “gray” period.

I have been notified by Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) that I currently have paid 175 months to-ward the 360 months [required for paid-up status]. It is my belief that I should be credited for those months (5+ years) of SBP premium payments, or maybe I should receive a re-fund of those premiums that do not count.

Can you please clarify the status of SBP premiums de-ducted from monthly drill pay for Reservists? I’m sure that there are many other Reservists who have these same issues and feelings.

David Christian

FRA Response: The Survivor’s Benefit Plan (SBP) was estab-lished with the passage of legislation on 21 September 1972 (PL 92-425). SBP repealed the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) with its enactment. Public Law 105-261 (enacted on 17 October 1998) added the paid-up provision for participants age 70 or older, and whose retired pay had been reduced for 360 months or more. This provision took effect on 1 October 2008. You can find the full text of these laws at the Library of Congress website (http://thomas.loc.gov).

According to the DFAS website (www.dfas.mil/retiredpay.html), credit for paid-up SBP applies only to months that SBP premiums are deducted from retired pay. These SBP premium deductions begin with the commencement of retired pay (age 60 for most Reserve retirees) and only these months of pre-mium reductions are applied to the 360-month requirement.

Reservists were provided options for supplemental SBP associated with their drill pay and projected retired pay (for gray area retirees), but these supplemental plans are not cur-rently included in the paid-up provisions. FRA is reviewing legislative remedies for the thousand of Reserve retirees im-pacted by this policy.

Kudos for FRA TodayI was fortunate enough to ride both diesel and the nuclear submarines. The article in the April issue was right on the mark. The ole fossil fuel boat was compact and a shower once a week was a treat. Sometimes you might miss that if there was something else going on. The rule of thumb was when you smell somebody walk up behind you and you turn around and there is no one there, it is time to take a shower!

Nucs were different. The crew was considerably larger and sometimes seemed separate. One thing didn’t change though; the crew was still the crew and if one was in trouble everyone else came to their aid. Friendships formed on the “boats” last a lifetime.

Aaron Graff

A friend recently gave me a copy of your March 2009 FRA Today, and I re-ally enjoyed it. Even though I am Army, I spent a lot of my 20 years attached to the Navy and the Marine Corps. I particularly enjoyed “Saluting Chiefs” on page 27. I saw a lot of friends make Chief and/or Gunny. When they did, there was a lot of pomp and ceremony, and a lot of prestige with the E-7 rate. In the Army, making E-7 was like going from E-1 to E-2.

Kurk Bocian

FRA Response: Thanks for your kind words about FRA Today. Even those who aren’t eligible for membership in FRA can subscribe for an annual rate of $35. Subscription requests and checks made payable to FRA may be sent to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Credit card orders may also be processed by calling 1-800-FRA-1924.

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

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FY2010 Budget updatethE AdMinistRAtion’s budgEt FoR FY2010 was sent to Capitol Hill in early May. Usually budget proposals are re-leased in early February, but all new Administrations take longer to develop and release their initial budgets. After Congress receives the budget request, lawmakers work to pass 12 different appropriations bills before 1 October, which is the beginning of the new fiscal year. In recent years, however, Congress hasn’t completed all spending measures before the start of the new fiscal year, requir-ing enactment of a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government operating at current funding levels. An exception was the FY2009 budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which for the first time in 15 years, was passed and signed into law before 1 October 2009. Starting the congressional budget process in May puts Congress behind schedule before work begins on the FY2010 spending bills, but House and Senate leaders have vowed to finalize the budget on time.

As a first step in the process, the House and Senate ap-proved a $3.56 trillion FY2010 budget resolution (S. Con Res. 13) that projects a $1.2 trillion deficit. The resolution is non-binding, but sets the framework and priorities for Congress to make legislative decisions on taxes, appro-priations and entitlement programs later in the year. The resolution proposes a four-percent increase in the DoD budget for FY2010, and an increase to the VA budget of more than 10 percent. To enact these and other changes Congress must first approve authorization and appropria-tion (spending) legislation, which then must be signed into law by the president. 

President Obama’s FY2010 budget includes Departments of Defense (DoD) funding that totals $663.8 billion. In response to thousands of emails to the White House from FRA shipmates and others, the Administration, for the first time in four years, fully funds military health care programs in 2010 without calling for a TRICARE fee increase. The budget also calls for a 2.9-per-cent active duty pay increase that equals the Employment Cost Index (ECI), $1.1 billion to fund military housing and support programs for service members and their fam-ilies, and $3.3 billion to support injured service members in their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

The White House budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes a 15.5-percent increase for next year, the largest percentage increase for the VA in more than 30 years. The centerpiece of the $112.8 billion proposal is a dramatic 11-percent increase in veteran health care fund-ing and a veteran-centric commitment to expand services. The VA expects to treat nearly 6.1 million individual patients by the end of FY2010, including 419,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan war zones along with increasing numbers of Priority Group 8 veterans. (See page 15 for details.)

Detailed budget information for the U.S. Coast Guard, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, is not available at press time. As the budget advances, FRA will analyze the impact of proposals on various programs, many of which will also be addressed in congressional hearings in the coming months. As details become avail-able, they will be reported in NewsBytes, FRA’s weekly e-mail update, and FRA Today.

John Davis

FRA recently hosted a briefing by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) for members of The Military Coalition (TMC). Navy Commander Ed McFarland, the newly-appointed director of retired and annuity pay, discussed the new Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) that is available 24/7, VA retro-active pay for some disabled retirees, implementing changes to Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP) and Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC).

McFarland also discussed the im-plementation of Paid-up SBP that took effect 1 October 2008. Although SBP premiums were supposed to end au-tomatically for participants who had reached age 70 and paid 360 monthly premiums, FRA received numerous calls and e-mails from shipmates who believed they qualified for paid-up sta-tus but were still having SBP premiums deducted from their retired pay. In re-sponse, DFAS created an appeals pro-cess for beneficiaries who believe their SBP premiums were being deducted

in error. McFarland explained that 137,000 beneficiaries had received paid-up status automatically and (as of 6 April 2009) DFAS had received 3,118 appeals, 95.5 percent of which had already been adjudicated. Of that total, 230 (7.7 percent) were granted paid-up status.

To appeal a paid-up status error, a beneficiary must submit a DFAS form (DD Form 2656-11) before 30 June 2009. The appeal form is available at www.dfas.mil/retiredpay.html.

dFAS Briefing on Retiree Benefits

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FRA is calling for expanded transferability of education benefits to family members, specifically to include career service members who will retire before the new Post-9/11 GI Bill takes effect on 1 August 2009. At least a fraction of the generous new education benefit will be available to all military personnel who have served as little as 90 days after 11 September 2001.

One aspect of the Post 9/11 GI Bill is the ability to transfer the service member’s unused benefit to a spouse or children. Intended as a retention incentive, transferability options are available to personnel with additional military service after the 1 August implementation. They must serve at least six years after 1 August 2009 in order to pass the benefit to a spouse, and ten years to transfer the benefit to children.

The Pentagon recently announced the additional service requirement would be waived for those who will retire from military service between 1 August 2009, and 1 August 2012. The waiver has angered some FRA members and others who

will not qualify for the exception. FRA made its members’ concerns known in a letter to

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, asking that recent and soon-to-be retirees be allowed to transfer at least a portion of their unused education benefits under previously autho-rized provisions of the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB).

FRA urges expanded Transferability of education Benefits

LA FRA NP Georgia Gallagher and FRA NP Don Mucheck flank Rep. Edwards as he accepts his award. (Photo by FRA PRPEC Paul Gunther.)

In conjunction with FRA’s congressional visits and testimo-ny on 23 April, FRA National President Donald Mucheck and LA FRA National President Georgia Gallagher pre-sented FRA’s 2009 Pinnacle Award to Texas Representative Chet Edwards at an FRA-hosted reception on Capitol Hill. Edwards was recognized for his leadership in halt-ing health care fee increases proposed for military retir-ees and, as Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee since 2007, he has authored increases of $16.3 billion for vet-erans’ health care and benefits, the largest veterans fund-ing increase in the history of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). FRA’s prestigious Pinnacle Award is presented

annually to a member of Congress who has championed quality of life improvements for military personnel, retir-ees, veterans and their families.

Edwards thanked FRA for the effective work the organi-zation does every day on behalf of service personnel. “I’m deeply honored to receive this award, not because of what it says about me, but what it says about whom it’s from,” said Edwards. “There is much more work to do, but this historic [VA] funding increase represents a new day for America’s veterans and their families, who have earned ev-ery dime of it through their service and sacrifice for coun-try. It’s a privilege to make a difference in the lives of these magnificent Americans.”

