AIRWAYS August/September 2018

The Airways is the bimonthly newsletter of the Fort Rucker Chapter, MOAA which is an Affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). MOAA and its Affiliates are nonpartisan.

Ft. Rucker Chapter MOAA Website: http://www.fortruckermoaa.org P.O. Box 620075 Email: moaa@fortruckermoaa.org Ft. Rucker, AL 36362-0075

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING & DINNER

August 18, 2018

1800 HOURS AT THE LANDING

Social: 1800

Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance: 1845

Dinner: 1900

Wedge Salad w/Bacon, Tomatoes,

Shredded Cheddar, Ranch Dressing

Sliced Roast Beef & Gravy

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Fresh Asparagus w/Butter & Lemon

Rolls & Butter

Lemon Ice Box Pie

Unsweet tea, water, coffee

Cost: $23.00 per person

Please make your Reservations by noon

Wednesday, August 15th to

Mary Rutkowski at

(334) 347-4966.

Persons not canceling

their reservation by noon

on the Friday prior to the

Dinner Meeting will be

responsible to our

Chapter Treasurer for full

payment of the meals.

GUEST SPEAKER

COL Frank Estes

(Ret)

Will be speaking on the

Aviation Branch

Decision

(see page 8 for more info.)

PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE Cash or personal checks only!

Aug/Sep 2018—Page 2

A Message from the

President

Charlie Wigglesworth

As I write this article, I am sitting in my RV at Nellis AFB, Neva-da enroute to Death Valley, the Se-quoia National Forest and Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Park. I was told to enjoy retirement and to travel while I am physically able. I finally took that advice.

Independence Day is tomor-row!! By the time you receive this newsletter, the celebration of our Independence will have passed but for the veterans of our Nation, it is the reason we served our Nation. On this Independence Day, I thought, what does freedom and voting have to do with each other? The 2d para-graph of the Declaration of Inde-pendence states: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriv-ing their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles

and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.” Many Ameri-cans today fail to understand the freedoms they have or fail to honor the price that has been paid for these freedoms. The Veterans of this Nation, whether they served one term or retired, understand each and every day the cost in sweat and treasure that has been paid. As I read the above, I am reminded of the many people I know that never go to the voting booth. I listen patiently as some talk bad about our government (though I may want to shake some sense into them), but then I remem-ber that the Veterans of this Nation have always been willing to lay down their lives for those freedoms of expression, even when we may not personally agree.

So as we move to our elections in November and beyond, remind those who don’t think their vote counts the importance of their vote. Whether a local, state, or national election, a price has been paid and will be paid for that freedom. Each vote is important because a Veteran has stood guard for that freedom.

May God richly bless and pro-tect all our Men and Women that stand today on Freedoms Frontiers!

Au

g/Sep 2018

—P

age 3

Legislative Report by

Dennis Newton I’m sure all of you are aware how much you pay for your health care cov-

erage. Two years ago, when the new Tri-Care fees were imposed, DoD said they

were only for new entrants and that retirees were grand-fathered. It seems that this

is now being taken back in a effort to impose a 21% annual fee increase. The Sen-

ate seems to have a short memory and since this is an election year with many of these Senators in tight

elections, MOAA HQ has urged us all to communicate with our Senators.

Tom Philpot writes about Military Affairs and has a well-documented article on the MOAA web-

site at:

http://www.moaa.org/Content/Publications-and-Media/News-Articles/2018-Military-Update/

Conferees-Urged-to-Reject-Senate-Passed-TRICARE-Fee-Increases.aspx?

list=12884902604&cat=12884901933

The DOD budget is at this link:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th- congress/senate-bill/2987/text

Philpot says the proposals are in Section 701 of the budget.

MOAA has instructions on what to say to your Senators: http://takeaction. moaa.org/?4

This results from short sighted budgeting that requires a Zero Growth with Offsets in order to fund

new projects. DOD uses this type of action to upgrade the forces. But why should the veterans fund the

defense of the nation. Let me warn you that your benefits are at risk. Take Action!

Dennis R. Newton

Chaplain (Colonel, Retired)

Legislative Affairs

Membership Report by Othan Gilbert

At a recent board meeting it was decided to offer free chapter memberships (through December 2019) to area officers who were life members of National but not a member of this chapter. As a result, we have 9 new members. All these new members are from Enterprise: CW5 James (Georgia) Kale, CW5 Russell (Darlene) Smith, Maj Bill McLean, MAJ James (Mary) Young, CW4 William (Jae) Church, CW4 Bill (Deena) Haaren, CW4 Butch (Sandy) Daniel and CPT Steve (Marcia) Rutland. Our new member from Daleville is COL Thomas (Sue) Bailey. Welcome everyone! Next time you meet one of your officer

friends, ask them if they are a member of MOAA. If they are, see if you can convince them to join the chapter. A chapter membership form can be found on our chapter web site. Remember, membership with MOAA National is a prerequisite for chapter membership. Remember the national MOAA website is moaa.org and our chapter website is www.fortruckermoaa.org. The phone number for MOAA National is 800-234-6622. Othan Gilbert Membership Chair

Aug/Sep 2018—Page 4

“Washington—Recently, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is offering two opportunities for early participation in the new, more efficient claims decision review process outlined in the historic Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017.

