MOAA Clearwater Chapter Volume XV, Issue 10 Military Off icers Associat ion of Amer ica, Inc.

October 2017

• President’s Message 1

• Board Meeting Minutes 2

• MOAA News 3

• Chapter News 4

• Surviving Spouses 5

• Chapter Photos 6

• Advertiser Testimonials 7

DRUMBEAT

Board Meeting Sept 13, 2017

Lunch Meeting Sept 27, 2017

Board Meeting Oct 11, 2017

Lunch Meeting Oct 25, 2017

Board Meeting Nov 8, 2017

Luncheon Meeting Jun 13

Lunch Meeting Nov 15, 2017

Lunch Meeting * Dec 7, 2017

Board Meeting Dec 13, 2017

Clearwater Chapter

MOAA Membership

Total Members

Regular 73

Spouses 28

Surviving Spouses 22

Total 123

.

Thanks to the nearly 50 members and guests who attended our Spring Season

Ending BBQ

lunch event on May 24th. Your continued loyal participation makes it possible to

lineup engaging and enlightening speakers. A big thanks to Navy Captain (Ret)

Jim Facinelli, Senior Naval Science Instructor, Dunedin HS JROTC and Cadet Law-

rence Judd for their in-depth presentation of their award-winning program. Also,

thanks to one of our own, Monty Stokes, who provided a mission overview of the

Veterans Affairs Inspector General’s Office located at Bay Pines Medical Center

and answered questions from the membership.

Reminder: Our luncheon program will restart on September 28th. Be on the look-

out in our August Drumbeat for speaker and event information.

The chapter held its annual Charity Golf Event on May 19th at Eastlake Woodlands

Country Club. We had 39 players from all over the local area including the chap-

ter, the Clearwater Coast Guard Air Station, Vietnam Veterans of America, and

Eastlake Woodlands Country Club. A great day was had by ALL and approximately

$2400 was raised for our charitable fund that supports both Clearwater and Dun-

edin HS JROTC programs, Honor Flight, and the Clearwater Veterans Mall. Thanks

to Jim Patrick for leading this effort, and Norm Belson, Bob Behm, Shirley Apt and

new member, Howard McLymont for volunteering to support this important event.

Also, a BIG THANKS to those who contributed funds, though they could not play.

For those members departing the area over the summer, we wish you safe travels

and look forward to your return this fall. The board will continue to meet monthly

over the summer and we will continue to produce the Drumbeat as well as update

our website with important information for all.

Again, thanks to ALL of you who continue to SERVE our VETERANS and the COM-

MUNITIES where we live, and in MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE for October 2017 Drumbeat

Let me first open with that we are indeed both blessed and

thankful that our membership and the communities where

we live made it through Hurricane Irma and are well on the

road to recovery. As our Governor so aptly stated, “we can

rebuild homes and replace property, but we can’t rebuild

lives,” our membership along with our fellow Floridians

took heed, prepared their homes and followed evacuation

orders. The hurricane was a topic of discussion at our September luncheon, and

we want to thank all our members who attended, along with our entertaining guest

speaker Daryl May.

Our October speaker is Tom Mudano, Executive Director of AMSKILLS (American

Manufacturing Skills Initiative). Tom’s organization is a veterans training site that

provides hands-on skills training in advanced manufacturing and follow-on place-

ment services. Please make sure you read Tom’s bio on the 1st page of the Drum-

beat. We are also pleased to announce that Carol Burgess, Florida Council of

Chapters Area VP will also be attending our lunch, please make her feel welcome.

HOT: As you are aware, the President and the board operate on two-year terms,

and we have to replace three positions in January 2018. Those positions are the

President, 1st VP, and Secretary. The good news is that Keith Kurber who is head-

ing up the search committee has identified two members for the 1st VP and Secre-

tary positions, however, we still don’t have anyone for the President’s position.

Please get with Keith ASAP if you are interested, as you know, our chapter makes

significant contributions to our community, we are fiscally sound and transparent,

and it would be extremely sad to have to close the chapter because we do not have

a leader!

Lastly, the board has done a lot of work on this year’s Pearl Harbor Remembrance

event, please see the flyer in this month’s Drumbeat.

