A Message from Your President
Lest We Forget
In the seven (7)
day period from September 22nd to the 29th, I have had the
opportunity to speak to the National Convention of the Franco American War
Veterans in Auburn, speak at the Dignity Vietnam Wall in Lewiston and watch the
Ken Burns series, “The War,” on the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.
It was a week of
meeting great veterans of multiple wars in Lewiston and Auburn and gaining a
greater appreciation for my father’s service and sacrifice during World War II,
which was my call to service. I came to
the clear realization during this week that a significant, relevant and
important activity that we should all consider is participating in one of the
many opportunities that present themselves to ensure that our memories of our
personal service are preserved.
I have worked in
recent years with the Lawrence High School Oral History Project initiative, the
University of Maine at Farmington Oral History project and will be meeting in
early October with the students at Gardiner Junior High School as they undertake
a similar oral history initiative. I
have found the experiences rewarding and have noted, with pride, how attentive
the students are at collecting the first-hand recollections provided by veterans
who were actually there.
Technology today allows us to preserve these histories and photos for
future generations. The Library of Congress has launched the Veterans
History Project,
Our August Speaker, Captain Jim Rendon, USCG
USCG Northern New England Sector Commander, Captain Jim Rendon,
addressed the Chapter on the Missions and Future of the Coast Guard
Our guest speaker, CAPT Jim Rendon, opened by thanking the members of
the Chapter for their past and present service to our country.
Although he was new to his command, CAPT Rendon was already impressed
by the spirit of the “Coasties” under his command. He had seen
the Coast Guard “flex their multi-mission muscles” in many ways:
· Providing
escort for liquified petroleum gas vessels in the Piscataqua River near
Portsmouth, NH.
· Protecting two
world leaders, numerous naval vessels, visiting cruise ships, ferries,
in cooperation with a number different agencies: “As a matter of
fact, right now, as we speak, we are enforcing a security zone around
Walker’s Point…, contributing to the layered defense of our
Commander-in-Chief.”
· Overseeing over 60 maritime events and fireworks displays.
· Demonstrating surge capability in providing
added “maritime domain awareness” during the past Independence Day
holiday period.
· Responding to
a demanding mission set, to include search and rescue and pollution
response cases over a four-state region, during the busy summer boating
season.
CAPT Rendon said he was most impressed with the many partners who
collaborate with various aspects of the Sector’s mission. He had
just met two of these partners at our luncheon: MG Bill Libby,
the Maine Adjutant General (and our Chapter President), and Col Rob
McAleer, USMC (Ret.), the head of the Maine Emergency Management Agency
(MEMA) (and also our Chapter Membership Chair and webmaster).
Bottom line, he said, things were going very well for the local
maritime mission, and he was pleased to be able to build on such a firm
foundation.
Long-Term Health Care Spotlighted for the November 10 Meeting
LCDR Mark Patrick, USN (Ret.), whose
second career involves the intricacies of long-term health care needs
for our golden years, will speak at our luncheon meeting on November
10, 2007 at the Portland Country Club. Mark joined Genworth
Financial as a career agent specializing in Long-Term Care Insurance
Planning in 2004. He was born and grew up in Stratford CT.
After 5 years of architecture school and Army ROTC at Clemson
University, he joined the Naval Aviation program to become one of the
early Naval Flight officers. His first assignment was as a tactical
navigator with Naval Air Transport Squadron Three, McGuire AFB, NJ,
completing three tours in Vietnam flying U.S. Air Force C-130s.
Other tours included, COMFAIRJAX Staff, Jacksonville, FL; Patrol
Squadron 26, Mission Commander and Tactics Officer, NAS
Brunswick, ME; Fleet Air Wing Five, Anti-Submarine Warfare
Operation Center Officer, NAS Brunswick, ME; Patrol Squadron 23
Mission Commander and Aircraft Maintenance Officer, NAS Brunswick, ME;
Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Seventh Fleet Staff,
Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer, Kameseya, Japan; Japanese Fleet
Air Force Staff, Operations liaison officer, Tokyo, Japan; Commander
Carrier Group One Staff, Air Operation/Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer;
San Diego, CA; United States Naval Home, Executive Officer and
Administrator, Gulfport, MS. Mark retired from the Navy on August 1st 1985.
His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy
Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Meritorious Unit
Commendation, Naval Expeditionary Medal (2), National Defense Service
Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (3 stars), Republic of Vietnam Campaign
Medal,
RADM Richard I. Rybacki, USCG (Ret.)
A Farewell and Call to Action
Unless changes occur to my plans, the middle of October will find the
Rybacki family living in Newburyport, Mass. After enjoying our nearly
30-year association with Maine and our 16-year connection with the
Southern Maine Chapter of MOAA, we are going south, but not very
far. As with all things, time passes and situations change and
this is the case with us.