Rep. Chet edwards Receives FRA’s 2009 pinnacle Award

Texas Representative Chet Edwards is greeted by NED Joe Barnes at FRA’s 2009 Pinnacle Reception. (Photo by Josh Taylor of Rep. Edwards’ staff.)

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house passes war Supplemental Spending BillThe House passed a supplemental ap-propriations bill (H.R. 2346) to fund the war for the current fiscal year (FY2009). The legislation would au-thorize $96.7 billion in funding for U.S. military efforts, international diplomatic programs, pandemic flu response, and other national emer-gencies. The Department of Defense (DoD) would receive $84.5 billion in funding for the war effort, and $1.2 billion for defense health and pro-grams to support military families. The bill also includes $734.4 million to provide a $500-per-month bonus to more than 170,000 service mem-bers who had their enlistments invol-untarily extended since 11 September 2001. The bonus will be paid for every month they were held on active duty under stop-loss orders. The bill also provides $3.2 billion for numerous military construction projects, which includes: • $1.1 billion, not requested, for

hospital construction to address hospitals that are decades old and do not meet current standards of medical care;

• $488millionforwoundedwarriorcomplexes to help disabled service members to recover and remain on active or transition to civilian life;

• $276millionforchilddevelopmentcenters to provide 5,000 child care spaces; and

• $263milliontoaccelerateanden-hance construction of new hospi-tals at Bethesda and Ft. Belvoir to replace Walter Reed.

A Senate supplemental bill that in-cludes similar provisions is advancing and includes $18 billion for pre- and post-deployment mobilization train-ing. Once passed, a House and Senate conference committee will be appoint-ed to finalize the bill.

on & oFF CApiTol hill

VA Begins Accepting Post-9/11 GI Bill Applications

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) began accepting applications for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill on 1 May 2009, accepting more than 25,000 applications in the first two weeks. Although the program will not be implemented until 1 August 2009, VA believes that early enrollment will help identify and correct any registration problems that may oc-cur. More than 450,000 veterans are expected to apply for the generous new benefit this year. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for courses taken after the effective date and eliminates the $1,200 enrollment fee, provides a monthly cost-of-living stipend, and includes the abil-ity to transfer the benefit to family members for some currently-serving personnel — a significant victory for FRA and Post-9/11 service members and vets.

For more on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, visit the VA website (www.gibill.va.gov). Additional information about the transferability component of the new benefit is included in the 30 April 2009 edition of Tom Philpott’s “Military Update,” which is available at www.fra.org. Also, see page 9 for FRA’s work to expand the transferability component of the legislation.

President Asks for Two-Year VA Funding and Electronic Health Record

The White House requested advance funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), along with efforts modernize the administration of veterans’ health care by creating a Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record.

FRA strongly supports establishing a funding system in which the VA budget is cre-ated two years in advance to minimize funding delays and allow the VA to make strategic long-term decisions. The Association welcomes the president’s support on this issue and endorses legislation (S. 423 and H.R. 1016) that would authorize advance funding for veterans health care. If enacted, VA appropriators would set the budget for FY2011 and FY2012 during the upcoming legislative cycle. In FY2011, rather than appropriating for FY2012, lawmakers would address FY2013 spending. FRA leaders asked their respective senators and representatives to advance this measure during visits to Capitol Hill in April, and shipmates are encouraged to visit the Action Center (www.fra.org) to ask for addi-tional support from their elected officials.

FRA is encouraged by the announcement of a Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record for every service member, which is a major step toward FRA’s long-standing goal of a seamless transition from military and to veteran status. Currently, there is no comprehensive system that allows for a streamlined transition of health care records between DoD and the VA.

Both of these issues were addressed in FRA testimony before the House Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee on 23 April 2009. In addition to expressing support for these issues, FRA’s National Executive Director (NED) Joe Barnes also asked panel members to support funding for barracks, hous-ing, childcare centers and other critically important quality-of-life (QOL) programs.

Members can read the full testimony on FRA’s website (www.fra.org).

Bill Introduced to Benefit Veterans Exposed to Toxins

Rep. Bob Filner (Calif.), chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Committee, introduced a measure (H.R. 2254) that would authorize VA medical care to veterans exposed to toxins during the Vietnam era. Although the text of the bill is not available at press time, FRA has learned that veterans who served in the surrounding waters off the coast of Vietnam and in the skies above will be allowed to file a claim for exposure to Agent Orange if the measure is enacted. (The VA currently only acknowledges service-connection for vets who served within the borders of Vietnam.) Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org to ask their representative to co-sponsor this important legislation.

veTeRAnS’ AFFAiRS

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Support Increases for Bill to Stop TRICARE Fee Increases

Following FRA leaders’ visits to Capitol Hill in late April, more than 10 additional lawmak-ers have signed on in support of the “Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act” (H.R. 816). The measure, introduced by Reps. Chet Edwards (Texas) and Walter Jones (N.C.), now has 120 co-sponsors and was the focus of numerous FRA meetings with representa-tives on 23 April. Introduced in February 2009, the bipartisan bill responds to anticipated Pentagon proposals to drastically increase TRICARE enrollment fees for military retirees and seeks to prevent the Defense Department (DoD) from increasing TRICARE fees with-out congressional approval. FRA believes DoD must explore and implement cost-saving alternatives rather than shift costs to retired beneficiaries.

In related news, Secretary of Defense (SecDef) Robert M. Gates held a press confer-ence recently to discuss DoD budget priorities for FY2010. Although the primary focus of the event was reduced funding for high-profile weapon systems, he also mentioned DoD health care funding and pledged to work with Congress to reform how the military pays for health care under TRICARE. DoD will spend $47 billion on health care next year, ac-cording to Gates, who says that portion of the budget is unsustainable and according to press reports is “Eating the department alive.” Although there is no TRICARE fee increase in the FY2010 budget (see story on page 8), Gates promised to try to persuade lawmakers to authorize future fee hikes. Shipmates are strongly urged to use the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org to contact their representatives to urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 816 that would prohibit TRICARE fee increases unless authorized by Congress.

Delays Reported with Pharmacy Prescriptions

The Military Health System’s (MHS) pharmacy claims processing service is experiencing higher than normal processing times. This situation is affecting all three points of prescrip-tion services (Military Treatment Facilities, TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy, and TRICARE Retail Network Pharmacies), and as a result, beneficiaries may experience minor delays in pharmacies processing prescriptions. The slow system performance is not related to phar-macy contractor, Express-Scripts, or the military’s medical information system. TRICARE Management Activity is working to resolve this situation.

TRiCARe iSSueS FRA Submits Coast guard TestimonyFRA submitted a written statement for the record addressing key Coast Guard personnel issues in conjunction with the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee’s hear-ing on the FY2010 Coast Guard budget. The statement strongly supports enact-ment of Coast Guard Authorization legislation that stalled over several is-sues in the last session of Congress and FRA urged the panel to fund addi-tional end strength, increased pay for Reservists and active duty personnel, health care programs, improved hous-ing and upgraded PCS allowances.

Challenges continue within the Coast Guard to adequately fund pre-viously authorized active and Reserve people programs, and funding par-ity with DoD personnel programs remains a high priority for FRA. The Coast Guard is an important service that has a huge impact on the daily lives of our citizens. Members can read the full statement at www.fra.org.

TRiCARe4u prompts users to Change passwordsBeneficiaries who have not logged on to their TRICARE4U account recently should not be concerned if they are encouraged to change their password the next time they visit the site. The requirement to change passwords is due to recent system upgrade, and all registered TRICARE4U users — ben-eficiaries, providers and government users — will receive the automatic prompt. TRICARE4u.com is the on-line resource for TRICARE for Life (TFL) and overseas beneficiaries and providers.

The website allows both beneficia-ries and providers to view claim status and explanation of benefits, view pa-tient eligibility and contact customer service in a secure environment.

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FRA’s free Communicate With Your Elected Officials guide is now avail-able to help shipmates and others par-ticipate in the legislative process. The guide offers a directory of the 111th Congress and includes helpful tips on effectively expressing concerns to members of Congress.

As part of the Association’s legisla-tive advocacy, all current and former members of the military are encour-aged to share their views with their elected officials and participate in the legislative process. To order a free copy of Communicate With Your Elected Officials, please send an email request to bethw@fra.org with your name, mailing address, rank and branch of service or call 1-800-FRA-1924.

