FRA Today – May 2015
Communications
FROM THE FANTAIL
SHIPMATE FORUM
ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
IN TRIBUTE
FEATURE— Veterans Affairs’ Voluntary Services: Serving Those Who’ve Served
TAPS
REUNIONS
Looking for…
NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES
NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

Communications 

Remember the Past; Plan for the Future
Springtime is an exciting time for the FRA! During April, our National Board of Directors came to Washington, D.C., to conduct its bi-annual business meeting and share FRA’s legislative priorities with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. These two major events (which will be highlighted in next month’s issue of FRA Today) are critical to charting FRA’s course for the future. FRA leaders also honored the past as they joined Auxiliary members in their annual Pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Mast of the Maine at Arlington National Cemetery. This homage to fallen shipmates continues into May, culminating with an FRA and Auxiliary wreath presentation at the Tomb of the Unknowns on Memorial Day. 
It’s important to remember … and honor … those who came before, and this month’s feature article on the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) program highlights an outstanding way for shipmates and other volunteers to do just that. Participation in the VAVS program and other volunteer endeavors demonstrates a commitment to those who’ve led the way and offers an opportunity to mentor those who follow in our footsteps. These and similar projects also provide an outstanding opportunity to portray FRA and the Auxiliary in a positive light and let non-members know what our organizations are all about. 
I encourage all readers to take a special look at this month’s Membership Matters column (page 14) and RPEC Toni O’Neill’s Auxiliary article (page 36). Both provide illuminating examples of the power of positive engagement with current, former and prospective members. 
Looking for Keepers, WAVES and DIs: 
As editor of FRA Today, I’m excitedly doing research for some of our upcoming feature articles and welcome input from any subject matter experts in our ranks:
I recently had the honor of talking with Shipmate Ismael Torres, Jr. and learning about his experience as a Coast Guard lighthouse keeper. We’ll be highlighting Torres and other keepers in our August issue, and I’m anxious to connect with any other shipmates who served as guardians of the light. I’d also love to talk with any shipmates or Auxiliary members who served as Navy Waves, as we’re also working on an October feature story about women who served in the Navy from 1942 to 1948. And last, but not least, we’ll be honoring Marine Corps Drill Instructors in our November issue and would love to hear from any shipmates who’ve served in that capacity. 
To share your stories, please email me at Lauren@fra.org or call me at 800-FRA-1924, ext 126, so that we might set up a time for a brief interview.

Lauren Armstrong is FRA’s Director of Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of FRA Today. Please contact her at lauren@fra.org.

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FROM THE FANTAIL 

The Department of Veterans Affairs
This month’s feature highlights the role that volunteers play in strengthening the service and care provided to our nation’s veterans. FRA has a long history in this arena and, on doing a bit of research at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website (va.gov), I was fascinated to learn more about the VA’s distinguished past. Here are some interesting historical facts about the VA:
•	The United States has the most comprehensive system of assistance for veterans of any nation in the world; its roots can be traced back to 1636, when the pilgrims of Plymouth Colony were at war with the Pequot Indians. The pilgrims passed a law that stated that disabled soldiers would be supported by the colony.
•	The Continental Congress of 1776 encouraged enlistments during the Revolutionary War, providing pensions to disabled soldiers. In the early days of the Republic, individual states and communities provided direct medical and hospital care to veterans. In 1811, the federal government authorized the first domiciliary and medical facility for veterans. Also in the 19th century, the nation’s veterans’ assistance program was expanded to include benefits and pensions not only for veterans, but for their widows and dependents.
•	The first consolidation of federal veterans’ programs took place on August 9, 1921, when Congress combined all World War I veterans’ programs to create the Veterans Bureau. The second consolidation took place on July 21, 1930, when President Herbert Hoover signed an executive order that elevated the Veterans Bureau to a federal administration — the Veterans Administration — to “consolidate and coordinate government activities affecting war veterans.” At that time, the National Homes and Pension Bureau also joined the VA.
•	Following World War II, there was a vast increase in the veteran population, and Congress enacted several new benefits for war veterans — the most significant of which was the World War II GI Bill, which was signed into law June 22, 1944. The GI Bill placed the VA second to the War and Navy Departments in funding and personnel priorities. It is said that the GI Bill had more impact on the American way of life than any law since the Homestead Act of 1862. 
•	The VA was elevated to a cabinet-level executive department by President Ronald Reagan in October 1988. The change took effect March 15, 1989, and administrative changes subsequently occurred at all levels. President George H. W. Bush hailed the creation of the new department, saying, “There is only one place for the veterans of America — in the Cabinet Room, at the table with the President of the United States of America.” The Veterans Administration was then renamed the Department of Veterans Affairs, and continued to be known as VA.
•	Today’s Veterans Health Administration (VHA) — the largest of the three administrations that comprise the VA — continues to meet veterans’ changing medical, surgical and quality-of-life needs. VA has opened outpatient clinics, established telemedicine and other services to accommodate a diverse veteran population and continues to cultivate ongoing medical research and innovation to improve the lives of America’s patriots.
•	VHA operates one of the largest health care systems in the world and provides training for a majority of America’s medical, nursing and allied health professionals. Roughly 60 percent of all medical residents obtain a portion of their training at VA hospitals; and VA medical research programs benefit society at-large.
As a nation that continues to help its veterans, I would encourage you, FRA shipmates, to become “advocates and mentors” in your local VA centers, hospitals or places where veterans live. Yes, the VA has taken its fair share of hits — and rightfully so — as the department has struggled to better administer the services it provides. Despite these challenges, there are also a lot of positive initiatives. VA Secretary Bob McDonald recently announced that many improvements in infrastructure, customer service protocols and IT updates are coming along very quickly to meet a measurable and higher standard of productivity and service to our vets and their families. As long as there are veterans, there will be a need to care for them and it is up to us, the veterans of today, to demonstrate a continuum of service. Get involved and talk with a veteran. It’s not just saying, “Thank you for your service,” but “How can I help?” PRESS ON!

