As I sit here wondering if the weather is going to warm up, I look outside and see the dark clouds forming, the wind picking up and a few drops of rain/snow falling. It seems in many

ways to mirror our political climate as of late. Every day it is hard not to hear in the news about another act of violence being committed. The recent tragedy in Florida has been a sobering reflection on our society in general. Sadly, the news and social media seem to fan the flames of these social injustices. In my opinion, we have lost our rudder. We look at athletes, actors, and others in the media with a hero worship mentality. We have lost the concept of HONOR, COURAGE, and RESPECT. When are we going to be willing to take it back?

For us, Military and Veterans issues are hot topics. Many bills from Health Care Reform, Arlington National Cemetery Capacity, Military Tax Reduction, Tuition Assistance, and many more are making their way through committees and hopefully on to the floor of the Senate and House. Thanks to Darren, for continuing to keep us abreast of these issues that are of importance to all of us. He has a good handle on what is happening on the hill and is a major source of information.

NACMOAA Bits and Pieces: A request came to us from the Army ROTC Unit at Embry-Riddle University asking us to sponsor their team in the Bataan Memorial Death March being held at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. After conferring with our board, we decided to go ahead and support their event.

FromthePresident By : C ly de Meade

Level of Excellence Award Winner: 2011 – 4 Star; 2012 – 5 Star 2013 – 5 Star; 2014 – 5 Star; 2015 — 5 Star; 2016 – 5 Star

THE OUTBACK

NACMOAA Establ ished 1972

Mar/Apr 2018

NACMOAA STAFF & DIRECTORS FOR 2018

LC DR C ly de M e ad e – P re s id en t & Awa r ds

LTC Go r don Ro hn – V i ce P re s id en t

Ri m Co un t ry S a t e l l i t e Pr es id en t

L t Co l Ge r a ld H ie t p as – Mo ha v e S a t e l l i t e Pr es id en t

M rs . Pa t Arn t z en – S e cr e t a ry

M rs . Sh ar on Dou g la s – T r ea su re r & Lun ch eo n C oo rd i na t o r

L t Co l Da r re n L Ve n t e rs – Leg i s l a t i v e L ia i son , ES GR &

Di r e c to r

L t Co l Bo b Wa l l a ce – P e rso na l Af f a i r s , T r a ns i t i on Li a i son &

Di r e c to r

Co l J i m Mu eh l e i se n – Di r e c to r

M AJ Wa de Ru t t – D i r e c to r

L t Co l D ic k Jon as – M e m b ers h ip

LC DR P e te r J ens e n – Ch ap l a in

M rs . M ar y Jo na s – Ou tb ac k Ed i to r & Su rv i v ing S pous e L ia i son

2018 NACMOAA LUNCHEONS WIL L BE HELD AT GRAN ITE GATE SEN IOR L IV ING IN PRESCOTT . GATHER ING T IME WILL BE 11 : 30 AMAND THE BUFFET W ILL BEG IN SERV ING AT NOON .

LOOK AT PAGE 11 FOR MORE INFORMAT ION . WEHOPE TO SEE YOU THERE .

REMEMBER:NACMemberduesweredueJanuary1,2018.Theyarenowpastdue. IfyouhaveanyquestionscontactDickJonas:928-636-2259

Continuedonpage3

2

One Association. One Voice. Yours.®

MOHAVE SATELLITE NEWS

Officers: President – LtCol Jerry Heitpas; 1st Vice President –MAJ Ron Thompson; Vice President for Programs –CPT Joan McDermott; Marketing Director–Debbie Thompson; Secretary – Mrs. Kay Lavish

“JoinwithyourfellowOfficersandcontinuetomakeadifference!”

The Mohave Satellite members enjoyed a very timely and informative talk from the local BBB (Better Business Bureau) Regional Director, Debi Pennington, at our recent meeting in Bullhead City. Debi discussed the ins and outs of modern ethics and the present-day vulnerability to scams. This is of particular interest to people in our economic, age and background groups. We were also reminded that new Social Security Cards will be arriving shortly and not to be concerned if our friends receive theirs before we do. The cards are sent out in batches, not necessarily at the same time.