In addition to the Communicate guide, FRA offers an online Action Center (www.fra.org) that allows visi-tors to send prewritten messages (or visitors can draft their own) to their members of Congress, urging their support or opposition on proposals that impact current and former ser-vice personnel.

FRA offers Free guide to Communicating with Congress

Survivor improvements introduced

Rep. Steve Buyer (Ind.), ranking mem-ber of the House Veterans Affairs (VA) Committee, and committee member Rep. Tim Walz (Minn.) introduced “The Surviving Spouses’ Benefit Improvement Act” (H.R. 2243) in ear-ly May. The bill seeks to increase the survivor’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) by 12 percent (so that the base rate of DIC is equal to 55 percent of the retiree’s compen-sation), and eliminate the unfair offset DIC recipients experience when they receive Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities. Shipmates can use the FRA Action Center (www.fra.org) to con-tact their representative and ask their support for this legislation.

let military Recruiters Retain Access to public Schools

FRA strongly supports legislation, in-troduced by California Representative Duncan Hunter Jr. (H.R. 1026), that would clarify and strengthen existing laws that ensure military recruiters have the same access to schools and basic student information that is given to colleges, universities and private-sector employers.

Recent media reports are spotlight-ing competing legislation (H.R. 1091), introduced by Rep. Mike Honda (Calif.), that would limit recruiter ac-cess to student information. Shipmates are urged to use the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org to ask their representa-tive to co-sponsor “The Fairness for Military Recruiters Act” (H.R. 1026).

Vice Admiral Mark Ferguson, chief of Naval Personnel, and Fleet Master Chief Mike McCalip flank three finalists competing for the Navy’s Total Force Sailor of the Year. Shown (l to r) are Petty Officers Vincent Demakas, Sarah Griffith and Millie Woodward. Demakas will participate in Navy SOY Week in July.

FRA Supports navy Total Force Soy program

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Association leaders Take FRA message to Capitol hill

on & oFF CApiTol hill

The FRA Legislative team is Joe Barnes, National Executive Director, John Davis, Director of Legislative Programs, Bob Washington, health Care Advisor and outreach Manager, Chris Slawinski, National Veterans Service officer and Ed Dockery, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs.

MEMbERs oF FRA’s nAtionAl Board of Directors and several regional vice presidents took the Association’s legislative agen-da to Capitol Hill on 23 April 2009, when they visited the offices of their respective members of Congress. In more than 35 meetings, FRA’s regional presidents and vice presidents, along with other Association leaders, met with senators, represen-tatives and their staffs to discuss military and veterans’ health care concerns.

“Adequate funding for Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) health care is FRA’s top priority,” explained Joe Barnes, the Association’s national executive director. “Specifically, we’re asking lawmakers to support legislation that would authorize a two-year budget cycle for the VA to provide advance funding for veterans’ health care and facilitate strategic long-range decisions. We’re also asking them to oppose the drastic health care fee increases be-ing proposed for military retirees.”

As part of the day’s events, Barnes reiterated these concerns in testimony before the House Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, asking panel members to support the Administration’s plan to increase the FY2010 VA budget and establish an electronic record system that will facilitate a seamless transition for service members as they convert from military and to veteran status.

RPNE Jim Brown discussed FRA’s legislative priorities with Naz Durakoglu, legislative assistant for Rep. Mike McMahon (N.Y.)

Dan Wessel (center), legislative assistant for Sen. Diane Feinstein (Calif.), met with (l to r) FRA’s Director of Legislative Programs John Davis, JrPNP Larry Boudreaux, National Vice President Gary Blackburn and RPSW Charles Tompkins.

Several of FRA’s regional presidents and vice presidents gathered before meeting their respective members of Congress.

NChap Tom Whitaker (l to r), FRA’s Outreach Manager Bob Washington, Gene Schlesinger, legislative assistant for Sen. Bill Nelson (Fla.) and RPSE John Sutton discussed implementing cost-saving measures before imposing higher healthcare fees on TRICARE beneficiaries.

Perfect imperfection,the natural raw 2 carat diamond

S ometimes it’s impossible to improve on perfection.When the world’s most desired stone is pulled from the ground, why not just brush off the earth and leave

it alone? White cut diamonds may be nice for a polite kiss onthe cheek, but extra large uncut diamonds can really ignitesome raw passion. And isn’t that what a great piece of jewelry is all about? These few rare 2 carat plus natural stones will certainly turn up your thermostat.

A real diamond in the buffFor centuries, large raw diamonds were treasured without a hint of facet or polish. We believe the early artisans were on to something. After a search through countries on four continents, we have found a cache of rare, very large, 2 carat

plus uncut diamonds at a spectacular price from our Belgium dealer.Major gemstone expertsacross the globe havecommented that roughdiamonds will be thefastest growing trend on “the red carpet” thisyear and our long love affair with flawless cutwhite gemstones mayhave some competition.All one has to do is flip

through the world’s most exclusive catalog to find that “roughis all the rage.” Our luxury retail friends in Texas recently featured a raw solitaire for $6,000, but they buy in such smallquantities that they cannot compete with us on price. You see,Stauer is one of the largest gemstone buyers in the world andlast year bought over 3 million carats of emeralds. No regularjewelry store can come anywhere close to that volume.

Equal parts “rough” and “refined”Our Raw Diamond Necklace is a balanced blend of geologyand geometry. Each one-of-a-kind raw diamond is fitted byhand into its “cage,” a crisscross embrace of gold vermeil

over the finest .925 sterling silver, bead-set with 18 round diamonds. The caged diamond hangs from a triangular bailwith an additional 8 diamonds (26 total). The pendant is suspended from an 18" gold vermeil rope chain with springring clasp. Each raw diamond is naturally unique. This is an extremely limited edition since it took us 3 years to find thissmall cache of stones.

Show off your Stauer Raw Diamond Necklace for 30 days. If you’re not feeling the rush of raw, large diamonds, simply return it for a full refund of your purchase price. But if you feel like experiencing the unique perfection of natural uncutbeauty, you have found the way.

Keep in mind that each raw diamond is completely different. The shape, shine and color will vary. But yourcaged Raw Diamond Necklace will forever remain a reminder of the unspoiled, organic beauty of nature.

Ready for some rough stuff? We recently found a rare cache of

extremely large uncut diamonds at an extraordinary price.

14101 Southcross Drive W.,Dept. RDN200-02Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

Stauer Raw Diamond Necklace only $295 +s&h(2 carat minimum for raw stone) Also available—5 carat raw diamond in solid 14K goldPlease call for details.Call now to take advantage of this limited offer.

1-800-806-1674Promotional Code RDN200-02Please mention this code when you call.

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Smart Luxuries—Surprising Prices

Similar rough diamonds sell elsewherefor thousands! Please compare the size andprice of our raw diamond in the Stauer Raw

Diamond Necklace with those at your local jewelry store.

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VA Re-opens enrollment for Thousands More VeteransthE u.s. dEpARtMEnt oF Veterans’ Affairs (VA) proposes to re-open en-rollment for health care to approxi-mately 266,000 additional veterans whose incomes exceed the current VA means test and geographic means test income thresholds by 10 percent or less. The new provision will be applied retroactively to all rejected enrollment applications received on or after 1 January 2009.

VA suspended enrollment for Priority 8 veterans in 2003 because it was unable to provide all enrolled vet-erans with timely access to its health care services due to a tremendous growth in the number of veterans seek-ing enrollment at that time. VA is now seeking to reopen enrollment for a seg-ment of the Veteran population with-out compromising the Department’s ability to provide high quality health care services to all enrolled veterans who are eligible for care. This incre-mental approach to expanding enroll-ment allows VA to ensure that access to VA healthcare for a greater number of beneficiaries does not sacrifice timely access or quality medical care for those veterans already enrolled in VA’s health care system.

A veteran who applies for enroll-ment after the effective date of the new provision (expected 15 June 2009), does not qualify for a higher priority group and whose income exceeds the means test threshold (MTT) or geo-graphic means test threshold (GMTT) by 10 percent or less will be enrolled in VA’s health care system. These veterans will be required to make copayments.

A veteran who applies for enroll-ment on or after 1 January 2009 but before the effective date of the new rule, does not qualify for a higher priority group and whose income exceeds the MTT or GMTT by 10 percent or less

will be will not be enrolled in the VA health care system until the new rule takes effect. The VA will re-determine enrollment using the relaxed income restriction on the effective date of the new provision for those veterans who applied on or after 1 January 2009.

