aprnewsletter

Military Officers Association of America

Southern Maine Chapter Newsletter

April 2010

Vol 25 No. 3

Index (Scroll down through the newsletter or click on a section to go directly there.)
President's Message
Feb Speaker, Thomas Eastler, PhD.
May Speaker, Ted Sharp
Chapter Projects
Donation Plans

Membership Renewal Update
ROTC/JROTC Update
Board of Directors
Reservations Form
In Memoriam

Request Automatic Electronic Version of Newsletter

A Message from Your President

Military Health System Conference Features the “Quadruple Aim”

This month, for my first opportunity to address the Chapter as your new President, I’d like to share with you reflections regarding my recent trip to Washington to attend the Military Health System’s (MHS) annual conference earlier this year. Three topics were particularly interesting and are likely to affect many of us MOAA members.

First, unlike previous conferences I’ve attended, there was no push to convince attendees that raising TRICARE fees was an urgent necessity. While expressing concern about the slice of the defense budget going to health care, our military leaders acknowledged that the user fees would not go up in 2010 and weren’t sure about any change during 2011. “Adjustments” were inevitable, they said; they just did not know when or how much. The leadership, at this conference, shifted the emphasis from squeezing the beneficiaries to improving the functioning of the MHS itself. This is a welcome change, in my opinion.

Second, the theme of the conference was the “Quadruple Aim.” That is, (1) improving the patient experience in the MHS, (2) improving the outcomes of medical care, (3) controlling costs, and – as a result of the preceding – (4) raising combat readiness. We had lots of presentations and discussions around these topics, with examples of health-care systems (Maine’s own Martin’s Point Health Care being one) and military treatment facilities that have achieved excellent

Our February Speaker, Thomas E. Eastler, Ph.D.

For the first time in many, many years there was no snow on the grounds of the Woodlands Club when last the members of the Southern Maine Chapter, MOAA, gathered for the February luncheon, where, in addition to the installation of new officers and Board members, we were entertained by our speaker, Dr. Tom Eastler, a professor from the Natural Sciences Department, University of Maine.

Tom’s talk centered on military underground terrain from an historical perspective. The use of man-made underground environments constructed for or used for tactical military operations is reported back to about 3500 BC, although the use of natural of natural underground caves for defensive purposes dates back much further to about 400,000 years ago. Regardless of precisely when man first started using underground terrain for military purposes, the use has continued through the ages, and has had a remarkably successful and noteworthy, if not underappreciated history.

As the art and science of siegecraft (designing, building, and employing offensive weapons, both strategic and tactical) has developed right up to the present day,

Our May Speaker, Ted Sharp, Focuses on China

It’s mid-April as this latest Newsletter is made ready for the printer. In southern Maine it’s an early spring and no one’s complaining! The days are growing longer and soon our plans will begin to focus on outdoor activities again. But before you get too involved in your summer plans, be sure to mark your calendar to attend the next quarterly meeting of the Southern Maine Chapter, MOAA, at the Woodlands Club (reservation form can be found on page 7). We have lined up a great speaker for the brunch meeting, Ted Sharp. Ted is currently the Superintendent of Schools, Gorham, Maine. He majored in Chinese History as an undergraduate and has retained an interest in the country ever since. In addition to his “day job” in Gorham, he has taught for Framingham State College in the International Masters Degree Program for the past 12 years. In this

Southern Maine Chapter, MOAA, Past Projects

At the request of a number of new members, Immediate Past President, CPT Bob Wood, graciously prepared a listing of many of our Chapter’s projects and accomplishments over the past several years to show the depth and breadth of Chapter efforts in the state.

Created a Homeland Security Committee.
Created a Military Coalition concerned with Homeland Security, tax issues regarding military retired pay; prepared an economic analysis of Maine tax issues in conjunction with the Department of Economics, U. of ME.
Supported the Maine National Guard Camp for kids with donations.
Actively became involved with military veterans at the Togas VA hospital.
Through the Military Coalition, helped to develop LD 1010-LD 972, to exempt military retired pay from state income tax. RADM Rybacki, LTG Winglass, MG Libby, Col McAleer and Lt Berman spent months testifying before various committees and meeting with the Governor without results.
Actively tried to fix the “Survivor Benefit Plan.”

Chapter Plans for Donations for 2010

The Board of Directors recently approved a slate of donations proposed by the Finance Committee for calendar year 2010. These donations are made possible by the generous support provided by our members. The Board sincerely thanks all who contributed.