“These two opportunities will allow eligible veterans to receive a review of a decision on a claim much faster than the current appeals process….

“First, VA will expand the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP) by removing the requirement that vet-erans first receive an invitation from VA in order to elect participation in the program…. By removing the invita-tion requirement veterans will have the opportunity to benefit from the new, more efficient decision review process, versus continuing to wait in the legacy appeal process. As of March 31, RAMP reviews were completed in an aver-age of 52 days.

“Second, in May, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals launched its Early Applicability of Appeals Modernization (BEAAM) pilot project, the Board will partner with the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the California Department of Veterans Affairs to identify 50 veterans who are dissatisfied with a recent decision on their benefits claims. These veterans will participate in a study that allows them the op-tion of appealing directly to the Board or seeking a review in RAMP. In this study, the Board will collect prelimi-nary data about Veteran choices and experiences.

“In October, the Board will begin deciding appeals from RAMP decisions using the features of the Appeals Mod-ernization Act, specifically its new, separate Direct, Evidence and Hearing dockets.

“The expansion of RAMP, combined with the BEAAM, will allow VA to collect valuable data about implementa-

tion of the Appeals Modernization Act.” Excerpt from Army Echoes, Jun-Sep2018, page 5.

Treasurer’s Report by

Loel Ewart

Aug/Sep 2018—Page 5

Date (as of): Monday; July 16, 2018

Net Worth of the Fort Rucker Chapter of MOAA as of 07/16/2018 is, $27,869.91. These funds are in one checking account, one savings account and one Money Market Account in the Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union (AACFCU).

Activities Since Last Report: (06/11/18) Starting balance of: $27,670.27

DEPOSITS ACTION

06/19/18 MOAA Dinner Receipts (June dinner) $819.00 06/28/18 MOAA National (wire transfer) 200.00 06/28/18 MM Interest (June) 5.94 07/03/18 C. Wooley (MOAA dinner) 24.00 07/09/18 Brock & Stout (NL Sponsor) 150.00 Deposits Total $1,198.94

CHECKS: EXPENDITURES: 1819 06/07/18 Othan Gilbert (mailing cost) $146.83 1820 06/19/18 IMWRF (MOAA June dinner) 762.52 1821 07/07/18 Othan Gilbert (Calling Post) 89.95 Expenditures Total $999.30

Net Increase $199.64

(07/16/18) Current Total Balance of: $27,869.91 AACFCU checking $3,773.20 AACFCU Savings, $5.41 AACFCU Money Market $24,091.30

Reserve Total: (Minus Reserve) $24,091.30 Life Membership $10,880.00 MOAA reserve $13,211.30 Minus Savings: $5.41 -$5.41

****Usable Funds as July 16, 2018 (Minus reserve/savings) $3,773.20

Other News: * No outstanding bills. * Bi-annual audit completed; report sent to Ft. Rucker, acknowledgment received.

Loel A. Ewart Treasurer

MOAA Members

Our advertisers support us;

please support them at every opportunity!

Au

g/Sep 2018

—P

age 6

Retired Officer Wives Association (RWOA)

by Mary Jane Collins Mid Summer Greetings, Under Ft. Rucker skies a multitude of all ages and ranks were privileged to gather on the field to watch the blazing colors from fireworks bursting in the air. We have celebrated once again our nation’s independence and remembered that historical watch over the ramparts that saw the Stars and Stripes so gallantly waving. America’s history, written in music, songs, records, books, and the lives of her people certainly leaves a legacy entrusted to us. The wisdom of the Founding Fathers, worthy character, and discipline were prevalent in their lives as President Washington stated, “Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected. There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily.” in agreement, Ben Franklin noted, “Well done is better than well said.” May our leaders today apply that wisdom adhere to it with diligence, and return to “well done.” From the highlight of the Fourth, ROWA conducted a successful meeting recently with officers to form plans for our luncheons and themes when we reconvene. The overall theme is “Alabama 200” as we join in this celebration of the State’s 200th birthday with luncheon themes and guest speakers. The list of luncheons and themes

will be in the next “Airways.” We continue in mid summer’s vacations, gardens, and outside activities. ROWA members have individual plans from walks on the beach, visiting mountain lakes, enjoying the ripe peaches and blueberries, making homemade ice cream, traveling, attending family events, and enjoying porch rockers while watching fireflies and sparkling evening stars. How blessed we are to do so. How grateful we are for those who founded/served/serve America, ensuring our freedom honorably. “Protect us by thy might Great God, our King!”