This approach will relieve veterans from having to submit multiple enroll-ment applications for the same year. For those veterans who apply on or af-ter 1 January 2009 and are placed into a rejected priority group due to in-come, VA enrollment correspondence will indicate that VA will redetermine enrollment after the effective date of the new rule.

A veteran who applied for enroll-ment prior to 1 January 2009, did not qualify for a higher priority group and whose income exceeded the MTT or GMTT by 10 percent or less will not be enrolled, rather the veteran will continue to be placed in a rejected pri-ority group. Veterans whose applica-tion for enrollment was rejected due to exceeding the MTT or GMTT and whose application was submitted and

determined prior to 1 January 2009 will need to submit a new application for enrollment in 2009 to take advan-tage of the relaxed income restrictions.

VA has created an online tool to help veterans without service-connect-ed disabilities determine if they are eli-gible for VA health care. The calculator, available at www.fra.org/va, is a form where veterans can enter their income information, dependents, and zip code that will allow veterans to assess if their income would fall within the proposed income threshold adjustments.

Veterans are encouraged to contact VA’s Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or visit the VA health eligibility website at www.va.gov/healtheligibility for more in-formation. Also, each VA Medical Center has staff available to provide veterans information about their eligi-bility under this new provision.

Chris Slawinski

Are you Eligible? To see if you meet the financial eligibility criteria for VA Health Care, go to fra.org/va and fill in the required financial information to see if you meet the new Priority Group 8 eligibility standards. If you have more questions, contact national Veteran Service Officer Chris Slawinski at 1-800-FRA-1924 ex-tension 115, or by email at vafra@fra.org.

chris slawinski is an accredited National Veterans Service officer and a member of Branch 181 in Alexandria, Va.

Source: The Department of Veterans’ Affairs

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Regional Convention InformationeAST CoAST Region: 30 July – 1 AuguST 2009The Westin Hotel Tyson Corner, 7801 Leesburg Pike,Falls Church, VA , 1-800-937-8461Hosted by: Branch/Unit 181Chair: PRPEC Bob Washington, 301-839-3212Candidate for President: Joseph Palmer, Br. 259Candidate for Vice President: Chris Slawinski, Br. 181

noRTheAST Region: 7– 8 AuguST 2009Radisson Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA 1-800-333-3333Hosted by: Northeast RegionCo-Chairs: RVPNE James R. Smith, 724-437-5218 and David MundayCandidate for President: RVPNE James R. Smith, Br. 253 Candidate for Vice President: David Munday, Br. 124

SouThweST Region: 14 –15 AuguST 2009Clarion Hotel @ Tucson Airport, 6801 S. Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 1-800-526-0550, 520-746-3932 Hosted by: Southwest RegionCo-Chairs: PRPSW Jim Fox and PRPSW (LAFRA) Nancy Fox (619) 690-4637Candidate for President: RVPSW Michael K. Frontz, Br. 047Candidate for Vice President: Glenn Holz, Br. 289

SouTheAST Region: 13 –16 AuguST 2009Ramada Plaza Hotel, 108 First St. Macon, GA, 478-746-1461Hosted by: Georgia/South Carolina CouncilChair: Jack Medford 912-264-3325, email: jrmefford@comcast.netCandidate for President: RVPSE Gerald Brice, Br. 187Candidates for Vice President: Chuck Hines, Br 269 and Bobby L. Smith, Br. 194

SouTh CenTRAl Region: 14 –15 AuguST 2009Holiday Inn Airport Financial Plaza, 555 Financial Plaza, Shreveport, LA 71129 318-688-3000Hosted by: South Central RegionChair: Charles Burkhardt, Jr., 318-742-9847, cburkusn@suddenlink.netCandidate for President: PRPSC Leo Vance, Br 159Candidate for Vice President: Russell Miller, Br. 201

noRTh CenTRAl Region: 20 – 22 AuguST 2009The Lodge Hotel and Banquet, 3551 Pennridge Drive, Bridgeton, MO 314-298-0388Hosted by: Branch /Unit 267

Co-Chairs: Jim Taylor-Pres., Gary Larrabee-VP, Br. 267, and Clara Larrabee, LAFRA-Unit 267 Contact Gary Larrabee, 314-839-7421Candidate for President: RVPNC Brenda K. Pool, Br. 054

weST CoAST Region: 20 – 23 AuguST 2009Gold Dust West Casino & Hotel, 2171 US Hwy 50 East, Carson City, Nevada 1-877-519-5567 Hosted by: Branch 192Chair: PNC Patrick H. LeClaire, 775-423-4168Candidate for President: RVPWC Charles R. McIntyre, Jr. Br. 101

noRThweST Region: 18 – 22 SepTemBeR 2009King Oscar Hotel & Convention Center, 8820 South Hosmer, Tacoma, WA, 1-888-254-5464Hosted by Branch 104Co-Chairs: PNP Marvin Johnson, Branch 104 and PNP Mickey Talley, LAFRACandidate for President: C.T. “Bud” Bessey, Br. 328

new englAnd Region: 27 SepTemBeR 2009VFW Post 5791, 15 Brockes Road, Hudson, NHHosted by: Branch 338Chair: PRPNEng John Kotheimer, Br. 338, 603-434-3213Candidate for President: RVPNENG Bob King, Br. 003

Regional Conventions are important to the member-ship for outreach, recruiting, and retention activities. Many branch members will attend to participate in workshops, discussions and to offer a spirit of camaraderie to other members. This is an excellent time to share best practices for recruiting, retention and outreach. If the convention is located in an area that may be rich in sea service personnel, plan to hold an outreach event to highlight FRA’s mission, goals and purpose. If you need outreach materials, please call Member Services on 1-800-372-1924 and place your advance order for shipment in a timely manner.

Thanks to all of the convention chairs and committees for planning these events and communicating the schedule to region and branch members. If you would like to request a presentation by a member of the National Headquarters (NHQ) staff at the regional convention, please send your request to NED Joe Barnes at least two months prior to the convention. NHQ participation will depend on staff avail-ability and schedules.

Penny Collins

penny collins is a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Md. and can be reached at penny@fra.org.

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©2008 BGE 01-06832-001-BI

Wear it With PrideShow your Semper Fi spirit and style with our “USMC Reversible Jacket.” The dark blue nylon side with red striping recalls the dress blue uniform colors and provides lightweight warmth and wind resistance. The bright red reverse side stands out with expertly crafted high-quality fleece. The back of the jacket showcases the Eagle, Globe and Anchor against the dramatic f lag ra i s ing a t Iwo J ima. The “USMC” l e t t e r -ing and “United States Marines” monogram let everyone know that your heart belongs to the Corps. Zip it up with a golden USMC zipper pull. A spectacular value ... satisfaction guaranteed.Superb Value; Order now.

Available in five sizes, the “USMC Reversible Jacket” is offered only by The Bradford Exchange at the affordable price of $129*, payable in four monthly installments of $32.25 each and backed by our 30-day money-back guar-antee. To acquire it, send no money now; just return the Reservation Application today.

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01_06832_001_BI.indd 1 3/10/09 4:41:46 PM

In 1994 the Smithsonian Institute determined that the Star-Spangled Banner required further conservation treatment to remain on public display. This would require several years, specialized equipment and staff.

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By lau r e n a r m s t r o n g

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TheStar-Spangled Banner

th e f l ag a n d a n t h e m t h at c o n t i n u e t o i n s p i r e

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hen Mary Pickersgill was commissioned tocreate a garrison flag in the summer of 1813,

no one could have guessed she was also creating an American icon that would continue to inspire anation more than two centuries later.

As the War of 1812 wore on into its second year, Major George

Armistead prepared his troops at Fort McHenry for battle with the

British. The fort guarded the entrance to Baltimore Harbor, a vital

seaport on the Maryland coast, and would almost certainly be a

target for British forces.

In preparation, Armistead asked Mary Pickersgill, a 37-year-old

Baltimore widow, to fashion a flag “so large that the British will have

no difficulty seeing it from a distance.” The result not only captured

the attention of the British navy, it touched the heart of a young

lawyer and would eventually embody the spirit of a nation.