Tom Snee is FRA’s National Executive Director and can be reached at NEDFRA@fra.org.

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SHIPMATE FORUM 

Benefit Violation
Thank you for such an informative magazine and fantastic representation on Capitol Hill.
I enjoyed your article on Commissary Confusion in the March issue. Could you please clear up one more item of concern? My grandson is in the Air Force Reserve and also works full time at a national retailer. His mother has told him that, since he still lives at home, he can do the family grocery shopping at the commissary. I have told him and both of his parents that, as I understand it, his parents have to be more than 50 percent dependent on him and have an ID card indicating so [in order for him to be eligible to do the family grocery shopping at the commissary]. I have also told him this could get him into a lot of trouble with the military, possibly to the extent of discharge. Can you advise him and me if this is correct or not? 
Lester L. Allen, Jr.
FRA Response: FRA asked the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) to clarify this and the following is the response we received from Kevin Robinson, a DeCA public affairs specialist, after consultation with the agency’s general counsel: 
“What you describe would likely be considered an abuse of commissary privileges.
Since the DoD commissary program is considered an integral element of the military pay and benefits package, the Department exercises close scrutiny over its patronage to ensure the continued effectiveness of military commissaries as an integral part of that compensation element. Thus, only certain categories of patrons, other than those specified by statute, have been granted commissary privileges or permitted access to make purchases from the commissary system.
DoDI 1330.17, DoD Commissary Program, June 18, 2014 prohibits those individuals who have been authorized commissary privileges or access from selling or even giving away commissary purchases to individuals, organizations, or activities not entitled to commissary privileges. While these prohibitions do not apply to food served to guests of authorized personnel or to limited and occasional bona fide gifts to friends or family members, the continuous provision of food and household items to non-eligible commissary patrons described by your reader would likely be considered an abuse of commissary privileges.
Questions of abuse and the resulting action taken thereon have been delegated to installation commanders. Not only could a violation of the restrictions provide a basis for suspension of commissary privileges or permanent revocation of commissary privileges by the installation commander concerned, but they could also result in disciplinary action against the individual under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”
(Scrambled) Egg on our Face 
Thank you for your article on Admiral Michelle Howard, the Navy’s Vice Chief of Naval Operations, contained in the March 2015 edition of FRA Today. I found it most informative and an extremely enjoyable read. However, I did find three discrepancies that I believe should be brought to your attention.
1.	Page 22: The correct abbreviation for Amphibious Squadron 7 is PHIBRON 7, not FIBRON 7
2.	Page 22: The caption under the picture cites the name of ship as USS FORTH WORTH (LCS-3). It should read USS FORT WORTH (LCS-3)
3.	Page 22: The caption under the picture cites the Commanding Officer of FORT WORTH as LCDR Kendall Bridgewater. However, the ball cap he is wearing has scrambled eggs on the bill which are only worn by officers of the rank of Commander (CDR) and above (unless there has been a change in Navy Uniform Regulations that was implemented sometime in the 24 years since I retired). 
Again, thank you for your article and I look forward to reading more articles in the future!
Robert P. Macek
FRA Response: Thank you, Shipmate Macek, for your sharp eyes! You were one of many FRA Today readers who noticed the discrepancies. 
The abbreviation error for PHIBRON 7 is mine and mine alone. Thank you for setting the record (and me) straight. 
FRA Today readers can take credit for pointing out two errors in the photo caption on page 22. The photo and associated caption were taken from the U.S. Navy photo gallery and, after bringing your questions to the attention of Admiral Howard’s staff, the caption has been amended to properly identify the ship and correctly identify the CO as CDR Kendall Bridgewater. 
Lauren Armstrong, Editor

Submissions Send Shipmate Forum letters to Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to fratoday@fra.org. Please include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content.