Bob Roberts, Paul Ares, Debbie and Ron Thompson volunteered at the Standown on the first week

end in March. Their role was to meet and greet and to direct the vets to the various areas that the vet might be interested. The members discussed the possibility of adopting this role in future standowns, thereby knowing in advance what our job is and have planning time to provide better service to the overall effort. LtCol Jerry Hietpas, USAF, Ret. President Mohave Satellite Contact information: Phone: 928-453-4785 Email: gjhiet@gmail.com

RIM COUNTRY SATELLITE NEWS Officers: President & Publicity – Col Bill Sahno; Vice President – Vacant; Secretary & Meetings & Programs Chair – CWO4 Larry Rives; Chaplain – Father Lowell Andrews

As you may know, Col Sahno and his wife Sarah have recently been experiencing health concerns. The Staff and Directors of NACMOAA send them our thoughts and prayers.

3

April 5t h Guest Speaker ~ Noel W. Campbell M r . Ca m pb el l i s a R epu b l i ca n in t h e Ar i zo na Hous e o f R ep re se n t a t i v es

fo r Di s t r i c t 1 . He c u r r en t l y s e rv es on th r e e co m mi t t e es : F ed e ra l i s m , Pr op e r ty R ig h t s and P ub l i c Po l i cy ; M i l i t a ry , Vet e ra ns a nd Re gu l a t o r y Af f a i r s ; T r ans po r t a t i o n a nd I n f r as t ru c t u r e (o f wh i c h he i s t h e Ch ai r m a n) .

Biogr aph y : My en t i r e ca r e er h as be en sp en t i n s e rv i c e t o my co un t ry : f i r s t as a Na v al Co m m and e r , t h en as a U . S . Cus to ms ag en t , an d f i na l l y as a he l i co p t er an d t a nk e r p i l o t f i gh t in g f i r es f o r t h e U . S . Fo r es t S er v i ce . Du r ing my se rv i c e , I l e a rn ed th e v a l ue s o f t e a m wo rk and co op er a t i on .

I g r e w u p i n Ph oe n ix , AZ in a f a mi ly o f l a w en fo r ce m en t o f f i ce rs . I g r adu a t ed f ro m S t . M a ry ’s H igh S c hoo l a nd l a t e r a t t end ed AS U wh e r e I ea rn ed a B a ch e l o r o f Sc i e nc e De gr e e i n Bu s in es s i n 196 5 . A ye a r a f t e r I g r adu a t ed f ro m co l l e g e I vo l un t e er e d fo r Nav al F l ig h t T r a in i ng . I re c e iv e d my Win gs o f Go l d a f t e r c o mpl e t i ng my a i r c ra f t c a r r i e r l an d ing p has e i n M a rc h 1 968 . In r es pon se t o t h e n e ed s o f t he Na vy a nd th e d i r e c t i o n o f t he V i e t na m Wa r , I vo lun te e r ed fo r h e l i c op t e r t ra in in g and l ea r ned to f l y t h e UH- 1 B He l i co p t e r Gu nsh i p . I j o in ed my sq u ad ron , t h e S e a wolv es a nd sp en t a y e ar i n t h e M e kon g De l t a f l y i ng c l o s e- co n t a c t a i r supp or t fo r t h e Na vy Se a l s , P B R Riv e r in e Fo r ce s , an d Ar my Sp e c i a l Fo rc es . Af t e r my to u r i n V ie tn a m , I r e m ain ed on a c t i v e d u ty un t i l 1971 . A t t h e en d o f t h e f i r s t Gu l f Wa r i n 1991 , I re t i r ed f ro m th e Na va l R es e rv es as a Co m m and e r ( 05 ) .