Vision Coverage to TRICARE Beneficiaries

(Excerpt from Army Echoes, Jun-Sep2018, page 7)

“Beginning with the 2018 Federal Benefits Open Season (Nov. 12 to Dec. 10, 2018), beneficiaries enrolled in a TRICARE health plan will be eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Pro-gram (FEDVIP). Coverage will start Jan. 1, 2019…. Almost all TRICARE beneficiaries are eligible to enroll in the FEDVIP vision coverage as the sponsor or prima-ry enrollee. Visit https://tricare.benefeds.com.”

Aug/Sep 2018—Page 7

Chaplain’s Corner

by Ben McKee Do you not remember a time when things were either right

or wrong? I do, but we are living in an upside down world where right is wrong and wrong is right—if you compare society today with the Principles of the Bible. “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.” How many times in my counseling have I heard, “Oh but Chaplain, times have changed, that’s not applicable today.” The first half of that sentence is true—times have changed; but the last half of that sentence is not true—Times have changed but God has not! The Lord said, “For I am the Lord, I change not…” The Bible says, “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

The Apostle Paul wrote, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” It seems to me, as a people we have lost our way. The Bible says, “There is a way which seems right

unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Jesus said, “You are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

With our nation reeling in debt, with war on all sides, and discord on every corner, isn’t it time that we, as Americans, as Christians, become a nation of prayer? We are not facing a political problem—we have a spiritual problem! Our only hope is found in II Chronicles 7: 14, “If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

I leave you with instructions from the Apostle Paul from I Tim 2:1-3, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. I love this nation and I pray we can be united as one under God as we were in my upbringing days of WWII. May God bless you and create in you a desire to pray for our nation and our leaders.

From the VA Website—February 2018 Update—Burial in VA Cemeteries

“The Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration realizes that in the past month it

has become increasingly difficult to get through to our scheduling office to receive eligibility determinations

and to schedule burials. It is our intent to provide the highest quality of customer service that Veterans and

their families deserve. We apologize for any delays you experience as we actively work to improve this ser-

vice. To be more responsive to our customers, the National Cemetery Administration is taking immediate ac-

tion to address this issue. These interim measures will be used until we restore our normal response time to

all your calls. Please continue to call the national scheduling office phone number (1-800-535-1117) to

schedule interments. “We are working diligently to correct this situation. We will provide updates as soon as possible and we

appreciate your patience.”

Aug/Sep 2018—Page 8

BIOGRAPHY COL Ernest “Frank” Estes

U.S. Army, Retired

COL Estes was born and raised in northeast Alabama near Piedmont, AL, and graduated from Jacksonville State College (now Jacksonville State University) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics with a chemistry minor. He participated in the Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) Program and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery upon graduation. Frank entered active duty at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in November 1960 and served continuously on active duty until his retirement in July 1990 as the Chief of Staff, Fort Rucker, Alabama. In addition to his undergraduate degree, COL Estes has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Auburn University. COL Estes served many and varied aviation, field artillery, and staff assignments while on active duty. He served two tours in Korea where he commanded an aviation battalion and later an aviation group. Frank served two tours in Vietnam, three at Fort Benning, GA, two at Fort Sill, OK, three at Fort Rucker, AL, Fort Monroe, VA, and two at the Pentagon (Washington DC). He amassed more than 3800 total flying hours, including 600 helicopter Instructor Pilot flying hours and more than 1,000 combat flying hours during two combat tours in Vietnam flying armed helicopters his first tour and Chinook helicopters his second tour. While assigned to Fort Rucker in the early 1980s, he was selected to serve on the TRADOC Review of Army Aviation Study Group where he was the principle author for a 960-page report that resulted in the Secretary of the Army making the decision to form the Aviation Branch as a combat arms branch of the U.S. Army. COL Estes’ awards include the Legion of Merit (4), Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal (3), Meritorious Service Medal (3), Air Medal (34) Army Commendation Medal (4), Purple Heart (2), Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, Vietnam Defense Service Medal (3), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (7), Department of the Army General Staff Identification Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Master Army Aviator badge. He served in six Battle Campaigns during two combat tours in the Vietnam War. Frank was awarded the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Honorable Order of Saint Michael, Silver Award for service in forming the Aviation Branch. After retiring, COL Estes worked for DynCorp, the aircraft maintenance contractor at Fort Rucker from July 1990 to July 1999. After retiring from DynCorp, Frank began a third career as a private consultant for five major aerospace corporations preparing and submitting bids for government contracts, participating in a total of 19 proposals. As a resident of Ozark, AL, COL Estes has been involved in many civic and community organizations and activities: First United Methodist Church [Lay Leader & Certified Lay Servant, Staff/Parish Relations Committee Chair, Finance Committee, Long Range Planning Committee Chair, Administrative Board, CDC Board, Council of Ministries, Building Committee, Sunday School Class teacher, and Lay Delegate to the Alabama-West Florida Conference UMC]; Ozark Rotary Club; Boys and Girls Club of Ozark; Friends of the Ozark/Dale County Library; Ozark/Dale County Chamber of Commerce; Dale County United Way Board; Alabama Chapter and local chapter Board of Directors NWTF; Army Aviation Association of America; Association of the United States Army; Military Officer’s Association of America; and the Wiregrass Honor Flight. COL Estes has been married to the former Ann Oliver of Tallahassee, FL for 57 years. They have one daughter, Cheryl Leigh Estes Olney (Sherri) and two grandsons (Roth Kok and Riley James Olney of Tallahassee, FL). COL Estes is an avid wildlife conservationist an outdoor sportsman.