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The Flag

Pickersgill owned a successful flag-making business and had experience designing and creating colors for mili-tary divisions, as well as signal flags for the many ships

that visited Baltimore. She enlisted the help of her daughter, two nieces, two servants, and possibly her elderly mother, to craft the giant garrison flag. When it came time to assemble the strips of loosely-woven, English wool bunting, Pickersgill realized her home wasn’t large enough for a project of this magnitude. The owner of nearby Claggett’s Brewery agreed to let the ladies construct the flag on the brewery floor at night

Working by candlelight for seven weeks, the women hand-pieced the elements together to create a 30 x 42-foot flag. More than 400 yards of fabric were used to make the enormous banner, with 15 alternating stripes of red and white, and a blue union covered with 15 cotton stars that each measured two feet across. Mrs. Pickersgill received a princely sum of $405.90 for her efforts, more than most Baltimore residents earned in a year. When the British ended their attack on Fort McHenry more than a year later, they could indeed see the flag from miles away, just as Major Armistead envisioned.

By the summer of 1814, the British army was gaining ground in its assault on the United States. In August the British attacked

Washington, D.C., burning the executive mansion (later to be called the White House), the unfinished Capitol and other public buildings. From there, the enemy moved northward to Baltimore, the nation’s third largest city at the time. On September 13th British warships began bombarding Fort McHenry, which protected Baltimore’s busy harbor.

Several Americans witnessed the attack from the HMS Tonnant, which was anchored off the Maryland coast. Colonel John Skinner and American lawyer Francis Scott Key were aboard the British vessel to negotiate the release of Dr. William Beanes, who was being held prisoner.

The British agreed to release the doctor and his emissaries, but only after the attack on Baltimore was over. Key, Skinner and Beanes watched as the British waged war on Fort McHenry for 25 hours. The smoke and darkness obscured the Americans’ view as they anxiously awaited the fate of their homeland.

The Anthem

In the early morning hours of September 14th Key scanned the horizon with a looking glass and was heartened to see a U.S. flag waving above Fort McHenry. The British were

withdrawing from Baltimore and Key realized the United States

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L to R: Boston Navy Yard in 1873, the photograph

increased public interest in the flag; Fort McHenry in

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had thwarted the enemy attack. Key was so moved by the sight of the “star-spangled banner” waving proudly in “the dawn’s early light,” he described his feelings in a poem entitled “The Defense of Fort McHenry.”

He wrote the initial verse on the back of a letter, capturing the vivid imagery and deep emotion of the moment. He completed three additional verses after he returned to Baltimore and the poem was soon published in two Baltimore papers. By mid-October the verses had appeared in at least 17 other publications along the East Coast.

The poem was later set to music, a popular English tune known as “To Anacreon in Heaven.” It is believed that Key wrote his poem to fit the rhythms of this melody, a popular song of the day. Written by John Stafford Smith (circa 1775), the tune was the foundation for many other American patriotic songs.

The song became known as The Star-Spangled Banner and its popularity grew during the 19th century. The song and the flag it honored became tangible symbols for the fledgling nation and the values upon which it was founded, particularly during the Civil War years. Although an executive order from President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 required military bands to play it as our colors were raised and lowered, it did not officially become our national anthem until a congressional resolution was signed by President Herbert Hoover in 1931.

Francis Scott Key’s powerful words brought a heartfelt sense of pride to citizens of the new nation. The song and the flag rep-resented national solidarity and projected a strong image to the rest of the world. Over the centuries, these feelings have evolved and each American has a unique and very personal perspective on the meaning and values associated with these icons.

Preserving an American Icon

Although The Star-Spangled Banner was a well-known song to most Americans by the end of the Civil War, the banner itself remained in the Armistead family

for nearly a century. Major Armistead’s widow, his daughter and then his grandson kept the flag in a special canvas bag, occasionally displaying the family keepsake during patriotic occasions in Baltimore and sometimes even cutting pieces of the fabric to give away as souvenirs. Although this practice may seem offensive by today’s standards and protocol, “souveniring” was a common practice of the times.

By the time Armistead’s grandson, Eben Appleton, inherited the Star-Spangled Banner in 1878, the flag had become a national treasure. Appleton received many requests to lend it for patriotic events, but after its display at Baltimore’s 150th anniversary cel-ebration in 1880, he became concerned about the flag’s advancing

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L to R: The Banner shown at the Smithsonian Institute, 1953; Launch of an eight year conservation of the flag, 1998.

L to R: The Banner shown at the Smithsonian Institute, 1953; Launch of an eight year conservation of the flag, 1998.

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deterioration. The flag had continued to fly over Fort McHenry for some time after the 1814 attack, exposing it to high winds and inclement weather. Both are extremely damaging to flags, particularly those made of natural fibers. It had become torn and frayed, and its size had been reduced to 30 x 34 feet.

He loaned the historic banner to the Smithsonian Institution in 1907 so that it could be properly cared for and also seen by the American public. The loan was converted to a gift in 1912, and the Smithsonian has gone to great lengths to preserve, protect and share this historic artifact with the world.

In 1998 the museum launched an eight-year conservation effort to preserve the flag. Museum officials emphasize the unprec-edented project was not a restoration effort – stains, tears and inscriptions on the flag were not repaired or removed during the process – but a conservation endeavor that required the expertise of the world’s leading textile conservators and the most sophisticated technology available. Research and planning began in 1994, but the conservation process began in earnest in 1998 when the banner was carefully removed from the display wall where it had hung for 35 years. The work was conducted in a specially designed, state-of-the-art laboratory at the museum, where temperature and humidity could be controlled and the environment could be kept free of contaminants. The

flag continued to be visible to museum visitors throughout the painstaking conservation process.

Part of the massive project required undoing some of the Smithsonian’s previous conservation treatments. For example, conservators had to remove the linen backing that renowned flag restorer Amelia Fowler had attached to the flag in 1914. Each of the approximately 1.7 million stitches that held the backing in place had to be carefully and individually removed in order to examine and clean the flag. (According to the Smithsonian’s website, it took Fowler’s team of 10 needlewomen eight weeks to apply these stitches. It took the equivalent of seven years of human labor to remove the stitches as part of the more recent conservation effort.) Not only had the backing become weak and soiled, conservators discovered the flag had been patched dozens of times and, during the Fowler preservation, had been reshaped into a perfect rectangle. These previous restorations, which created additional stress on the flag, were removed as part of the preserva-tion process, allowing the fabric to regain its natural shape.

Although Fowler’s treatment was the best course of action at the time and preserved the flag for decades, today’s newer materials and techniques were employed in the more recent treatment. A lightweight polyester material was sewn to the back of the flag, which was then secured to a large table via yet another special

The inverted V on the Star-Spangled Banner is believed to be the beginning of an A, sewn by Louisa Armistead, widow of Major George Armistead, commander of Fort McHenry in 1814.

The Star-Spangled Banner’s 15 stars and stripes represent the 13 original colonies and the next two states to join the union, Kentucky and Vermont. (Tennessee, Ohio and Louisiana were also part of the union when the flag was constructed in 1813.)

The defending Americans intentionally sunk some their own ships in Baltimore Harbor to hamper the advance of the British navy. Although it kept the British ships at bay, it also kept the enemy vessels beyond the range of Fort McHenry’s cannons.

Francis Scott Key was a distant cousin and the namesake of American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald, whose full name was Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald.

According to the Smithsonian Institution, some of the souvenir “snippings” cut from the Star-Spangled Banner have been returned to the museum, but the missing star has never been located.

It is a myth that the garrison flag was flown during the attack on Fort McHenry. Eyewitness accounts confirm that a smaller storm flag (also constructed by Mrs. Pickersgill) was flown dur-ing the battle and the larger garrison flag was raised in defiance at “dawn’s early light” to the tune of “Yankee Doodle.”

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under layer. The display table is tilted at a ten-degree angle, providing the best possible support for the flag and still allowing it to be seen by the public.

The new two-story display chamber opened in November 2008 as a major element of a two-year, $85 million renovation of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Visitors to The Star-Spangled Banner exhibit can not only see the flag, but can participate in the interactive display surrounding it to experience the dramatic history of the artifact and appreciate its significance in American culture.

“We are proud to say that the museum has had more than two million visitors since we reopened on November 21, 2008,” explains Valeska Hilbig, deputy director for the museum’s public affairs office. “We don’t track the number of visitors to individual exhibitions, but The Star-Spangled Banner exhibit is one of our most popular. The flag is a symbol of America’s independent spirit throughout history, and there are often lines on busy days.”

“The Star-Spangled Banner gallery was a major component of the museum’s renovation and revitalization,” according to Hilbig. “The flag conservation itself cost approximately $7 million. The overall Star-Spangled Banner Preservation Project cost just under $30 million, and included the conservation treat-ment, the lab, staff and supplies, as well as educational outreach, website development, the new gallery and an endowment for the future care of the flag. The funding came from a public-private

partnership, with the bulk provided by Polo Ralph Lauren and the Pew Charitable Trusts, as well as some federal funding.”