For some time, Sue and I have been talking about being closer to one of
our children. When she had a knee replaced this past spring we
started to talk more seriously about it. Early in the summer my
diagnosis of cancer convinced us that we should make the decision
sooner than later. That is the reason for the move.
I have submitted my letter of resignation from the Chapter Board of
Directors. It was with much sadness that I took this action
because of the many close relationships that we have developed with
members of the Chapter over the years and the importance of the work of
the Chapter. MOAA at a national level can accomplish a great
deal, but its success is largely due to the strength it derives from
strong Chapters. The Southern Maine Chapter is one of
those!
The importance of MOAA cannot be overstated. All we have to do is
look at its accomplishments of only the last 15 years. Retirees
and active duty personnel
and their families are enjoying health and other benefits that can
amount to almost a thousand dollars a month from hard-won entitlements
resulting from speaking
COLA Update
A steep drop in energy prices heavily influenced the continued decrease
in the August Consumer Price Index (CPI), the measure used to determine
the annual cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for military retired pay,
Social Security, and other federal annuities.
On September 19, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced the August
CPI value, indicating that inflation decreased 0.2 percent from the
July figure. That means inflation has risen a cumulative 2.1
percent for the first 11 months of FY 2007.
National MOAA predicted in August, that based on past years'
experience, the COLA could be in the 2.3 percent to 2.5 percent range
for 2008. With continued deflation in August National MOAA has
decided to modify their prediction. This is the only year during
the last three decades that inflation decreased in both July and
August. September may bring an increase, but MOAA expects a COLA
in the 2.0 percent to 2.3 percent realm for 2008.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the September CPI value
(the final value needed to calculate the 2008 COLA) will be announced
on Oct. 17 (about 2 weeks after this Newsletter goes to the
printer). For more information visit the COLA section of MOAA's
Web Site.
TRICARE and Martin’s Point Military Advisory Council
Martin’s Point Health Care’s Military Advisory Council held its
quarterly meeting on September 11, 2007. The Southern Maine
Chapter, MOOA, was represented by Col Douglas Scott. The meeting
was led by Col Bill Hall, Chapter 2nd Vice President, assisted by other
Martin’s Point staff.
Bill Wasneechak of Martin’s Point gave a presentation on the history
and goals of the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP).
He explained how the plan came to be as it is today with the six
Alliance members located throughout the United States. He also
discussed how the TRICARE Mangement Activities East and West work to
create consistency and oversee policies and communications.
According to press information, the Department of Defense will not
encourage the growth of TRICARE Prime service areas in the FY 2009
requests for proposal for TRICARE regional contractors. Prime
service areas are where plans have contractually established networks
of hospitals and physicians offering the Prime benefit. The USFHP
is a “designated provider,” not a regional contractor, so Dan
Wasneechak thought it would be difficult to judge the impact of this
contract change on Martin’s Point, if any.
|
(President's msg cont.)
an outreach program to coincide with the broadcast of “The War,”
in order to preserve veterans’ stories and artifacts. To date, the
Project has collected more than 45,000 individual stories. If you
are a veteran of WWII (1939-1946), Korea (1950-1955), Vietnam
(1961-1975), Persian Gulf (1990-1995) or Afghanistan/Iraq
(2001-present) and are interested in participating in the project, log
on to www.loc.gov/vets. I should also note that citizens who were
actively involved in supporting war efforts (such as USO workers,
flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) are also invited to
participate.
While the Veterans History Project gets most of the oral history
attention, I would suggest you check out the Other Oral History Sites
link for an expanded list of other sites that focus on each individual
war, Coast Guard veterans, Ex-POWs, etc.
Regardless of what generation you hold membership in, your stories and
memories are important to these projects and future generations’
appreciation that “freedom isn’t free.”
John W. Libby
MG, USA
President
(August speaker cont.)
Switching gears, CAPT Rendon talked about change:
·
The biggest change has been “sectorization.” In Portland, that meant
merging separate commands, the Marine Safety Office and the Portland
Group. The new single sector of Northern New England meant better
unity of effort to manage the changing risk conditions and meet the
many operational demands.
· The Coast
Guard is modernizing its hardware, command and control, and
electronics, in an overhaul called “Deepwater.” Despite some
controversy and stumbles, Deepwater, with new aircraft and cutters, has
massively upgraded the Coast Guard’s capabilities.
· The Coast
Guard’s “Strategic Transformation” is changing organizational
structure, creating new doctrine, and executing new operations.
Still under development, the changes will require congressional action
and will make the service “more agile, more flexible, and more
responsive.”
· A recent
congressional hearing alluded to the possibility that the Coast Guard’s
marine safety function might be transferred to a civilian agency.
While the proposal reflected a concern that the Coast Guard was too
focused on security post-9/11, CAPT Rendon was concerned that “breaking
off the marine safety function from the CG’s portfolio is the wrong way
to go.”