Aug/Sep 2018—Page 9

PICTURES FROM JUNE 16th

MOAA MEETING & DINNER

THANKS to all

who attended for

supporting our

Fort Rucker

MOAA Chapter.

Important Dates for MOAA - Fort Rucker Chapter Calendar Year 2018

Aug/Sep 2018—Page 10

Board of Directors’

Meeting

Newsletter Input

Suspense

Bi-Monthly

Dinner Meeting

13 August 18 August

10 September 19 September

15 October 20 October

12 November 21 November

10 December 15 December

THANKS To all our

advertisers for your continuous, strong support!

Excerpt from Army Echoes newsletter, Jun-Sep2018, pg 5.

2017-2018 Officers & Board of Directors

PRESIDENT Charles Wigglesworth, 334-598-2313

cwigglesworth@sw.rr.com

VICE PRESIDENT/PROGRAMS Lisa Bailey, 334-588-0512

l_wmurray@juno.com

SECRETARY Carolyn Wooley, 334-443-0984

ckwooley@troycable.net

TREASURER Loel Ewart, 334-774-0328

lewart@troycable.net

MEMBERSHIP Othan Gilbert, 334-774-2211

ogilbert@troycable.net

BANQUETS & ROWA REPRESENTATIVE

Mary Rutkowski, 334-347-4966

PERSONAL AFFAIRS Ben McKee, 334-897-2076

benrmckee@aol.com

PUBLIC AFFAIRS Othan Gilbert, 334-774-2211

ogilbert@troycable.net

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS & WEBMASTER

Dennis Newton, 334-465-5079 drnewton@fortruckermoaa.org

CHAPLAIN Ben McKee, 334-897-2076

benrmckee@aol.com

SURVIVING SPOUSE AFFAIRS Faye Swinehart, 334-774-8817 jswinehart712@troycable.net

ROTC/JROTC Ron Kaita, 334-677-6734 ronald.b.kaita.civ@mail.mil

NEWSLETTER EDITOR Frank Estes, 334-797-9196

estesf@troycable.net

RETIREE AFFAIRS Ray Collins, 334-774-2101

crc.dustoff51@centurytel.net

Aug/Sep 2018—Page 11

MOAA, Ft. Rucker Chapter

P.O. Box 620075

Ft. Rucker, AL 36362-0075

Return Service Requested

MOAA Membership Application Fort Rucker Chapter

Fort Rucker Chapter

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)

PO Box 620075

Fort Rucker, AL 36362-0075

Enclosed is my check, in accordance with the schedule below, for membership in the Fort Rucker Chapter of the Military Officers

Association of America (MOAA). Individual joining: 1 Dec – 28 Feb $12.00; 1 Mar – 31 May $9.00; 1 Jun – 31 August $6.00; Membership1 Sep – 30 Nov $3.00.

NAME: RANK: BRANCH OF SERVICE: ADDRESS: CITY: ZIP: DATE OF BIRTH: PHONE:

NAME: E-MAIL ADDRESS: NATIONAL MOAA MEMBERSHIP # National Life Member?

Membership in the National MOAA is required for membership in our local Chapter. If you are a member of National and do not know your membership number so indicate and we will obtain it from National. Make checks payable to Fort Rucker Chapter MOAA Thank you for your support! Web address: www.FortRuckerMOAA.org