The National Museum of American History is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C., and is open every day except December 25th. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://americanhistory.si.edu.

Honoring Our Flag in the 21st Century

The U.S. Flag Code, which defines the proper display and treatment of our national ensign, demands that no disrespect be shown to the flag of the United States of

America. It is founded on the belief that the U.S. flag “represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.”

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The Flag Code was first established in 1923 when representa-tives from the Army, Navy and 66 other organizations agreed on a set of guidelines for proper handling and display of the U.S. flag. These standards for civilian flag use were not adopted by Congress until 1942 and, although the code includes many customs and traditions regarding our flag, it is not enforced by federal law.

The burning of U.S. flags became the focus of substantial debate during the Vietnam era and criminal penalties were imposed for acts of flag desecration. A Supreme Court decision in 1989 ruled these penalties were unconstitutional and deemed flag-burning to be an act of free speech. The debate continues today, includ-ing efforts to reestablish laws against flag desecration. Although previous initiatives have passed the House several times, the Senate has failed to achieve the two-thirds majority needed for enactment.

The U.S. Flag Code also outlines proper etiquette for paying respects to the flag. Until recently, protocol dictated that those in civilian clothes should salute the flag by placing their hand over their heart and military personnel in uniform should render a hand salute. Thanks to the leadership of Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe, changes were enacted as part of the FY2009 National Defense Authorization Act that now authorize military veterans to render a hand salute when not in uniform. Specifically, veterans may deliver a hand salute when the flag passes in review, is raised and lowered, and during the playing of the National Anthem. The legislation does not include the authority to salute during the Pledge of Allegiance, but Senator Inhofe will continue looking for ways to improve the law for veterans.

“The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one’s military service. We have successfully revised the law

to give veterans and service men and women not in uniform the proper distinction of saluting during the National Anthem, as well as when the flag passes in review or is raised and lowered,” says Senator Inhofe. “Revising these laws was essential and long overdue, as veterans and service members continue to represent the military even when they are not in uniform. Furthermore, I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million U.S. veterans who remain as role models to other citizens … and their recognition will be an inspiration to others.”

Based on long-standing tradition and protocol, Navy and Marine Corps leaders have issued service-specific statements advising active duty personnel they should not render the hand salute when out of uniform or when uncovered.

Next month marks the 223rd anniversary of our nation’s independence and sovereignty. Whether you stand at attention, salute, or place your hand over your heart when you hear The Star-Spangled Banner, you are demonstrating respect and honor not only for our national colors, but for our country and the ideals upon which it was founded. “Oh long may it wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!” n

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lauren Armstrong is Contributing Editor and LA FRA Member at Large. Contact her at lauren@fra.org

SEE history and heritage oN thE NExt PagE to lEarNhow you CaN SharE your thoughtS aND fEEliNgS about our NatioN’S Star-SPaNglED baNNEr.

Veterans line the procession route with U.S. flags at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Sailors and Marines unfurl a football field-sized U.S. flag at Dodger Stadium during the pre-game activities.

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hiSToRy & heRiTAge

The historical Context of The Star-Spangled Banner

thE wAR oF 1812 provided the backdrop for our national an-them and the flag that inspired it. Even though Britain’s 1781 surrender at Yorktown marked the end of the American Revolution, skirmishes contin-ued for another two years be-tween the colonists and British forces. Great Britain formally recognized the United States of America as a new and indepen-dent nation with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, but the friction between the two countries didn’t end there.

Nearly 30 years later, Britain had still not fulfilled its promise to turn over its forts west of the Appalachian Mountains. Holding the forts not only violated the terms of the treaty and showed blatant disrespect for the U.S., it was impeding America’s westward expansion. Britain, in need of sailors to man its impressive warships in its ongoing war against France, also began seizing U.S. ships and kidnapping American sailors to serve on British vessels. Coupled with Britain’s interference with the new nation’s growing international trade efforts, these growing tensions prompted President James Madison to declare war on Great Britain on June 18th, 1812.

America held its own in the early years of the war while Britain was occupied with its ongoing con-flict with France. The U.S. enjoyed naval victories in the Atlantic and on Lake Erie, and even invaded Canada, still a British colony, and burned the Parliament building in York (now Toronto) in the hopes of conquering British territory.

But when French Emperor Napoléon surrendered in April of 1814, Britain was able to focus its imposing navy and war-fighting force against the U.S. In retaliation for the burning of the Canadian capital, British troops marched on Washington, D.C., in August of 1814, burning books in the Library of Congress and then setting the president’s home and the Capitol ablaze. From Washington, it was only a matter of time before the British would attack Baltimore and the stronghold of Fort McHenry.

Since Francis Scott Key wrote the words that eventually became The Star-Spangled Banner, our na-tional colors have inspired generations of Americans. Iconic images such as Joe Rosenthal’s photograph of the flag-raising over Iwo Jima and the firefighters hoisting the colors above the rubble of the World Trade Center are now part of American culture and invoke powerful emotions that are unique to each of us.

FRA’s 2008–2009 Americanism Essay Contest asked school-aged students what the U.S. flag means to them. Now it’s shipmates’ turn to share their thoughts and feelings about the Star-Spangled Banner. Tell us what our nation’s flag means to you by visiting www.fra.org/history and posting your views.

Undated wash drawing shows the burning of Washington, DC, by the British in 1812. The White House is seen in the background.

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newS FRom The BRAnCheS

BRAnCh 15 wAlhAllA, S.C.

branch Chaplain bill rogers prepares to cut the cake at the branch’s fourth anniversary celebration in March 2009.

BRAnCh 22 penSAColA, FlA.

Shipmate Miles Medearis (left) receives his 40-year Continuous Member Pin and Certificate from PrPSE Mark Kilgore, who is also the branch secretary/treasurer.

BRAnCh 29 BRemeRTon, wASh.

Shipmate larry Nelson, MaSN Paul wilson, hM3 David Palafox, and Shipmate gene hanson repre-sented the fra at a Massing of the Colors ceremo-ny at fort lewis (wash.), a patriotic event honoring past, present and future members of the military.

BRAnCh 23 BuFFAlo, n.y.

Kristin Sharmin took first-place honors for the Northeast region in fra’s annual americanism Essay Contest. She is shown with (l to r) with Clarence Middle School Principal Jeffrey white, Past branch President walter Zawieruszynski and branch President richard hadley.

BRAnCh 59 Cheyenne, wyo.

when SgtMaj ramirez of MaCS-23 EwC Det (left) and Shipmate SSgt roy Morris MaCS-23 EwC Det (right) deployed to iraq, members of the branch and unit took over their toy for tots responsibilities. the Marines are shown here giving the pass down book Shipmate Jim Marshall, who coordinated the campaign.

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

u.S. nAvy, pACiFiC FleeT

PNP Jim Eblen poses with the finalists for airPaC Sailor of the year (Soy) and another sponsor during a Soy event at the San Diego Zoo.

BRAnCh 142 FRedeRiCk, md.

Shipmates ted tubergen, gordon gamble, PrEC ray Santee and Doug baker honor 7th grader Kathryn tighe (front left) and 11th grader heather long (front right) for their first place entries. tighe also won first place at the East Coast region level.

BRAnCh 324 AkRon, ohio

branch President Sam Vechter presents an honor and remember flag to Carey Meissner, mother of lance Corporal Daniel McVickers, uSMC, who was killed in iraq on 6 october 2005. McVickers was serving in Combat Service Support Detachment 21, 2nd force Service Support group, ii Marine Expeditionary force, when he was killed.

BRAnCh 192 FAllon, nev.

branch President larry briggs (left) awards a 50-year Pin and Certificate to Shipmate Sam Santoro.

BRAnCh 287 liveRmoRe, CAliF.

branch members pose with winners (with certifi-cates) of fra’s americanism Essay Contest. Shown (l to r) are 11th grader abhiraj Chowdhury and Shauheen ladjevardi and his parents and grand-mother. ladjevardi, a 9th grader, also won first place in the west Coast region.

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384th ARS 8–11 Oct. 2009, Wichita, Kan. Contact Ken Godstrey, 12018 Maycheck Lane, Bowie, MD 20715-1551, 301-464-1150, kengodstrey@comcast.net.

American Assoc. of navy hospital Corpsmen 23–27 Sept. 2009, 15th Annual Reunion, San Diego, Calif. Contact Joe Pifer, 619-464-5445, joenpj@cox.net.