CAPT Rendon concluded by mentioning the concern of some, including
members of the CG, that the service was changing too quickly. The
Captain expressed his confidence in the leadership of the Coast Guard’s
commandant, ADM Allen, who “has lived and breathed Coast Guard his
whole life.” ADM Allen understood what the CG needs and what
would best serve the American public. Finally, CAPT Rendon
mentioned that the Coast Guard had just celebrated its 217th birthday,
having saved over one million souls and having carried out a broad
array of missions and responsibilities that had touched the lives of
many, many people.
[This report was rendered by Col Bill Hall, who dutifully took the
notes at the August brunch at the Woodlands Club in my absence. Ed]
(November speaker cont.)
Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2 stars)
and a unique letter of appreciation from the Japanese Fleet Air
Force. He accumulated over 5,000 hours flight time in the C-130E,
P-A, B &C, and Kawasaki P-2J.
After retiring from the Navy, LCDR Patrick has held several positions
before beginning work as a long-term care specialist with Genworth
Financial.
Mark holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from
Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH, and a Master of
Business Administration, MBA, from National University, San Diego,
CA. He has been an Adjunct Faculty professor at Southern New
Hampshire University, Brunswick Center for 22 years specializing in
Leadership and Organizational Change Management.
He is married to the former Mary Ellen (Melon) Harris of Milford,
CT. They have two daughters, Joyce Patrick of Yarmouth, ME and
Christine Patrick of Cape Elizabeth, ME.
To learn more about LCDR Patrick’s current specialty and the latest
trends in long-term health care issues, mark your calendar and make
reservations for the Chapter Luncheon Meeting at the Portland Country
Club on November 10, 2007. As usual, the Reservation Form on page
seven of this letter will make doing that easy.
(Rybacki cont)
with one powerful voice. The Chapters were an essential part of attaining them. But the work is not finished.
Different forces are at work around the world and in our own country
that will put added pressure on our defense budget as well as the
federal budget. MOAA is working to ensure that the armed services
are supported properly and that those who have served and their
families are cared for properly. It will take a concerted effort
on the part of all members working through MOAA Headquarters and each
Chapter to succeed.
In my role as a member of the MOAA National Board of Directors I will
look forward to being a part of this effort with you, the Southern
Maine Chapter, and the entire membership of this great organization!
Thank you for your friendship and the great memories!
Rich Rybacki
[On behalf of the entire Southern Maine Chapter, MOAA, we wish the
Admiral and his family only the best in the months and years to come,
and heartfelt thanks for all the years he has devoted to the servicemen
and women in Maine and throughout the country whose lives have
benefited from his efforts and the efforts of his devoted
comrades. Ed]
1st Annual Military Scholarship Golf Classic
The 1st Annual Military Scholarship Golf Classic was held at Sable Oaks
Golf Club on September 13, 2007, with eight four-person teams
participating. The weather was very nice and the course very
challenging, resulting in an extremely successful tournament, raising
more than $900 for the ROTC/JROTC scholarship program.
Many thanks go out to our sponsors: Martin’s Point Health Care,
the Boulos Company, AAA Northern New England, Ameriparise Financial,
Sable Oaks Golf Club, Bill Dodge Auto Group, Maine Veterans Homes, and
Nonesuch River Golf Club. Thanks also to CPT Bob Wood, Chapter
1st Vice President, who assisted with registration and conducted the
putting contest, Col Jim Vollkommer, who also assisted with
registration and witnessed the hole-in-one contest, LTC Howard Hanning,
who also assisted with registration and the putting contest, and Maj
Vaughn Twaddel, who acquired several sponors for the event.
Next year’s tournament will be held again at the Sable Oaks Golf Club
on September 25, 2008. Don’t miss this fun and worthwhile event,
so round up your teams now and plan to participate. (Col Doug
Scott, Tournament Coordinator)
(Martin's Point cont)
There were no changes to report in the Pharmacy Program. The
gradual shift of some medications to Tier 3 status (non-formulary, $22
co-payment) continues.
Mark Andrews, the Provider Contracting Representative, reported on
recently opened markets: B<>ridgton, South Paris,
Damariscotta, and Fort Kent. They are still working on and
looking to open soon: Skowhegan, Belfast, Millinocket, and
Houlton. Year-to-date, about 700 physicians have been added to
the program.
Olga Clough (Office of Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter) distributed a
news release regarding an offering for returning soldiers. Four
Portsmouth, NH, residents are thanking these active duty military men
and women by taking them fishing – all expenses covered – on the
Piscataqua River. For more information about Freedom Fishing
contact Lori Gagnon (e-mail freedomfishing@hotmail.com or (207)
451-7281).
Flu Shots will be offered for patients at the Brunswick Clinic on
Saturday, October 27th. The dates for the Portland and Portsmouth
clinics are TBA. For more information, check the website
www.MartinsPoint.org. The next meeting will be December 11,
2007. (Col Doug Scott)
|
Military Officers Association of America 