Operation Tribute	$1,000.00 (Operation Holiday Cheer)
Maine Veterans Home, Scarborough	$200.00
Maine Homeless Veterans	$1,000.00 (Dept Veteran Affairs, Augusta)
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Maine	$250.00 (Augusta)
National MOAA Scholarship Fund	$500.00 (Alexandria, VA)
Wooster Wreath Company	$250.00 (Millbridge)
Maine Military Museum	$500.00 (South Portland)
Scabbard and Blade National Society	$500.00 (Army ROTC, U.ME)
Other	$500.00
Totals	$4,700.00

(President's msg cont.)

results centered on the Quadruple Aim. As these initiatives become common practice, they will affect, and hopefully improve, the quality of the health care many of us receive. You can learn more about this by going to the TRICARE web site and downloading or watching the keynote presentations.

Last, the next round of managed care support contracts going out to the insurance companies/alliances that administer TRICARE will include requirements and incentives related to the Quadruple Aim. The companies that win these contracts will be rewarded for improving the quality and efficiency of care. That’s a good thing and reflects the Defense Department’s commitment to improvement. I should add, however, that the awarding of new contracts in our region was delayed by a protest the current administrator, Health Net, filed against the Defense Department’s selection of Aetna as the new administrator. (Note: Martin’s Point is not affected by the protest, as it has a separate contract with the Department of Defense.)

The bottom line is that the Defense Department is indeed implementing the best aspects of health-care reform. That was the positive story I took from this MHS conference.

Bill Hall
Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
President

(Our February Speaker cont.)

so too has the art and science of fortification (designing, building, and utilizing above-ground and below-ground space, which portends to be nearly invulnerable to siegecraft). Although much has been written about above-ground fortifications throughout history, only a few of the below-ground military facilities have gained any measure of notoriety until most recently, usually in a negative sense, perhaps the most heavily publicized being the infamous Maginot line in France during WWII.

Tom’s contention was that tactical or strategic use of naturally occurring or man-made space in underground terrain has been underrated in its contribution to sustained military operations in the past, including some very notable successful campaigns. The coalition forces retaliatory strikes in Afghanistan subsequent to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States have demonstrated the strategic as well as the tactical importance of underground terrain. As such, they have shown that its military use on all fronts is now more important than it has ever been on a worldwide scale. It may soon surpass, in Tom’s opinion, outer space as the pivotal battlefield of the future.

(May Speaker Cont.)

capacity he has traveled extensively to Asia, Europe, North Africa, and Latin America. He has also worked with the Ministry of Education in China to advance the teaching of Mandarin Chinese in American schools.

Ted earned his Bachelors degree from Gettysburg, PA, and his Masters degree from Bridgewater State College (MA). He has done advanced graduate work at both Harvard University and Oxford University. He enjoys photography, reading history, antiques, flower gardening, white-water canoeing, and travel. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Gorham.

Please fill out the Reservations Form to make your reservations for the luncheon.

(Chapter Projects cont.)

Yearly supported ROTC/JROTC programs in Maine with funds and gifts.
Actively supported the Maine “Troops to Teachers Program.”
Assisted retiring service personnel in finding jobs in Maine through TOPS.
Donated funds to the Maine National Guard and Navy Reserve.
Supported the Portland History Docents Program in finding volunteers.
Supported the state’s “An Act to Encourage Newly Retired Veterans to Reside in Maine” legislation.
Supported with donations “Operation Holiday Cheer (now called Operation Tribute),” a charity providing a gift for every child of a service member in Maine.
Supported the VA in Togas with donations designated to assist homeless veterans in the state.
Supported with donation the National Institute of Mental Health in Maine to assist returning Maine troops with mental health issues.
Supported the DAV with donations for the VA hospital in Togus.
Supported several JRTOC programs including funds for a memorial for a Medal of Honor recipient and funds for deployed troops in Iraq.
Supported the Maine Military Museum with donations.

Chapter Membership Renewal Update

As of mid-April, we have received 220 membership renewals (we haven’t heard from 70). To those of you who have returned your dues for this year we thank you. However we are running considerably behind where we were last year when we had received 266 renewals by this date. Shortly, members of the Board of Directors will be attempting to call members we have not heard from yet. Here’s where we are to date:

	2010	2009
Dues Paid	3,285	3,990
General Fund Donations	1505	2005
JROTC/ROTC Donations	1,550	1,610
Totals to date	6,340	7,605

Please mail your $15.00 check directly to:
Col Robert P. McAleer
P.O. Box 27,
Harpswell, ME 04079

JROTC/ROTC Update

Here’s an update of the Junior and Senior ROTC programs that we support throughout Maine. There are a total of 8 Junior Programs and 3 Senior Programs. I have listed them below broken down by Military Branch. I’ve listed the dates of their awards presentations along with the phone number of the schools. Any member who wishes to represent the Chapter by presenting the award should contact the school.