Corpsmen united 28 Oct.–1 nov. 2009, Oklahoma City, Okla. Contact Rose Lankford, 510-626-7132, erlankford@yahoo.com.

navy nuclear weapons Assoc. 30 Sept.–3 Oct. 2009, Dallas, Texas. Contact David Cobb, 1536 Lozano Ave., Lady Lake, FL 32159, 352-753-3285, davecobb2@comcast.net.

navy Squadron (vp-8) 28 Oct.–2 nov. 2009, Phoenix, Ariz. Contact Santo Adams, 966 east Divot Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283, 480-730-1487, santoadams@hotmail.com.

nmCB 62 Seabees 13–17 Oct. 2009, Gulfport, Miss. Contact norm Hahn, 1805 Oaklawn Dr., eau Claire, WI 54703, 715-834-4780, nhahnjr@sbcglobal.net.

nmCB14 (u.S. navy) 5–8 nov. 2009, Jacksonville, Fla. Contact George Manning, 850-352-4020, yeoman61@wfeca.net.

patrol gunboat Assoc. 12–16 Aug. 2009, Virginia Beach, Va. Contact Terry McManuels, 757-479-2261, macs@visi.net.

Tacamo (vQ-3/vQ-4) 9–12 Oct. 2009, Millington, Tenn. Contact Jim Gallaher, 843-296-9504.

uSS Casa grande (lSd-13) 13–19 Sept. 2009, new London, Conn. Contact Joe Lagreca, 585-226-3860, joeylagreca13@yahoo.com.

uSS Constellation (CvA/Cv-64) Assoc. 18–23 Oct. 2009, norfolk, Va. Contact Jack Kilcrease, 201 La Jolla Dr., Live Oak, TX 78233, 210-590-9190, jackkilcrease@yahoo.com.

uSS ernest g. Small (dd/ddR-838) 17–20 Sept. 2009, Indianapolis, Ind. Contact Ron Palinkas, 3867 e. Phillips Blvd., Pomona, CA 91766, 909-465-1460, ronpalinkas@aol.com.

uSS everett F. larson (dd/ddR-830) 8–12 Oct. 2009, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Contact Tom Flynn, 285 Pinkham Rd., Middleton, nH 03887-6021, 603-755-2937, BettePaints@aol.com.

uSS J. Franklin Bell (ApA-16) 14–18 Oct. 2009, Tyler, Texas. Contact Doug Webb, 2307B Blackstone Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, 925-934-6005, dwjr@infionline.net.

uSS JAmeS e. kyeS (dd-787) 9–12 Oct. 2009, Chicago, Ill. Contact Rick Comshaw, 128 Shelley Lane, Fairfield Glade, Tn 38558-8535, 931-456-4023, rc-navy@comcast.net.

uSS Juneau (ClAA-119) 31 Oct.–4 Sept. 2009, Reno, nev. Contact edwin Cox, 310 Mimosa Dr., Cheraw, SC 29520, 843-537-5848, edwincox@bellsouth.net.

uSS koiner (de/deR-331, wde-431) 9–11 nov. 2009, Galveston, Texas. Contact Mac Christy, 785-255-4368, machief@hughes.net.

uSS lyman k. Swenson (dd-729) 1–4 Oct. 2009, Memphis, Tenn. Contact Don Snider, 615-325-0222, DD729Secretary@gmail.com.

uSS mAhAn Assoc. (dd-364/dlg-11/ddg-42/ddg-72) 28 Oct.–1 nov. 2009, Tucson, Ariz. Contact Richard Hallowell, 9339 Praful Ct., Santee, CA 92071, 619-606-3173, 2dickhall@cox.net.

uSS navarro (ApA-215) 5–9 Oct. 2009, American Canyon, Calif. Contact Vanya Leighton, 8204 Lake Street, Lower Lake, CA 95457, 707-995-3319, vanyaleighton@live.com.

uSS paul F. Foster (dd-964) 18–20 Sept. 2009, Ventura/Port Hueneme, Calif. Contact Michael Glenn, 7361 Sems Lane Redwood Valley, CA 95470, 707-485-0722, michael-glenn@att.net.

uSS Robert A. owens (dd-827) 17–20 Sept. 2009, Jacksonville, Fla. Contact Pat Thompson, 410-987-3973, usndd827@verizon.net.

uSS Sierra (Ad-18) 17–20 Sept. 2009, Branson, Mo. Contact Malcolm Jones, 956-343-3644, jnauto@att.net.

uSS Towers (ddg-9) 16–20 Sept. 2009, Omaha, neb. Contact Raymond Wong, 1634 38th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122, 415-566-7285, usstowersddg9@pacbell.net.

uSS west virginia (BB-48) 13–17 Sept. 2009, Charleston, S.C. Contact Joseph D. Variot, 4564 Cedar River Rd., Mancelona, MI 49659, 231-584-2280.

uSS wilkes-Barre (Cl-103) 8–11 Oct. 2009, Washington, D.C. Contact Bob Didonno, 114 West Main Street, Suite 307, new Britain, CT 06051, 860-690-9215, bdidonno@aol.com.

ReunionS

Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, submit to reunions@fra.org or mail to: FRA Reunions, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

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TApS In Memoriam

nAme BRAnCh nAme BRAnCh

nAme BRAnCh

Allen, Henry A., CWO uSn 112Almond, James A., GMMC 282

JPrPNEng anderson, alexander, lCDr uSN 042

Angelle, edwin J., TM1 MALAshley, Richard V., eMC MAL

Bennett, George W., AMH2 101Berray, Paul e., QMC 009Berry, Joseph, AeC MALBinns, Raymond e., MMC(SS) MALBoone, James R., RMC MALBorder, Wade K., HMC 146Bowen, Gerald M., POC uSn 170Brown, Richard S., MGYSGT MALBuckbee, Joseph A., enC(SS) MALButler, Michael R., FTGC 029Butler, Stanley H., PO2 uSn MAL

Caldwell, Charles William, YnCS MALCallahan, Marjorie A., Pn1 091Cameron, Ronald J., HTC 010Carlson, Raymond L., HTC 101Carr, Sydney g., atC 174Carter, edmund, ATC MALCogan, Morris S., RMC MALConnell, edward W., AMHC MALCook, Dale M., BM1 MALCopeland, Jacob, RM1 MALCrafts, Robert e., YnCM 043Craig, Robert e., ADRC 281Cunningham, Edward t., Cwo2 uSN 235

Damon, Ralph, ADR2 101Debevec, ethel M., YnCM 022Debussey, Lawrence L., HM1 298Del Corral, Manuel S., en1 245Dodge, Ross e., ABH1 077Downey, James G., GMT MALDugas, Ronnie J., YnCS 162

elder, Walker B., GMC 097estalilla, Bernardino, PO3 uSn 074

Faught, Charles B., CSC 136Florece, Ignacio B., CSC 127

Ganzel, Jack C., RMC(SS) MALGarrett, Jay n., ATCS 005Giguere, Robert D., ADRC 161Good, Cortez W., QMCS 060

Hahn, James S., CS1 379Hammer, Robert H., GYSGT 256Harstad, Ladell, Yn1 MALHawley, Robert M., PO1 uSn MALHayes, Mark, Jr., DTC 159Hill, edward M., RMC 263Hill, Freddie L., uSn ReT 347Holbert, Bernard B., GYSGT MAL

Horn, Robert J., OSC 335Houghtelling, Rich L., MM1 096Hubbard, B. K., ISCS 046

Jensen, Richard W., GMGC MALJoco, Geronimo P., PO2 uSn MALJohnson, Andrew L., Jr., ABHC MALJohnson, ralph b., rMC 101Johnson, Robert L., Yn1 040

Keeley, Edward C., CDr uSN 008Kelly, Charles G., enC 120Kern, Kenneth H., Pn1 093Kerslake, Albert F., DTCS 040King, Duane e., AMeC 276King, Ted L., BMC 245Kinzer, Ralph M., CeCS 042Koenig, William e., Jr., HMCS MAL

Lahti, Grover J., eMC 138Lawson, Gerald L., eMC MALLawson, Rance M., Jr., SSGT MALLegassey, Carl D., DTC MALLitts, Robert A., Yn1 267Locke, John e., AKC 276Loczowski, Stanley, CPO uSn 126Lyons, John P., AO1 094