Af t e r re t i r i ng f ro m t he Na v y , I b eg an wo rk as an a ge n t fo r t h e U . S . C us t o ms S er v i ce / De p ar t . o f t h e T r e as u r y . Fo r ov e r t e n ye a rs I wor k ed in Me x i co , C en t r a l Am er i c a , and S ou th Am e r i c a co m ba t ing th e i l l eg a l d ru g t ra de i n f i l t ra t i ng ou r cou n t r y . I a l s o wo rk ed a lo ng th e b o r de rs i n Ar i zo na , Tex as , Ne w Me x i co , an d C al i fo rn i a i n c oop e ra t ion w i th t he Bo rd e r P a t ro l , ATF , a nd th e Dep a r t . o f I m mi gr a t i on . I end e d m y fu l f i l l i ng an d ed uc a t io n c ar e er w i th t he C us to m s S e rv i c e up on re a c h ing th e m an dat o r y r e t i r e m en t ag e o f 57 i n 1 998 .

In 199 9 , I b eg an f i gh t i ng fo r es t f i re s as a t ank e r p i l o t , a i r a t t a ck p i l o t , a nd he l i c op t e r p i l o t fo r t h e U . S . Fo r es t S er v i ce . In t h i s pos i t i on , I l e a rn ed a g r ea t d ea l a bou t ou r na t u r a l re sou r c es an d ho w t o p r o t ec t t he m , i n c l u d ing f o r es t s t e wa r dsh i p wh i ch ca n bo t h p re v en t w i ld f i re s a nd c r e a t e j ob s .

A t t h i s t i m e , I mov ed to P r es co t t be c aus e I l o ve t h e a r e a and i t s h i s to ry . I ha ve th e g r e a t f o r t un e t o l i v e i n a h i s to r i c ho m e l i s t ed i n t h e Nat i on a l Re g i s t e r and I a l so o wn a s m al l bus in es s i n t o wn . Ad d i t i o n a l ly , I k ee p b us y by l ea d in g mo to rc yc l e t ou rs t h ro ugh M ex ico a nd C en t r a l Am e r i ca . I h av e t wo adu l t c h i ld r e n , o n e d e l ig h t f u l d au gh t e r - i n - l a w , t wo b e au t i fu l g r and son s , an d a b ra nd -n e w b ab y g r an dd a ugh t e r . M y f a mi ly k e eps m e bus y a nd m in d fu l o f my s t r ong r esp ons i b i l i t y t o yo ung pe op l e a nd th e f u tu r e .

( Fr o m AZ St a t e Leg i s l a tu r e We bs i t e )

If anyone would like to contribute to this event and to help offset the cost, please enclose check to our chapter for their event.

I leave you with one final thought, willingness to get involved. Want to make a difference? Want to take more part? We are looking for members to fill vacant chapter positions. Interested?? Contact me or any board member.

From the President: cont. from page 1

4

31 CDs - fighter pilotsongs and militaryfolk music

8 books - lyrics, warstories, pictures

dickjonas@erosonic.com928-636-2259

www.erosonic.com

MOAA MISSION: To advocate for our military community and connect it to the nation we serve.

MOAA VISION: To promote and protect a strong national defense and lead our nation to honor its commitments to all who serve.

Treasurer’s Report: As of Mar. 12, 2018 Cash on Hand $8,124.96

Less Reserve for Scholarships -3,016.12

Less Reserve for Rim Country Satellite -667.90

LessReserveforMohaveSatellite -369.50

Net General Funds $4,071.44

Newsletter Corner:

I have enjoyed putting your newsletter together since 2012. Thank you for giving me this

opportunity.

I have asked to be replaced as the editor because I think it is time for someone else to bring his/her ideas

and creativity to The Outback.

I will be happy to provide a template of the layout I have been using to anyone. You should be familiar with Microsoft Word as that is the program I have been

using.

Sincer ely, Mary Jonas Your Editor

TheadvertisementsthatappearinthispublicationdonotreflectanendorsementbyMOAAorthisChapter.

ThankYouBusinessesforyoursupportofNACMOAA.

IfyouwouldliketoplaceanADinthisnewsletter,contactClydeMeade.

5

Mem be rsh ip Corn er: Please forward any Membership Changes and/or Updates to Dick Jonas at <az04nac@erosonic.com> or call him at (928) 636-2259. Dick has the responsibility of maintaining our membership roster so inputs help to keep it current.