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ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL

Action Center Usage Helps Advance FRA’s Agenda
It has been a busy early part of the year for the FRA Legislative Team and usage of our Action Center reflects that activity. In the first three months of calendar year 2015, nearly 28,000 messages were sent to Capitol Hill. That is a record-breaking benchmark and reflects member concerns about a variety of proposals being considered on Capitol Hill, including the final recommendations of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC), which includes a drastic shift in healthcare costs to military retirees under age 65 and reducing retirement benefits for future military retirees. To read a detailed analysis of what impact these recommended changes will mean to you and your family, read the most recent online version of OnWatch, FRA’s quarterly newsletter for active duty and reserve service members, at www.fra.org/onwatch.
Action Center usage also reflects shipmates’ serious apprehension about the Administration’s proposed budget for FY 2016 that suggests TRICARE fee increases, drastic increases in pharmacy co-pays, reduced active duty pay increases, reduced subsidies for stateside commissaries and reduced housing subsidies for activity duty personnel. 
Further, FRA members are concerned about the impact of future sequestration cuts on the Department of Defense (DoD) and our nation’s military readiness, and the Medicare/TRICARE “doc fix,” which is also being addressed as this issue of FRA Today goes to print. (See page 12.) 
The Action Center usage is a critical element of FRA’s grassroots advocacy efforts. Members of FRA’s National Board of Directors and other key FRA leaders “stormed the Hill” in April, which helps increase FRA visibility on Capitol Hill, adds a personal touch to the Association’s lobbying efforts and strengthens our call to preserve and enhance military and veterans’ benefits. Members are strongly urged to check the Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) regularly for pending legislative issues that impact their pay and benefits.

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Communicate with Your Elected Officials
FRA and GEICO are proud to offer Communicate With Your Elected Officials, a guidebook that contains a congressional directory, as well as suggestions for composing, addressing and sending correspondence to lawmakers. This handbook is an adjunct to FRA’s online Action Center (at action.fra.org/action-center) and is part of FRA’s ongoing campaign to encourage military personnel to effectively communicate with their respective U.S. representative and senators.
To receive your free copy of Communicate With Your Elected Officials, contact FRA at 1-800-FRA-1924 (ext. 108) or e-mail your request and mailing address to VictoriaD@fra.org. Written requests can be sent to Fleet Reserve Association, Attn: Communicate With Elected Officials, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
 