Mahoney, Eugene f., SMCM 060Marin, George F., AMCS 097Marshall, Rudy F., LCDR uSn 040Martin, Richard e., CWO2 uSn 055Marty, Joseph G., Sr., MS1 MALMattox, Robert A., FTGC MALMcCormick, James e., DKC 018McDonald, Billy S., AD1 MALMcDonnell, James L., Sr., MGYSGT 339McKnight, Wilburn, CWO2 uSn MALMickelson, Darrol R., CWO3 uSn 170Mietz, Donald T., TMCS 147Miller, Clarence, MCPO uSn MALMorrison, Donald e., ADRC 245Murphy, Allen R., eTCS 151

O’Boyle, Michael, HMCM 261O’neill, John H., Jr., RMCM 163

Parker, Walter R., Ce1 133Parris, Ralph O., RMCS 234Penkert, David B., POC uSn 147Petriello, Gaetano P., eTC(SS) 029Phelps, Alvin L., AXC 092Pigott, John S., Jr., CPO uSn 034Porrazza, Frank, HMC 046Powell, William J., AOC 060Pritchard, John W., MGYSGT MAL

Rathbourn, Harry e., PCC 175Rinehart, J., DKCS 106Rister, Gary W., AD1 202Rogers, Marlin P., CTRC 130

Rowell, Roy C., Sr., AFCM 261

Sanchez, Richard P., enCS 313Sceili, William J., BM1 029Schmidt, Donald W., CAPT uSnR 060Schott, Robert T., MMC 061Schroeder, Albert W., eMC 040Shepke, Talbert W., BMC 006Sherrill, Warren, BM2 029

JPrPNw Solum, floyd K., rMCM 097Sproul, John W., Jr., BMC 090Steiert, Joseph D., ADR1 280Stewart, George, RMCS 061Strand, Donald D., Cwo uSN 009Stroud, Coy D., ADCS 264Stutzman, Harry e., HMCS 280Sullivan, Robert D., ADCS 317Swartz, Sam e., LnCM 289

Timmerman, Robert F., BMCM 267Trimmer, Roy W., HMC 182Turner, Albert n., enC(SS) MAL

umble, Gerald W., AMSC 126

Valdez, Beltran B., SD2 067Valentine, David J., enCS 092Vidmore, Vernon A., enS uSn 245

Wagner, ernest, BMCS 267Walker, Billy J., AKC 018Walsh, Thomas H., GYSGT 175Watson, Sterling e., BMCM 283Weigel, Francis J., AFCM 077Wellendorf, Douglas, BuC MALWengel, Herbert L., enCS 029Werts, Robert e., BM1 MALWest, William G., IMC 246White, Glenn D., Sr., ICC 047Williams, evan K., CDR uSn MALWilliams, Leland, eM3 MALWise, Winifred D., YnC 181

Zarate, Ceferino P., SKC 060Zimmerman, William D., BT1 MAL

Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. J indicate a Past National officer.

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BmC max Sercey We served together in Pearl Harbor, 1947-1948, and met again later as CPOs while in transit to new duty assignments. Contact SFCM Carl H. Rehberg (Ret.), 3424 Harborcrest Ct nW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332-8916, 253-853-4778.

Relatives of John A. davis John Davis served with my brother aboard the uSS Meredith when it was sunk in the Midway Islands. I have a photograph that I would like to return to his family. Please contact etta B. Davis, P.O. Box 568, Whitwell, Tn 37397-0568.

CSC Toney Last seen in 1973 when stationed together at Point Mugu, Calif., in the early 1950s. He also served on Santa Cruz Island. Contact Walter Potter at 213-446-5261.

Tommy Tomson, uSmC Or any other Marine stationed at Marine Barracks, Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Japan, between 1964 and 1967. Please contact Vernon Hanks at 173-P Avenida Majorca, Laguna Woods, CA 92637-4123, 949-829-6877.

STg2 Jerry Bryan or eT2 Roger Clark Last known duty station was uS nAV FAC, Barbados, West Indies. Please contact SH1 Robert “Knobby” Kalbfell (Ret.) at 856-742-9171.

BmC/BmCS/BmCm Jimmy Travis or QmC george dervin Both served aboard uSS Rigel (AF-58) 1973-1975. Travis was Chief Master at Arms, First Division CPO and also served aboard uSS Concord (AFS-5) 1975-1977. Dervin was Chief Quartermaster. Contact James (Jim) Scott at 972-416-1897 or james.jim.scott@gmail.com.

Bud pope (wife Jean) He was stationed at Port Hueneme, Calif., as a Seabee in the 1960’s. I be-lieve he had two children named Patty and Michael. He served with my father, AZC Baryon L Cohea, and my mother and I would love to reconnect with any member of his family. Please contact Terri Cohea at 253-459-0910.

uSS Stembel (dd-644) Shipmates Crew members who were on Stembul out of San Diego, Calif., 1953-1955. Please contact Joe Schwaab at tincanman6@yahoo.com.

navy nuclear weapons personnel and participants in the personal Reliability program Visit www.navynucweps.com or contact David Cobb at 352-753-3285 or davecobb2@comcast.net.

Roger Schofield (wife moon) He was stationed in Saigon, Vietnam. I was with HeDSuPAC and Roger was with the Communication Department. Please contact Curtis Johnson at ncphan@sbcglobal.net.

Shipmates from uSS paul Revere (ApA-248), october 1966 to may 1969 I need to prove to the VA that we made river runs or set foot on land. Please contact Paul Arnwine at parnwine731@comcast.net or 865-947-8688.

looking FoR…

These notices are published on a space available basis. Notices must be submitted in writing. E-mail fratoday@fra.org or mail your request to: FRA, Looking for…, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA, 22314.

taps Corrections

FRA Today works very hard to ensure all names are properly listed in Taps. Unfortunately, the May issue had three er-rors. We apologize and respectfully list these corrections:

• JamesW.Blueshouldnothavebeenlist-ed. We apologize to Shipmate Blue and his family.

• PRPNEng Alexander Anderson andPRPNW Floyd K. Solum should have been noted as Past National Officers.

FRA is appreciative of their service to the Association and our country.

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message from the north Central Regional president

thAnK you to thE members of the North Central Region for giving me the privi-lege of serving the region for a fourth time. It is always a great feeling to travel around the region and see all the wonderful things unit members are doing to serve their communities, especially all the wonderful things they do for our troops and veterans.

Unit members work hand-in-hand with the shipmates and branches as they participate in the many patriotic events in their communities. They ride in pa-rades, displaying the U.S. flag along with their branch and unit colors, and partic-ipate in Memorial Day services. Unit members work with the Wounded Warrior Project by making “neck coolers” that are sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. They send cards to recovering American soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital and packages to our men and women serving overseas.

Members are involved in projects in their communities, such as Meals on Wheels, and also donate articles of clothing, food and other household items to local shelters and food pantries. Units donate small stuffed animals to the local sheriff or police departments to be used in situations where children are involved. Some do volunteer work for the Special Olympics and many other programs in-volving special needs children. One unit donates new and used clothing to local children’s homes and have also donated many refurbished bicycles at Christmas.

Units have made donations to St. Jude’s (the National President’s Project), Fisher House, USO, Ronald McDonald House and many other charitable organizations.

In May I had the privilege of instituting Unit 14 in Milwaukee, Wisc., and installing their new officers. I have also been asked to be installing officer for several of the units in our region and look forward to attending many branch and unit picnics in the coming months.

Congratulations to PRPNC Corinne Fields of Unit 161 for her dedicated ser-vice. Corinne received her 50-year pin at the National Convention in Branson, Mo., in September 2008 from then-NP Gail Doloway. Corinne has been the Unit Treasurer for many years and hopefully will be for many more.

I attended the North Central Regional Mid-Year Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., where we had a very productive workshop and exchange of ideas on the many forms to be filled out in the coming months and an update on the member-ship transition.

We have just returned from the Pilgrimage at Arlington where once again I was in awe of the wonderful ceremony the LA FRA conducts there each year. The playing of Taps, not once but twice, never fails to move me to tears. What an honor it is to be part of this wonderful tradition. It was great to see the shipmates and Auxiliary members who were there.

To all the unit members in our region, I want to say “Job well done! Keep up the good work!”

DOrIS C. FrINorth Central Regional President

Fran hoadley is the editor of La fRa News and the fRa today Liaison.

National President Georgia Gallagher being escorted Down the steps at the “Tomb of the Unkowns”

Georgia Gallagher placing the wreath at the “Mast of the Maine” assisted by Past National President Pat Boudreaux.

National President Georgia Gallagher at the “Mast of the Maine.” Honor Guards Kerri Ann Wells, granddaughter of NP Georgia Gallagher, and Barbara Salis are presenting the American Flag.

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