If you are in need of a NAC MOAA nametag, Dick is the man to contact. The name tags cost $5.34 each. There is no shipping fee if you pick up your nametag at one of our meetings.

The ladies have decided to keep our luncheons on the 2nd Friday of the odd numbered months at the Prescott Resort Icha Maajoh restaurant. We gather at 11:30 AM, order off their menu and pay individually. We encourage all ladies of NACMOAA to join us for this social event.

Our lunch dates for 2018 will be: May 11th; July 13th; September 14th; and November 9th.

If you know of any of our Ladies who have moved or have health issues we should be aware of, please forward that information to Mary Jonas at mgjonas@cableone.net or call her at (928) 636-2259. You can also share wishes for prayer or spiritual questions with our Chaplain Peter Jensen at (323)928-9918.

Ladies of NACMOAA

NEWFEATURE:SPOT-LIGHTONOURLADIES: ItoccurredtomethatweshouldknowmoreabouttheladieswhoaresomuchhelptoourChapter. IaskedGloriaRutttohelpmeoutand“bemybioguineapig”.Shegraciouslyagreed.

YoumayknowGloriaRuttfromallthetimesshehasbeenour“greeter&check-inlady”atourluncheons.SincemovingtoOrchardRanchsixyearsagowithherhusbandWade[of41years],Gloriahasfoundlotsofwaystokeepherselfbusy.WadeandshehaveactivelysupportedNAC’sinvolvementwithU.S.VetsStandDown.Twiceamonth,Gloriaalsohelpssortandmailoutcouponstoourmilitaryfamiliesoverseas.AtOrchardRanch,sheparticipatesintheirVeterans’Lunchprogramwhichshesaysisgainingattendanceeveryyear.

GloriaisaDoctorofPsychology[Ret.].SheservedfiveyearsintheArmyNurseCorps.GloriaalsoworkedattheVeteransHospitalinCheyenne,WYfirstwiththeVeteranSuicidePreventionprogramwhichlaterbecameateamtohelpveteranswithPTSDandTraumaticHeadInjuries.

Ifyouareinterestedincontinuingthisfeaturepleaseletmeknoweitherbyemail:mgjonas@cableone.netorbyphone:(928)636-2259.ItwouldbenicetoletourmembersknowmoreabouthowmuchourladiesbringtoourChapter.

MaryJonas

MembershipChanges: AttheFebruary1,2018luncheon,themembersinattendancevotedtoapprovethefollowingchanges:EffectiveJanuary2019RegularMemberdueswillincreaseto$25.00peryearalsoallSurvivingSpouseandAuxiliaryMemberswillpay$5.00peryear.Thiswillhelpuskeepmoreaccurateinformationforourmembershiproster.WhatthisvotemeansforSurvivingSpouseandAuxiliaryMembersisthatwecannowvoteonChapterissuesandholdoffice[effectiveJanuary2019].

6

NACMOAASTAFFMEETINGMINUTES,FEBRUARY1,2018

Themeetingwascalledtoorderat10:35AMattheGraniteGateSeniorLivingCenteronHighway89,Prescott,AZ.PresidentMeadepresentedtheissuesdiscussedatthestaffmeetingtothemembershipregardingduesandotherissueswhichneededtobevotedupon.Thoseitemsareshowninblueintheseminutes.

1. PresidentMeadewantedtopresentnewstaffmembers,however,V-PGordonRohnisabsentsothatwillbedonewhenallnewmembersareinattendance.2.Theby-lawswerediscussedandapprovedbythestaffmembers.Theywerelaterapprovedatthemembershipmeetingbyamajorityvote.3. Theneedforinsuranceforthechapterwasdiscussed.TheGrandCanyonChapteriswithMercersothat

maybethebestchoiceforusalso.Ifwecanobtaininsuranceforunder$4.50perpersonthatwouldseemreasonable.Thisactionwasalsoapprovedtodayatthegeneralmembershipmeetingbyamajorityvote.

