Home Page
Reservation Form
    Military Officers Association of America   

Southern Maine Chapter Newsletter

October 2007

Vol 23  No. 4



Index (Scroll down through the newsletter or click on a section to go directly there.)
President's Message
August Speaker, Captain Jim Rendon, USCG
November 10 Meeting
Rybacki Letter


Chapter Business
COLA Update
Scholarship Golf Classic
Tricare and Martin's Point
Luncheon Reservation Form

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.

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

(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)

Chapter Business

Long-time readers will recognize that our By-laws require us to secure membership approval of annual dues each year.  This approval will be requested at the General Membership Meeting on November 11, 2007 at the Portland Country Club.  Attendees at the November Luncheon will be asked to vote on a motion that annual dues for the year 2007 remain at $15.00.  Bylaws also require that a Nominating Committee be appointed to propose a slate of officers to serve next year.  The Committee was appointed and submitted the following list of nominees for the offices indicated.  The Members attending the November meeting will be asked to act upon these nominations.

Officer Slate for 2006
President
CPT Robert B. Woods, USA
1st Vice-President
COL William E. Hall, USAF
2nd Vice-President
COL James A. Vollkommer, USAF
Secretary
LTC K. Scott Berry
Treasurer
Ms. Beverly Hancock
Immediate Past-President
MG John W. Libby, USA

Board of Directors for 2007-2009
COL George C. Benjamin, USA
*COL Richard N. Berry, USA
COL Jim D. James, USA
BGen Anthony L. Liguori, USAF/ANG
CAPT Theodore J. Meserve, USN
COL David P. Schlieper, USA
*CDR Philip B. Shepard, USN
CDR Hohn Walkenford, USN
LTC Eugene A. Welenteichick, ISAF

Mrs. Marilyn P. Zance


** Indicates 2nd 3-year term.

Respectfully submitted:

    LTC Howard C. Hanning, Chairman
    CPT Robert A. Lee, Member
    LCDR Mark Patrick, Member
    COL Doug Stewart, Member
    MAJ Vaughn Twadell, Member
   
Nominating Committee

Advertising Supporter of our Chapter




Home Page