Again, thanks to ALL of you who continue to SERVE our VETERANS and the COM-

MUNITIES where we live, and in MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Dave

* Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon

Members in our Prayers: Dottie Smith wife of George

Smith.

Please keep our MOAA Clearwater Chapter

members, in our thoughts and prayers during their

recovery.

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October Luncheon Speaker

Thomas A. Mudano - Executive Director

Born and raised in Clearwater, Florida, Tom received a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Carolina University

and began his career with the City of Clearwater in various positions where he designed programs for the

disabled; managed the Long Center, a $15 million education and sports facility; served as Technical

Services Manager supervising training for 1,800+ employees; and created the City’s first Neighborhood

Services Division. After a 15-year career with the City, Tom went on to become the Director of a $2.3 million

non-profit organization; was an Owners’ Representative managing $40 million+ construction and technology

projects, including Florida’s first underground basement and geothermal research facility; and owned a marketing

company working

with several manufacturers and the German American Chamber of Commerce South, Florida Chapter, among oth-

ers.

Tom joined AmSkills within months of startup of the AmSkills initiative in February 2015, overseeing the startup

implementation of five

training facilities in three counties (Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando). He officially became the Executive Director in February, 2016,

following a national search; and since that time, AmSkills has implemented Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship training programs

for youth and adults; is a Registered Apprenticeship Program recognized by the Department of Labor; and has become a registered

training facility for Career Source and Department of Veteran Affairs and Vocational Rehabilitation; and recently formed the AmSkills

Apprenticeship Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization to financially support the skills needs of our community.

Tom’s unique blend of government, non-profit and business experience is helping him to lead the AmSkills initiative, bringing local

government, schools, industry and the community together to provide real-life, hands-on skills training for our youth, adults and

veterans. He believes that if we focus on helping AmSkills Apprentice’s learn not only technical & soft skills, but also life lessons, they

will be in a better position to succeed in a long-term career and in life.

Adults/Veterans

Apprentice Training

Advanced Manufacturing Advanced Manufacturing

AmSkills partners with Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando County Agencies and

Local Manufacturers to provide European-Style Appren ceship Training

for Advanced Manufacturing in the Tampa Bay Area.

Affordable Skills Training

80%+ Hands-On Projects

Veterans Training Site

Explore 3 Career Tracks

Paid Apprenticeships*

Job Prep/Career Coaching

Job Placement*

www.AmSkills.org

727-301-1282,ext.126

3

Surviving Spouses

LUNCHEON NEWS

Please Note that luncheon costs to increase to $20 effective with the Sept. luncheon!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon will be held at the Clearwater Country Club on December 7th, make your plans to attend.

Wednesday October 25, 2017 MOAA Monthly Luncheon Join us for Lunch at the Clearwater Country Club; 525 N Betty Lane, Clearwater. Directions: going north from

Drew Street it’ll be the last right turn before the railroad tracks, from Palmetto Street heading south it’ll be the

first left after the tracks. CCC phone: (727) 446-9501. Luncheon check-in starts 11:15, program at noon. Please

have check ready before arrival! $20.00 per person payable to Clearwater Chapter MOAA. Try

our new online reservation system: On-line Reservation

For Reservations call Pat Hughes 727-733-5084 * by NOON, Fri. October 20 2017 with your meal selection and

reservations. If you need to cancel, please call Pat by Mon NOON, October 23, 2017 or you will be expected to pay for

your missed meal. It’s critical that we start our luncheons on time. * For the month of October only!

Menu

Hot: House Salad, Chicken Piccata, Angel Hair Pasta, Glazed Carrots, Chef's Choice of Dessert

Cold: Soup Du Jour, Par3 Salad ((Potato, Egg, Tuna Salad) Served over a bed of baby greens accompanied with fresh fruit & cottage

cheese) Chef's Choice of Dessert

When calling in reservations, please let PAT know if you have special dietary needs, so the kitchen staff may be notified in advance.

We will not be able to accommodate any dietary needs the day of our luncheons. NOTE: When using on-line Reservation, place any

special dietary needs in the comment block . Thank You!

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https://www.paljoeyspizza.com/

Show your military ID

card and receive a

20% discount on a

facial. Support our

advertisers.