4. Bridgethasbeenworkingondevelopingourchapter’swebpage.Shecollectedcontactinformationfromeachboardmembertoincludeonthewebsite,alongwithaphotoofeachboardmember.Thegoalistomakethesiteuserfriendly.Shegaveabriefingatthegeneralmembershipmeetingwhichwaswellpresentedandwellreceived.Novotenecessary.

5. Goals/involvement/agendasfor2018:Duesformembers-DickJonassaidwehave110regularmemberswhichincludes37SurvivingSpouses.SurvivingSpouseshavenotpaidduesinthepastbutitwasdeterminedthatitwouldbeeasiertokeepanaccuraterecordofthenumberofSurvivingSpousemembersiftheypaiddues.i. Withthecostofinsuranceaddedtoexpenses,itwasproposedthatduesbeincreasedto$25per

regularmember,and$5forsurvivingspousemembers,effectivein2019.Thisproposalwasalsoapprovedbythemembersattheregularmembershipmeeting.

ii. Scholarshipamounts:$500setasideforERAUROTC;$100setasideforPrescottandMohaveHighSchoolROTC.

iii. Chapterwill keepour eyes open for eventswherewemight participate, such as Honor Flights,Parades,Pickleball,golfortennistournaments.

iv. Support–Organizationswemighthelpsuchas,VA,U.S.Vets.DonationstoU.S.Vetsareeligiblefortaxcredit.

SecretaryPatArntzen-MinutesfromlaststaffmeetingandBy-Lawmeetingwereapprovedasdistributed.Treasurer Sharon Douglas – Beginning Balance on December 15, 2017 - $7317.14. Total in bank account is$8,084.35,withMohaveReserveat$329.50,RimReserveis$667.98;andScholarshipreserveis$3,011.12.ESGR/Legislative: LtColDarrenVenters- DarrenwillbesteppingdownasArizonaCommitteeChair,EmployerSupportfortheGuardandReserveeffective1Oct2018afterfiveandahalfyears. Heisseekingnominationtoreplacehimself.Hewillbepresentingtoday’sprogramonlegislativematters.Legislativeproposaltoreduceincometaxformilitaryretireesispending.GovernorDuceyissupportiveoftheissue.Membership:LtColDickJonas–Morethan50%ofourmembershavenotpaidduesyetthisyear.DickhasaguesttodaywhoisanewmemberandSurvivingSpouse,LorraineMartin. We lostSurvivingSpousememberJoBecker.Mailsenttoheroutofstatewasreturned.ROTCAwards–LCDRClydeMeade-Noinformationreceivedfromthehighschoolsoncertificatesandmedals.Hewillgive11setsofgoldbarstotheAirForceROTCunit.PersonalAffairs–LtColBobWallace-TricaredentalcoverageandDeltaDentalmaydisappear.PastPresident/CurrentStatePresidentLtColDickJonas-ComplimentedcurrentchapterPresidentLCDRMeadeonthegreatjobheisdoing.At-LargeBoardMembersLtColBobWallace/MajWadeRutt/andColJimMuehleisen–Noreport.SurvivingSpouses:Mrs.NinaMuehleisen-MaryJonasgavethereportinNina’sabsence.TheladiesarestillmeetingatthePrescottResortonthesecondFridayofoddnumbermonths.NextluncheonwillbeMarch9.Chaplain:LCDRPeteJensen–Noreport.SatellitePresidents:

a. Payson–ColBillSahno–Absent.Noreport.b. Mohave–LtColGeraldHietpas–Absent.PresidentMeadereportedthatallisgoingextremelywell

there.