(Note: The Navy combines their presentation at one location and we have a Chapter member who is scheduled to make the presentation.)

Presently, we support them by providing annual awards and a gift for deserving cadets. The Chapter has also developed a scholarship program for the three Senior ROTC Detachments. The three top senior cadets each year will receive $500.00 each. Checks went out in April. (COL Frank Toderico, ROTC Chairman)

Junior ROTC

ARMY Bangor High School (April 10, 2010) 207-992-5570 Hermon High School (April 09, 2010) 207-848-5436 Nokomis Regional High School (April 10, 2010) 207-362-4354 ext 510 Old Town High School (March 20, 2010) 207-827-3910 Sacopee Valley High School (May 18, 2010) 207-625-2303	NAVY Massabesic High School (June 08, 2010) 207-247-3141 ext 2228 Air Force Brewer High School (May 2010, date TBA) 207-989-4140 Lewiston High School (May 21, 2010) 207-795-4190 ext 2266
Senior ROTC
ARMY University of Maine, Orono (May 14, 2010) 207-581-1121	NAVY University of Maine, Orono (May 08, 2010) 207-581-1551 Maine Maritime Academy, Castine (May 08, 2010)

Presently, deserving cadets receive MOAA certificates and ROTC medals as well as quality compasses. The Chapter is also working on developing a scholarship

program for the Senior ROTC Detachments. Questions or want to volunteer to present one of our Chapter awards at an awards ceremony? Contact Frank Toderico, our ROTC Chair at 799-8999 or ftoderico@juno.com.

Changes to the Board of Directors

Over the past several months there have been a number of changes to the Board of Directors as a result of resignations and efforts to fill vacancies. The following is the complete listing of the current officers and members of the Board.

	Officers for 2010
President Col William E. Hall, USAF	1st Vice-President Col James A. Vollkommer, USAF	2nd Vice-President Col Frank J. Toderico, USA NG
Secretary Ltc K. Scott Berry, USA	Treasurer LCdr Mark S. Patrick	Immediate Past-President Cpt Robert B. Woods, USA
	Directors 2008-2010
LTC Joseph P. Conroy, USA	Col Richard N. Berry, USA	Mrs. Barbara Laprino-Porter, Auxiliary
Col Jim D. James, USA	LTC John T. Ham, USA	Col David P. Schlieper, USA
	Directors 2009-2011
Col Henry C. Adams, USA	Maj Renold A Moreau, USAF	CWO-3 Donovan J. Pfeiffer, USN
Col Douglas J. Scott, USAFR/ANG	Maj Dougleas. P. Stewart, USMC	Maj Mary D. McGuirk, USAF
	Directors 2010-2012
Cdr Charles E. Callahan	Col Michael D. Delia, USAF	LTC Howard C. Hanning, USA
Cdr James O. Born, USN	Cdr Harry Kinsley, USN	Col Robert P. McAleer, USMC
	1Lt Jack Berman, USA
	Committee Chairmen
Budget Col James A. Vollkommer, USAF	Chaplain Ltc Howard C. Hanning, USA	Health Col Doug Scott, USAFR/ANG
Membership Col Robert P. McAleer, USMC	Military Coalition LCdr Mark S. Patrick, USN	Newsletter Editor LTC K. Scott Berry, USA
Personal Affairs Maj Mary D. McGuirk, USAF	ROTC Awards Col Frank J. Toderico	TOPS 1Lt Jack Berman, USA

In Memoriam

1st Lieutenant Edward S. Boulos, USMC Cape Elizabeth, Maine January 3, 2010	Colonel Normand A. Chabot, USA Lewiston, Maine March 1, 2010
Captain Wendell P. Johnson, USN Yarmouth, Maine February 1, 2010	Commander Charles J. Thomas, USNR Topsham, Maine August 17, 2009
Lieutenant Colonel Sidney R. Zahares, USA Wells, Maine February 2, 2010

We are grateful for your loyal service to the Nation..."

Home Page