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Veterans Issues
VA Updating VASRD
FRA welcomes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) efforts to update its Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD or Rating Schedule), which will modernize and improve the delivery of disability benefits to veterans. The VASRD governs how VA claims processors evaluate the severity of disabilities. Updating the VASRD is essential to better reflect modern medicine, clarify rating criteria, help VA claims processors make more consistent decisions with greater ease and ensure greater understanding of VA decisions. While the VA has routinely updated parts of the VASRD, it has not systematically updated the entire VASRD since 1945. A working group of specialized physicians (VA and non-VA), stakeholders (including representatives from Veterans Service Organizations), and claims processors reviewed each system and provided analysis to assist the VA in developing changes.
The updated Rating Schedule may afford some veterans with service-connected disabilities an increase in their disability evaluation based on the new rating criteria. Federal statutes prohibit the VA from reducing the disability evaluations of veterans who are already deemed service-connected due solely to changes in the rating criteria. If a claim or an appeal is awaiting a decision when the VA publishes the final updated rating criteria, the VA will apply the criteria previously in effect and may continue to apply those criteria, if more favorable to the veteran, after the new criteria becomes effective. The VA will apply the new criteria for periods after their effective date if more favorable to the veteran. Claims processors using the Rating Schedule will receive training on recognizing how and when to apply its updates, as well as on its significant changes. FRA will monitor the updating process to ensure disabled veterans are adequately compensated for their injuries. 
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FRA Testifies on Capitol Hill
National Executive Director Thomas Snee recently testified before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees, asking Congress to work to reduce the large backlog of unresolved disability claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), expand presumption for Blue Water Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange herbicide while serving off the coast of Vietnam (see below right), and provide critical oversight over the Veterans Choice program (see below) that increases veterans access to non-VA care.
Snee cited other issues addressed in the Association’s full statement, including full concurrent receipt for all disabled military retirees, expanded suicide prevention programs, veteran status for Reserve Component personnel with 20 or more years of service and reform of the Uniform Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA). A copy of the written testimony is available on the website at www.fra.org/testimony.
To see a video of the full legislative presentation by FRA and eight other veterans’ service organizations, visit www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/legislative-presentation-of-multiple-vsos-03182015. (FRA’s oral statement appears at the 21:54 mark.) 
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VA Expands Choice Program Eligibility
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that it will change the geographic calculation used to determine the distance between a veteran’s home and the nearest VA medical facility for purposes of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act (VACAA), which took effect on November 5, 2014. The VA will make a regulatory change from straight line distance to driving distance to help ensure veterans have the best access to care.
VACAA was signed into law last year, providing a $10 billion fund to pay for non-VA care for veterans who live 40 or more miles from a VA facility or have been experiencing wait times for care of more than 30 days. VA mailed “Choice Cards” to veterans who were enrolled in VA health care as of August 1, 2014, and to recently-discharged combat veterans who enroll within the five-year window of eligibility.
The FRA-supported legislation was passed in the wake of a nationwide audit of the VA that indicated 57,000 veterans have waited more than 90 days for an appointment at VA medical facilities, and more than 64,000 veterans have requested medical care, but did not even get placed on a waiting list. The audit also revealed that some schedulers were told to misrepresent appointment requests to make the wait times appear to be shorter than they actually were.
Veterans seeking to use the Veterans Choice program should call 1-866-606-8198 to confirm their eligibility and to schedule an appointment. 
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Bill to Expand the VA Caregiver Program Introduced
Senator Dick Durbin (Ill.) recently introduced the “Caregiver Expansion and Improvement Act” (S. 657), which would expand the current Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver program to include all caregivers who care for service-connected severely disabled veterans. Currently, the program only applies to veterans who have been severely disabled since September 11, 2001. 
FRA endorses expansion of this program to support the 5.5 million volunteer caregivers who shoulder the responsibility of bathing, feeding, dressing, managing medication and injections, arranging for rehabilitation and more for America’s wounded warriors, all while many are raising a family. A recent RAND study commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation estimates the services they provide save our nation $13.6 billion annually, yet these caregivers too often pay a price — they suffer physical and emotional stress and illnesses, have difficulty maintaining employment, experience financial, legal and family strains, and endure isolation. Expanding the VA Caregiver program will help all of America’s military and veteran caregivers, and members are strongly urged to use the Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to ask their senators to support this bill. 
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President Visits Phoenix VA Medical Center
In mid-March, President Obama and VA Secretary Bob McDonald visited the Phoenix VA Medical Center, where they discussed the progress being made to improve the facility’s — and the department’s — ability to serve veterans in a timely and effective manner. 
The VA claims it has made progress in accelerating care to veterans and addressing instances of unacceptable wait times nationwide by improving the timeliness of care within the VA system, expanding access to VA and non-VA care and taking advantage of the new authorities in the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act that was signed into law last year (see left). To improve service delivery, VA medical centers have increased access to care inside and outside of the VA, added more clinic hours and work days and deployed mobile medical units. To respond to veterans’ mental health needs, the VA has also substantially increased mental health staffing, expanded the capacity of the Veterans Crisis Line by 50 percent and enhanced its partnerships with community mental health providers. 
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Agent Orange/Blue Water Navy Bill Introduced in the Senate
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (New York) has introduced the “Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act” (S.681), which would clarify a presumption for filing disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for ailments associated with exposure to Agent Orange herbicide during the Vietnam War. FRA believes Congress should recognize that so-called “blue water” veterans who served off the coast of Vietnam were exposed to Agent Orange. This measure would authorize presumptive status for this group of veterans and is a companion bill to H.R. 969, which was introduced earlier by Rep. Chris Gibson (New York). FRA staffers are scheduled to meet with House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs staff to ask for a hearing, markup, and Committee approval of this important legislation. 
Shipmates are strongly urged to use the Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to ask their senators and representative to support these proposals.
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Retiree Issues
Comprehensive Concurrent Receipt Bill Introduced in Senate
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (Nevada) recently introduced comprehensive concurrent receipt legislation, known as the “Retired Pay Restoration Act” (S. 271). This legislation would authorize the immediate payment of concurrent receipt of full military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation for all disabled retirees. 
Similar efforts are ongoing in the House. Earlier, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (Florida) introduced the “Retired Pay Restoration Act” (H.R. 303), which would expand the eligibility of retirees with less than 50 percent disability rating to receive service-connected disability from VA and their full retirement pay for those retirees eligible for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP). Currently, only CRDP disability-disabled retirees with a rating of 50 percent or more are eligible for concurrent receipt. 
Rep. Sanford Bishop (Georgia) also introduced comprehensive concurrent receipt reform (H.R. 333) that would expand CRDP eligibility for military retirees whose disability ratings are less than 50 percent, as well as those who are medically retired (Chapter 61) with less than 20 years of service. Sanford’s bill is similar to the Senate bill and would have the same impact. 
Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to contact their senators and representative to ask their support for these proposals. 
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SBP/DIC Offset Repeal Introduced in the House
Rep. Joe Wilson (South Carolina) has introduced FRA-supported legislation (H.R. 1594) that repeals the reduction in Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for surviving spouses who are also eligible to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
FRA believes this existing offset is patently unfair, because SBP and DIC benefits are paid for different reasons. SBP is similar to an insurance policy, purchased by the retiree, to provide a portion of retired pay to his/her survivor. DIC is a special compensation paid to the survivor when a member’s service causes his/her premature death. In such cases, the VA indemnity compensation should be added to the SBP the retiree paid for, not substituted for it. It should be noted as a matter of equity that surviving spouses of federal civilian retirees who are disabled veterans and die of military-service-connected causes can receive DIC without losing any of their federal civilian SBP benefits.
Members are strongly urged to use the Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) ask their U.S. Representative to support this legislation. 
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FRA Speaks Out on Retirement Commission’s Final Report 
FRA is adamantly opposed to several proposals included in the recently-released report from the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC). Of the commission’s 15 recommendations, FRA’s primary concerns center around proposals to substantially reduce benefits for future 20-year career retirees to help provide a retirement benefit for those who serve for shorter terms and to abolish TRICARE for current and future retirees under age 65, replacing it with a program provided by commercial insurers that would undoubtedly increase the cost-share for military retirees.
FRA believes these proposals will compromise retention, decrease overall military readiness and compromise retirement benefits for those who serve 20+ years. The Association outlined these concerns to past, present and future service members and their families in its most recent edition of OnWatch, the Association’s e-newsletter for active duty and Reserve personnel. It is available online at www.fra.org/onwatch. 
John Davis, FRA’s director of Legislative Services, also shared these concerns when he was a guest on “Washington Watch,” a cable TV talk show hosted by Rep. Walter Jones (N.C.). During the late March interview, Davis also expressed FRA’s disappointment that none of the MCRMC commissioners were senior enlisted personnel. He also used the broadcast as an opportunity to thank the MCRMC staff for its ongoing engagement with FRA that allowed our members’ feedback to be heard as the commission made its decisions regarding changes to pay and benefits. 
Rep. Jones is an honorary FRA member and recipient of FRA’s 2003 Pinnacle Award for his outstanding support of current and former enlisted service members. “Washington Watch” airs on 12 local North Carolina cable TV stations and the April 2015 segment can be seen at: www.fra.org/washingtonwatch0415.
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Health Care Issues
DHA Wants Beneficiaries to Protect their Privacy
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) reminds beneficiaries that it will never call them and ask for personal information. If a beneficiary receives this type of call, it is fraud. Beneficiaries should remain vigilant in protecting their personal information from people looking to use it for fraudulent reasons. Beneficiaries should never give out personal information, such as their social security number, to anyone over the phone.
In more sophisticated telephone scams, the caller may have specific information that makes the call seem official; typically this information includes the beneficiary’s address, phone number or doctor’s name. The caller is hoping this information will convince the beneficiary they are a legitimate vendor and that the beneficiary will give them his or her social security number and additional personal information.
If you receive a call like this, DO NOT give any personally-identifiable information, such as birth date, social security number or banking information. TRICARE never asks beneficiaries for this information when calling for an official Department of Defense survey.
The DHA Program Integrity Office always closely monitors possible fraud against its beneficiaries. If you receive a call of this nature, please do not provide your information and contact the DHA Program Integrity Office directly at the numbers listed below:
TRICARE for Life beneficiaries: Wisconsin Physicians Service at 1-866-773-0404 
All other beneficiaries should contact their regional representatives: 
TRICARE North Region: Health Net Federal Services at 1-800-977-6761
TRICARE South Region: Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) at 1-800-333-1620 or 1-800-538-9552
West Region: UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans at 888-899-5071
For more information go to www.tricare.mil/ContactUs/ReportFraudAbuse.aspx
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TRICARE Revises Compound Drug Coverage
TRICARE announced in July of 2013 that compound prescriptions that include ingredients that are not FDA-approved would no longer be covered. However, starting May 1, 2015, Express Scripts Inc. (ESI), the TRICARE pharmacy contractor, will screen all ingredients in compound drug claims to ensure they are safe, effective and covered by TRICARE. This screening process is like the one TRICARE already uses for other prescription drugs, but it will now apply to the ingredients in compound drugs.
Compound drugs are a combination of drug ingredients prepared by a pharmacist for a patient’s individual needs. TRICARE beneficiaries taking a compound drug likely to be impacted by the change will receive a letter explaining the new process and what steps they should follow.
Use of compound drugs has increased greatly in recent years. However, there is limited to no evidence that some compound drug ingredients are safe and effective. If a compound does not pass an initial screen, the pharmacist can switch a non-approved ingredient with an approved one, or request the doctor write a new prescription. If this is not possible, the doctor may ask ESI to consider other evidence by requesting a prior authorization. 
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) claims that its highest priority is to provide our beneficiaries safe and effective care while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Many compound drugs will still be covered because they include ingredients proven to be safe, and most beneficiaries will experience no delay in getting their prescriptions. 
For more information about TRICARE coverage of compound drugs, visit the TRICARE Compound Drugs page at http://www.tricare.mil/CompoundDrugs or call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303.