7

NACMOAASTAFFMEETINGMINUTES,FEBRUARY1,2018(page2)LCDRMeadementionedthatJudyDahlbeckwhoservesonaSubcommitteefortheYavapaiCollegeFoundationBoardwouldliketogivea15-minuteprogramon“EducationNow”whichhelpsdeservingstudentsclosethegapbetweenavailablescholarshipsandthenumberofstudentswhoneedthem.TheprogramwasstartedbySandyandPerryMassiewhichhelped26studentsreceiveaone-yearscholarshiplastyear.Twentythreeofthe26studentswillbereturningforasecondyearofcollegethisyear.ItwassuggestedthatJudymakeapresentationtothestaffmembersbeforedecidingwhethertohavehergiveaprogramtothemembership.Thestaffmeetingadjournedat11:40AM.Atthemembershipmeeting,LtColVentersgaveacomprehensiveprogramonlegislativemattersandBridgetBradshawoutlinedthebasicsofournewwebsite.RespectfullySubmitted,PatArntzen,SecretaryNACMOAA

ArizonaStateLegislation:

SenateBillSB1167introducedbySenatorGailGriffinisslowlymakingitswaythroughtheLegislature.ThecurrentArizona tax deduction for military retirement is $2,500 per year. SB 1167, as amended, would increase thatdeductionto$6,250in2019andto$10,000in2020.

SB1167 has passed the Senate and is waiting action in the House. A similar bill HB2236 died in the houseAppropriationsCommittee.

HB2191-militaryfamilies;assistance;subaccounts,ExtendstheexistingMilitaryFamilyReliefFundto2026andcreatesanotherseparatesubaccountliketheMilitaryFamilyReliefFundfortheassistanceof“Pre-9/11”veteransandtheirfamilieswhoqualify.HB2161haspassedintheHouseandSenateCommerceandPublicSafetyCommittee.NowwaitingfinalactionintheSenate.ManyhavetraveledtoPhoenixtoshowsupportandorspeakonbehalfofthesebills.YourpresenceundoubtedlyinfluencestheCommitteemembersvotes!

SubmittedbyLtColDarrenLVenters,LegislativeLiaison

ARNG 4.0 Submitted by LtCol Darren L Venters, ESGR

The Army National Guard has been entrusted with the lives of America's finest men and women. The ARNG is committed to providing the best possible preparation for the challenges our Soldiers face in combat and during natural disasters.

Balancing Time Away from Home and Family Since 9/11, much of the National Guard has operated far outside the "one weekend a month" mindset. The average National Guard Soldier serves about two weeks more per year than the historical norm. In particular, Soldiers who are also full-time students may face increased difficulty balancing additional training requirements with their collegiate obligations. ARNG 4.0 helps by focusing those additional training days within specific units to give the Nation, states and local communities a better-trained and more responsive force. While ARNG 4.0 increases expectations on Soldiers, Families and employers, it delivers a more capable ARNG. Continued on page 9

8

NORTHERN ARIZONA CHAPTER ~ APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

NAME: FIRST __________________ MIDDLE __________________ LAST ____________________

RANK: ___________________ SERVICE: ___________________ COMPONENT: _______________

STATUS: [ ] ACTIVE [ ] RETIRED [ ] FORMER [ ] RESERVE [ ] NATIONAL GUARD

ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________________

CITY: _____________________________ STATE: ________________ ZIP: ____________________

TELEPHONE: _(______)__________________ ALTERNATE PHONE: _(_____)_________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________________

DATE OF BIRTH: (Optional) _______________________ WIDOW(ER): [ ] YES [ ] NO

SPOUSE’S NAME: FIRST ___________________ MIDDLE ____________ LAST ________________

MEMBER OF NATIONAL MOAA:

[ ] YES – MOAA NUMBER ______________ (Found on your monthly magazine address label or membership card)

[ ] NO – Note: It is not a requirement to belong to National MOAA to join our chapter.

MOAA MEMBERSHIP TYPE: [ ] BASIC [ ] PREMIUM [ ] LIFE

Basic MOAA members pay No Chapter Dues.

Chapter dues for 2018 are $20.00 per year prorated quarterly for member and spouse.

AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $_____________________ (Make check payable to NACMOAA)

SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT: _________________________________ DATE __________________

Mail check and application to:

NACMOAA – Sharon Douglas

PO Box 95

Dewey, AZ 86327

VisitMOAAontheWeb:http://www.moaa.organdcheckoutourChapterwebpage:www.nacmoaa.organdourFACEBOOKpage(NACMOAA)

Anypersonwhohaseverheldacommissionorawarrantinanyoftheseven-uniformedserviceiseligibleformembershipintheMilitaryOfficersAssociationofAmerica.