Drumbeat Honorable Mention 2003

Drumbeat 2nd Runner Up 2007

Drumbeat 2nd Runner Up 2009

Drumbeat Best Legislative Coverage 2011

Outstanding Chapter 1992

Five Star Chapter 2005

Four Star Chapter 2006-08

Four Star Chapter 2010-16

Phone No. Changed to:

727-470-5710

Please join the Clearwater and St. Pete Chapters of MOAA & MOWW in Remberance of PEARL HARBOR DAY, Dec. 7, 2017 at the

Clearwater Country Club, 525 N Betty Lane, Clearwater. Phone: (727) 446-9501.

Check-in & Social Hour: 1115 HRS, Luncheon at 1200 HRS. Cash bar available.

Memorial Program will include Dunedin HS JROTC Honor Guard, FDR Day of Infamy Speech, and Speaker, Dr. Jack Tunstall, Dept. of

History, USF. Reservations for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day will be accepted at our November 15th luncheon.

Name (s): _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Your choice of:

Petit Filet, Caesar salad, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans/carrots, dessert

Grilled Citrus Salmon, Caesar salad, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans/carrots, dessert

COST: $30 per person. Please mail check payable to Clearwater Chapter MOAA and meal selection to Jane Belson: 1824 Northwood

Drive, Clearwater, FL, 33764 NLT 12/1/2017. Cancellations must be in NLT 12/4/2017.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOWW AND OTHER CHAPTERS UNDER SEPARATE COVER

MOAA and MOWW Clearwater Chapters are the proud co-sponsors of this annual tribute to all the many service personnel that lost their

lives on December 7, 1941. Please come out and support this Remembrance Service.

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FRANKIE’S PATRIOT BBQ In Honor of CPL Frank R. Gross

Ad sponsored by Toni and Craig

Gross in memory of their son,

CPL Frank R. “Frankie” Gross,

who lost his life in Afghanistan,

7/16/2011.

http://frankiespatriotbbq.com/

CHAPTER NEWS

All members who currently receive a hard copy (snail mail) of the Drumbeat, please review your need to receive it in that

format rather than by email. We currently have a number of people who have an email address, but chose to receive a hard

copy. This costs the Chapter for both printing and mailing as well as time and effort by the Drumbeat Editor. Please

consider receiving your copy by email.

Please plan to attend this event and show your support

for the Veterans Art Center project.

6

MOAA NEWS

Take Command to Make a Smooth Transition with TRICARE in 2018 9/19/2017

You may be wondering what action you need to take, if any, to ensure you continue TRICARE coverage in 2018. If you’re currently enrolled

in or eligible for TRICARE coverage on Dec. 31, 2017, you’ll transition to your respective TRICARE plan on Jan. 1, 2018. If you want to enroll

in a TRICARE plan or change coverage after Jan. 1, 2018, you’ll need to take action to enroll in the plan of your choice.

All beneficiaries should take action by making sure their information is current in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System

(DEERS). If you’ve experienced any changes (for example, marriage, birth, divorce and death), update DEERS as soon as possible to ensure

continuous TRICARE coverage.

TRICARE is Changing. Here is what you need to know:

Automatic Transition for Current Enrollees

Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime, either stateside or overseas, as of Dec. 31, 2017 will remain enrolled in TRICARE Prime on Jan. 1,

2018. If you have TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Extra as of Dec. 31, 2017, you’ll transition to TRICARE Select. TRICARE Select replaces

TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra on Jan. 1, 2018.

If you’re enrolled in any TRICARE premium-based plan on Dec. 31, 2017, you’ll remain enrolled in your plan on Jan. 1, 2018 as long as you

continue to make your premium payments. These premium-based plans include:

• TRICARE Young Adult

• TRICARE Reserve Select

• TRICARE Retired Reserve

On Jan. 1, 2018, TRICARE will transition its stateside regional contractors from three to two. Beneficiaries who pay premiums or enrollment

fees by electronic funds transfer or recurring debit/credit card payment will be contacted to update their payment information. If you cur-

rently pay through a Defense Finance and Accounting Service allotment, your payments will automatically transfer.

If your current TRICARE health plan coverage doesn’t automatically transition, contact the TRICARE contractor for your region. The are no

changes to the TRICARE For Life (TFL) benefit. TFL beneficiaries will not have to take any action.