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House Passes Permanent “Doc Fix”
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan bill (H.R. 2) to make the so-called “doc fix” permanent. The “doc fix” replaces the current Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) pricing methodology for determining physicians’ reimbursement rates. If the SGR formula remained in place, the law mandates a 22-percent cut to reimbursements for providers who see Medicare and TRICARE patients. This reduction has been delayed many times over the past several years and, if implemented, would likely cause doctors to leave the Medicare and TRICARE programs and reduce these beneficiaries’ access to care. 
The bill, which was approved 392-37, scraps SGR and phases in a new pricing methodology meant to reward doctors who provide high-value care, not just high-volume care. “We’ve patched this problem 17 times over the last 11 years,” Speaker of the House John Boehner (Ohio) said. “I decided about a year ago that I had had enough of it.”
The measure, negotiated by Boehner and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (California), also provides funding for a children’s health insurance program (SCHIP) for two more years. The bill now goes to the Senate, where opposition appears to be evaporating with the help of support from a wide array of healthcare and children’s groups for the SCHIP provision. President Barack Obama has indicated that he also backs the legislation.
As FRA Today goes to press, the Senate has not addressed the measure, but is expected pass the legislation and send it to the president to sign it into law, finally making the “doc fix” permanent. There is a possibility that the Senate could amend the bill and send it back to the House for that chamber’s approval. If that occurs, yet another temporary fix would have to be made until the House and Senate can agree on a final bill.
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The FRA Legislative Team is National Executive Director Tom Snee, Director of Legislative Programs John Davis, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs Stephen Tassin and National Veterans Service Officer Chris Slawinski.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