When you visit the MOAA website, be sure to look at the “Take Action” and Legislative Update sections (http://capwiz.com/moaa/home/). It is critical that our members stay informed

about issues important to our military community.

9

NORTHERN ARIZONA CHAPTER ~ APPLICATION FOR AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP

NAME: FIRST __________________ MIDDLE __________________ LAST ____________________

ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________________

CITY: _____________________________ STATE: ________________ ZIP: ____________________

TELEPHONE: _(______)__________________ ALTERNATE PHONE: _(_____)_________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________________

MEMBERSHIP TYPE:

Spouse: Your regular member spouse Rank / First / Middle Initial / Last Name / MOAA Member #:

Surviving Spouse: Your deceased spouse Rank / First / Middle Initial / Last Name / MOAA Member #:

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2019 Auxiliary dues are $5.00 per year.

Send this application to NACMOAA Attn: Sharon Douglas PO Box 95, Dewey, AZ 86327

ARNG 4.0 Submitted by LtCol Darren L Venters, ESGR (continued from page 7 )

Support to Communities ARNG 4.0's increased training time will not only directly prepare Soldiers for the missions they are needed for overseas, it will directly prepare them to respond to domestic crisis in their own communities. Increased manning and full-time support for selected units provides employment opportunities at the community level.

Support to Employers Every state has an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve office experienced in resolving employer difficulties for Soldiers. The ARNG is actively looking into ways to build stronger relationships with the employers who support our Soldiers.

Support to Families The Army National Guard recognizes the sacrifices our Families make to support our nation. Every state, territory and the District of Columbia has full- and part-time Family readiness support assets. Additionally, through partnerships with not-for-profit organizations, businesses and other government entities, the ARNG is committed to supporting our Families.

10

Lt GenDanaAtk ins , Pres ident andCEOof MOAAaddresses theCentra l Texas Chapter of MOAA

OnMarch8,2018LtGenAtkinsspoketothemembersoftheCentralTexasChapterofMOAAinKilleen,Texas.Hispresentationincludedtheorganization’stopprioritiesincludingmilitarypay,retireehealthcareandsurvivingspousebenefits.ThefollowingexceptwastakenfromanarticlewrittenfortheKilleenDailyHeroldbyJasonDouglas.

Atkins said hewasworking to change dealswith the Survivor Benefits Plan annuity andDependencyIndemnityCompensationoffset,commonlyreferredtoasthe“widowstax.”TheSurvivorBenefitsPlanisan insuranceplanpurchasedby the retiree from theDepartmentofDefense thatwillpaya survivingspouseamonthlyannuitytocompensateforthelossofretirementincomewhentheretireedies.TheDependency IndemnityCompensation isamonetarybenefitpaidtoeligiblesurvivorsofveteranswhodiedfromaservice-relatedinjuryorillness.

“The‘widowstax’isprobablyoneofthemostprotractedeffortsthatwe’vehad,”Atkinssaid.“Roughly67,000widowsareencumberedbythefactthattheirspousespaidintoasurvivorbenefitplan.”

Atkinssaidthecurrentlawdoesnotalloweligiblesurvivorstoreceivebothclaimsiftheirservicememberpaidintothebenefitsplanandtheirlossoflifewasserviceconnected,alossofapproximately$15,000ayear.

Atkinssaidhewasalsoworkingtoprovideaffordableandadequatehealthcaretomilitaryretirees.

“Mostofourservicememberswilltellyouthathealthcare,iftheyservedacareerinthemilitary,wouldbeprovidedfortherestoftheirlives,”Atkinssaid.“So,we’retryingtomakesurethattheirhealthcarepremiumsandthepharmacycopaysdon’tgetpushedhighertoanythingirresponsible.”

AtkinssaidmembersofMOAAwillbegathering inApriltomeetwithkeylegislatorstoaddressissuesmentionedaboveandhas11registeredlobbyistswhocreatealargecapacitytoadvocateforveterans.