Automatic Enrollment of New Enrollees

New active duty service members are automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Prime Remote if they live in remote areas in the

U.S. Stateside active duty family members (ADFMs) who become eligible for TRICARE on or after Jan. 1, 2018 will also be automatically

enrolled in TRICARE Prime if they live in a Prime Service Area. If family members live outside a Prime Service Area, they’ll be automatically

enrolled in TRICARE Select. ADFMs who are automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select have up to 90 days after the

eligibility date to change health plans.

TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) ADFMs will be automatically enrolled in TRICARE Select. They will also have 90 days to change their

enrollment to TOP Prime or Prime Remote if they are command sponsored.

This is Your Benefit! Are You Ready?

Enroll by Nov. 20, 2017 for Coverage Beginning Jan. 1, 2018

By Nov. 20, 2017, beneficiaries should complete any and all enrollment actions. During December 2017, there will be an enrollment freeze

for TRICARE Prime enrollments, and a delay for primary care manager changes. You’ll still be able to receive care during the enrollment

freeze. If you have a problem accessing care, contact your regional contractor.

For all other stateside beneficiaries, you’ll also need to complete any and all enrollment actions by Nov. 20, 2017 to ensure continued

health coverage in 2018. As long as your regional contractor receives your completed enrollment application by the 20th of

the month, your coverage will begin on the first day of the next month. The 20th of the month rule doesn’t apply to beneficiar-

ies overseas, and will go away for everyone starting in 2018.

Enrolling is easy. You can enroll in certain TRICARE plans over the phone, email or mail. Check out how to enroll or purchase a plan.

Visit the TRICARE Changes page to stay informed with the latest information. You can also sign up for email alerts to get an email anytime

new updates are available. Staying informed will help you take command of your health and prepare for changes in 2018.

7

Thanks Dave Mason for taking

our event photos.

CHAPTER PHOTOS

http://www.seasearidersdunedin.com/

Page 8

ADVERTISER TESTIMONIALS

Norm and Jane Belson

If you have not paid a visit to Pal Joey's you are missing a wonderful opportunity to eat some genuine Italian food! The price is

right and the portions are generous. You will not leave the restaurant hungry and will be asking for a "doggie bag". A strong

recommendation to give them a try!

Jim Patrick

A frequent customer of Sea Sea Riders

Sea Sea Riders Restaurant in Dunedin is a fabulous seafood place with great service in a clean, convenient location. The

Grouper, no matter how you have it prepared, is to die for. Check them out.

Norm Belson

Perkins is one of my favorite restaurants - great food, friendly staff, 20 % discount for Veterans and the owner is an Army

Veteran as well as an Honorary MOAA Member!

Anonymous MOAA Member

As a patron of Sydney & Company Salon I can tell you if you have not experienced a facial given there you have missed a little

"slice of heaven". If you show your Military I.D. card you will receive a 20% discount on your facial. The salon is a "full service

facility". Why not give them a try the next time you need a cut, mani, pedi or perm?

Dave Apt

Frankie’s Patriot BBQ:

Absolute favorite FAMILY/EATING establishment! Owner: Craig Gross is a TRUE PATRIOT, and along with his wife Toni, are a

great Army family. Tremendous BBQ (try the smoked clam chowder), great prices, and an unbelievable venue of military

service artifacts will keep you entranced while enjoying your food. You might even recognize a picture of one of our own

chapter members! If you find it, WRITE A REVIEW!

You are encouraged to patronize our advertisers and to be sure to mention you are an MOAA member.

Please bring a copy of the advertisement and show it to them manager. Also encourage your friends and

family to patronize them and to let them know you suggested it.

Please note ALL links (advertisers and others) are “Hot” and will take you to the website

when clicked on. Check them out.

https://stores.perkinsrestaurants.com/us/fl/clearwater/2626-gulf-to-bay-blvd.html

Ed Lechner, MOAA Clearwater Chapter member and

Perkins Restaurant Owner welcomes you to come

and enjoy a meal, open 24-7 Perkins Restaurant is

located in Clearwater, 2626 Gulf-to–Bay Blvd. Clear-

water, FL.727-799-2019. Stop by for breakfast,

lunch/ dinner, serving wine & beer.

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www.clearwatermoaa.org

Military Officers of America (MOAA)

Clearwater Chapter

P. O. Box 15521

Clearwater, FL 33766-5521