If We Don’t Ask, the Answer is Automatically “No.” 
I am pleased to announce that FRA experienced a gain in membership during March — a small, but significant, net gain of 18 shipmates. This increase is due to a number of factors, including more than 300 reinstated members who rejoined FRA in order to participate in our Member Album/Directory project, as well as other retention initiatives by NHQ staff and branches. 
One common element of these successful efforts is that shipmates were personally asked to reinstate (or retain) their FRA membership. If we don’t ask our lapsed or about-to-lapse members to “stay FRA,” the answer is automatically “NO!” 
•	Member Album / Directory: Thousands of former shipmates (whose membership had lapsed in the last few years) received a postcard inviting them to participate in the Member Album project (highlighted in the April 2015 issue of FRA Today, page 16). When they called the toll-free number on the postcard, they were advised that they could only be included in the album if they were, indeed, FRA shipmates and were invited to rejoin our ranks. 
•	NHQ Calls Program: FRA National Headquarters (NHQ) employs a part-time employee to contact FRA Members at Large (MALs) whose memberships have lapsed. Amanda Boehm calls these former members and extends a personal invitation for them to reestablish their affiliation with our great organization. Just since January of this year, Amanda has contacted 586 former shipmates and 118 of them have returned to the fold as a direct result of these calls. That equates to a 20-percent success rate! These conversations also provide valuable feedback about the reasons shipmates had not previously renewed their membership — feedback that NHQ staff uses to improve its service to these and other shipmates. 
•	Branch Calls Program: Just as NHQ administers this and other membership functions for MALs, branches can easily employ a similar calls program for their respective members. Each branch receives a monthly report that includes a list of shipmates who are “ready to renew” and a separate list of shipmates whose memberships have expired. The list also includes phone numbers, so it’s easy to extend a personal invitation to these shipmates who are poised to walk — or have already walked — out the FRA back door. Branches who have implemented their own calls program are garnering positive results, increasing/maintaining their membership base and branch revenue, as well as learning ways to better serve their members. 
Retention efforts do not replace recruiting; they are a supplement to it. We cannot overstate the importance of finding and training our reliefs, and ensuring our organization has competent and qualified shipmates and leaders to sustain FRA for the future. Our most outstanding recruiters will be recognized at our National Convention in Spokane in October. 
During the membership year that ended on March 31, 2015, there were 35 branches (listed below) that either increased their membership or had no net loss of members. I offer hearty congratulations to the 16 percent of our branches that kept their promise to grow or sustain members. Increasing and maintaining membership is a crucial goal for the entire Association. All shipmates must keep this in mind and do their best to keep our membership growing, developing, and moving forward into the next generation.
Growing Branches for 2014–15
Branch 269 – Goose Creek, SC
Branch 024 – Annapolis, MD
Branch 094 – Corpus Christi, TX
Branch 261 – LeMoore, CA
Branch 097 – Whidbey Island, WA
Branch 090 – Clark County, NV
Branch 115 – Lehigh Valley, PA
Branch 302 – Carson, CA
Branch 226 – Staten Island, NY
Branch 105 – Owensboro, KY
Branch 059 – Cheyenne, WY
Branch 013 – Atlantic City, NJ
Branch 137 – Minden, NV
Branch 294 – Crossville, TN
Branch 254 – Myrtle Beach, SC
Branch 154 – Paguio City, PI
Branch 328 – Roseburg, OR
Branch 054 – McAlester, OK
Branch 222 – Slidell, LA
Branch 087 – Bedford, PA
Branch 301 – Greenville, NC
Branch 083 – San Narciso, PI
Branch 127 – Bicol Nabua, PI 
Branch 339 – Albany, GA
Branch 187 – Chattanooga, TN
Branch 214 – Schenectady, NY
Branch 202 – Columbia, SC
Branch 109 – Clearwater, FL
Branch 171 – Southern Luzon, PI
Branch 063 – Lewiston, ID
Branch 244 – Grand Junction, CO
Branch 021 – Fort Collins, CO
Branch 036 – Cavite City, PI
Branch 242 – Davenport, IA
Branch 111 – Batangas, PI
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Penny Collins is FRA’s Director of Membership Development and a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Md. She can be reached at penny@fra.org.