“Wetalkwithallthelegislatureswhocraftthelawsofourlandandexplaintothemwithfactualdatathatproves that what we’re trying to advocate is responsible not only from a political perspective, butresponsibleforournation.”

11

Next Meeting / Luncheon April 5, 2018 LOCATION: Granite Gate Senior Living

3850 N US Hwy 89, Prescott, AZ Phone: 866-771-8664

STAFF MEETING: 10:30 AM GATHERING TIME: 11:30 AM Granite Gate will provide Coffee, Tea & Water (There will be no Bar – BYOB & Self-Serve) BUFFET LUNCH: 12:00 PM PLACE: Arizona Room off the lobby.

DIRECTIONS: As you approach the Granit Gate Entrance, watch for the flagpole with the Granite Gate flag because there are no street name signs. FROM PRESCOTT: Drive North on US Hwy 89 past Watson Lake to Boulder creek Lane. The Granite Gate entrance is on the West side of Hwy 89. Turn Left and go to the parking area in front of the large building. FROM THE AIRPORT / PIONEER PARKWAY AREA: Drive south on US Hwy 89 through the road construction by the Phippen Museum past Three Sisters Consignment to Boulder Creek Lane. The Granite Gate entrance is on the West side of Hwy 89. Turn Right and go to the parking area in front of the large building. For additional information got to: wwwGraniteGate.com or call (928)771-8200.

COST: The Buffet is $25.00 per person. The reservation deadline is March 26th.

BUFFET MENU: Quinoa Garden Salad & Fresh Assorted Rolls; A beautiful mixed green salad is served with quinoa, a berry balsamic vinaigrette & our fresh baked assorted rolls with whipped butter. Rice Pilaf & Baked Potatoes; Toasted orzo is mixed with fresh herbs & rice with a flavorful white wine vegetable broth that perfectly pairs with fish. Beautiful Idaho potatoes are rubbed with our house garlic oil & seasoning the baked until super soft & fluffy, served with butter, sour cream & fresh Chives. Oven Roasted Mixed Vegetables; An assortment of onion, mushroom, tri colored bell peppers & squash are seasoned & slow roasted until lightly colored. Dry Aged Prime Rib; We dry age our prime rive for five days enhancing the beef flavor and tenderness. Slow roasted for hours with course ground salt & pepper until perfect & served with a red wine Au Jus’. Dill Lemon Buttered Cod Loin: Flakey white cod is basted with a fresh dill & lemon compound butter & broiled leaving the fish moist & flavorful. Le’ Limoncello Cake; A super moist lemon cake is coated with lemon liquor icing.

PROGRAM: AZ House Representa t ive Noel W. Campbel l Please cut on the line below and mail with your check to: Sharon Douglas TO RECEIVE NO LATER THAN – Monday March 26, 2018. NACMOAA address is PO Box 95 Dewey, AZ 86327. You may call Sharon at (928) 632-5939 to place a reservation if you prefer to pay at the door.

LATE NOTICE CANCELLATIONS CANNOT BE REFUNDED.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

April 5th Meeting: Please make checks payable to: NACMOAA

BUFFET Reservation Request # _________ of meals. All meals are $25.00

My check for $____________is enclosed

Attendees:

Members: Guests:

________________________ ________________________

________________________ ________________________

Lunch - $ ________________

2018 Dues - $ _____________

Scholarship - $ _____________

__________________

TOTAL - $ _______________

12

Northern Arizona Chapter Military Officers

Association of America Covering 28,500 square miles

From: NAC MOAA T h e O u t b a c k Mrs. Mary G. Jonas, Editor P O Box 1226 Chino Valley, AZ 86323

REMEMBER:NACMemberduesweredueJanuary1,2018.SurvivingSpousesdonotpayduesuntil2019.

TheOutbackNewsletterispublishedbytheNorthernArizonaChapter,whichisanaffiliateoftheMilitaryOfficersAssociationofAmerica(MOAA).MOAAanditsaffiliatedchaptersandcouncilsarenonpartisan.