IN TRIBUTE 
SECNAV Announces Ship to be Named After the First MCPON Delbert D. Black
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Stuart B. Phillips, Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) — Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus announced that the future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer (DDG-119) will be named USS Delbert D. Black after the first master chief petty officer of the Navy (MCPON) at a ship naming ceremony held at the Navy Memorial in Washington, March 13. 
The ceremony was attended by numerous distinguished visitors, to include MCPON Black’s surviving widow, Mrs. Ima Black, as well as the current MCPON, Mike Stevens. [FRA was well represented at the ceremony by Shipmates and former MCPONs Bill Plackett and Duane Bushey, as well as National Executive Director (NED) Tom Snee.] 
As Stevens introduced SECNAV to the audience, he hinted at the name of the future ship about to be revealed to the public. 
“I think it’s safe for me to say that the ship that’s about to be named will always be manned at 100 percent in the Chief’s Mess,” said Stevens. “They won’t have trouble keeping chiefs on it, but I know they will have trouble getting chiefs to transfer off it.” 
After his introduction, SECNAV explained that the role of the office of the MCPON is to act as an advisor to the chief of naval operations and to represent Sailors and their families.
“The MCPON doesn’t just care for our Sailors and Marines though,” said Mabus. “Through partnerships with our spouse organizations, he also is the voice for the hundreds of thousands of family members. For them as well, he is an educator, a spokesperson, an advocate.” 
Mabus went on to say that in 1967, Master Chief Gunner’s Mate Delbert Black was selected to be the senior enlisted advisor of the Navy, a title later changed to master chief petty officer of the Navy. Mabus explained the significance of naming a ship after an individual, and why MCPON Black was chosen for this honor. 
“In the Navy, per traditional ship-naming convention, our destroyers are named after naval heroes,” said Mabus. “A list of his tough duty assignments may give us a small glimpse of the service Master Chief Black gave to this country, but it doesn’t even begin to cover the numerous lives he touched or personal sacrifices he made for his Sailors and our Navy. He is a true hero.” 
Mrs. Ima Black, a WWII veteran of the Navy’s Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) was greeted with applause as she addressed the audience and spoke about what the ceremony meant to her. 
“Good morning Shipmates,” she began. “It’s a beautiful day. A beautiful day to name a ship the USS Delbert D. Black. So let me tell you a little something about this wonderful Sailor that I was married to for fifty years. As has been said, he was a gunner’s mate, so that meant that he spent a lot of time at sea. He loved the sea. I often wanted to ask him, who do you love more — me or the sea?” 
She explained that upon taking the office of the MCPON, her husband started from scratch, with no real formal direction, and laid the foundation of what that office has become today. 
“At the end of four years, the office was up and running and we were ready to retire,” said Ima. “We retired in 1971, and soon we heard that there would be a ship named the USS Delbert D. Black. In my heart I knew that one day this would happen, I just didn’t know it would take so long. Thank you Mr. Secretary. And Mr. Secretary, when you go to Pascagoula, would you tell the shipbuilders to please hurry up, I’m running out of time!” 
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FEATURE— Veterans Affairs’ Voluntary Services: Serving Those Who’ve Served

Serving Veterans
Providing medical care for our nation’s veterans is no small task. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) serves 8.76 million veterans per year at more than 1700 sites of care, providing physical and mental health services “to care for him who shall have borne the battle.” 
A large component of FRA’s legislative efforts focuses on ensuring the needs of our nation’s veterans are met and that there is adequate funding to provide these necessary services. But FRA’s support of the VA doesn’t stop with our legislative advocacy. FRA shipmates are among the more than 131,000 volunteers who share their time, skills and resources through the department’s Voluntary Service programs. 
The Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) program allows the department to broaden and improve its care of veterans by utilizing volunteers to augment staff in setting such as hospital wards, VA Community Living Centers, outpatient clinics, end-of-life care and respite care programs, adaptive sports and creative arts programs, outreach centers, national cemeteries and veterans’ benefit offices. Since the program’s inception in 1946, VAVS volunteers have contributed more than 771.4 million hours of service. According to VAVS calculations, there were 131,739 volunteers in the program during FY 2014, with 76,391 active VAVS volunteers contributing a total of 11,126,202 hours. That equates to 5,918 full-time employee positions and, at an average hourly rate of $22.55, more than $250 million! VAVS volunteers and their organizations also contributed nearly $71 million in gifts and donations during FY 2014 for a total value of $325.8 million in volunteer giving! 
This is a phenomenal and very tangible contribution to our veterans, particularly in the current budget climate, but it’s about more than the monetary value of these volunteers’ efforts. It’s impossible to put a price tag on the caring and sharing these volunteers provide to veteran patients. 
“The VAVS program presents opportunities for veterans to know and believe there is a community of support behind them, in addition to the staff and medical professionals,” explains Sabrina Clark, director of Voluntary Service at the VA’s Central Office in Washington, D.C. “If I were a veteran and saw the tremendous support these volunteers contribute by donating their time, talents and resources, it would lead me to believe that my military service was valued. The VAVS program offers that opportunity to serve.”
“The VA is all about the veteran, and helping veterans helps the VA,” adds Stephanie Burns, the chief of Voluntary Service at the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center. “Much like FRA, we want to make sure veterans are taken care of. Many of our volunteers are veterans themselves, so it’s very much a veteran-serving-veteran kind of thing. Our volunteers bring a special touch to whatever they do. Even if it’s just offering a kind word or friendly smile, our volunteers have a direct impact on those we serve. When a veteran comes to one of the our awesome medical care centers, and sees it filled with smiling volunteers who are ready to assist or escort them where they need to go, it warms their hearts. They understand the volunteers aren’t paid, but are simply people who want to give back.”
VAVS Purpose/Connection with the Community
VAVS has been helping veterans and the VA since 1946 and is one of the largest volunteer programs in the federal government. VAVS administrators, like Clark and Burns, help coordinate volunteers and their efforts around the globe.
“It’s the VA’s job to touch patients in the world and our [VAVS] office exists to support those who are doing just that in VA medical and program centers. We develop policy and guidance for volunteers in the field. We work to make sure our patients’ needs are met through the involvement of volunteers, integrate the volunteers’ insights into what’s going on and find ways we can improve the experience for both patients and volunteers,” explains Clark, who has worked with the VA in a variety of capacities for the past 23 years. “Our office plays an important role as an advocate and communications conduit to increase the potential for the VAVS program to generate positive outcomes.” 
Providing that connection between the community and the VA is critical to the VAVS mission. Ensuring the flow of information goes in both directions is vital to improving VA services and facilities, making sure vets in the community know what services are available to them and how to receive them. 
“VAVS’s importance is two-fold. We are a liaison to the community,” emphasizes Burns. “We know what VA is about and we can share that with past, present and future veterans in the community. The program also helps us understand the needs of the veterans in the community and what our veterans and volunteers are thinking. We can also let the community know about the VA’s needs. Whether it’s working to improve access to care or asking a corporate entity to provide a grill for one of our facilities, the VAVS program is a two-way street when it comes to communication.”
“It’s very important for us to hear about the veterans’ needs and how they’d like to be served,” adds Clark. “We have target populations that come to us by way of family or friends or veteran service organizations (VSOs) like FRA. The volunteers are a built-in communications vehicle to share what’s going on in the VA. The volunteers also offer an opportunity for us to listen and learn from the community. We’re very open to the insights and challenges of the veteran community and those who care for vets.”
Anyone Can Volunteer
“Anyone can volunteer, but members of FRA or any VSO can become representatives or deputy representatives on their local VAVS Committee,” encourages Burns. “The VAVS committees meet quarterly and vote on things happening at the medical center. The volunteers have a voice and know that their efforts are being recognized at the local and national level. Come to one of the meeting and see what it’s all about. The meetings only take place four times a year, so it’s not too terribly time-consuming.”
But you needn’t be an FRA shipmate or a veteran to be involved. Volunteering can take many forms and a wide variety of skills and talents are welcome. To become a VAVS volunteer, you simply have to let your interest be known. 
“If an FRA member … or anyone … has a desire to volunteer or be of service, I urge them to make that desire known at a VA facility or online at www.volunteer.va.gov,” says Clark. “If you don’t want to travel, we can find opportunities for you in your home or neighborhood. Have limited time or resources to contribute? That’s fine. We can be very flexible and adaptable. We invite anyone and everyone to simply let us know what they’re looking for and we’ll customize an opportunity that allows each volunteer to use his or her gifts, skills and talents in a way that meets the needs of the veterans, the VA and the volunteer. Our goal is to keep our volunteers engaged and interested.” 
“We really try to make sure that each volunteer is matched to an assignment that suits him/her and that all our volunteers are happy in their placements,” continues Burns. “We know a happy volunteer is likely to stay with us, and is the best way to get more volunteers. Those who are interested are welcome to tour their local VA facility and try out different volunteering avenues. We spend 15 or 20 minutes interviewing each prospective volunteer and talking about the wide variety of opportunities that are available. We can be very flexible and try to find the very best placement. I encourage everyone to give it a try. Come out and see what it’s like!” 
And the volunteers benefit, too. “It feels good to know you’re doing something purposeful and we try to reinforce that by providing recognition from the VA and from others,” Burns adds. “VAVS volunteers know they have an organization looking out for them. We rally around our volunteers.” 
Ways to Help
The VAVS program offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for corporate entities, civic groups (like FRA branches and Auxiliary units), as well as individuals of all ages.
Corporate Volunteerism
The VAVS staff at local VA facilities is happy to help establish company-sponsored volunteer programs that put employees’ talents to good use “serving those who have served.” Such programs can be tailored to each company in ways that offer opportunities for individual employees or groups to use their existing skills in new ways or develop new skills. 
Student Volunteer Programs
Student volunteers are an important part of the VA medical centers’ treatment team as they support the VAVS program. The Student Volunteer Program allows young people to gain experience in a healthcare environment and explore healthcare career options that will benefit them in applying for college and jobs. Like all VAVS programs, student volunteers are selected according to the needs of the medical center, assignment preference and skills. Training is provided by Voluntary Service at each medical facility and the supervisor of the department to which volunteers are assigned. VAVS student volunteers may also qualify for the James H. Parke Memorial Youth Scholarship, which is funded in part by financial contributions from FRA and other VSOs. 
National Salute to Veterans
The week of February 14 each year provides a special opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the more than 98,000 veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for every day in VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciles and nursing homes. During the National Salute to Veterans, VA invites individuals, veterans groups, military personnel, civic organizations, businesses, schools, local media, celebrities and sports stars to participate in a variety of activities at VA medical centers. The activities and events are perfect opportunities for shipmates, FRA branches and Auxiliary units to visit hospital wards and distribute valentines and other activities that include photo opportunities; school essay contests; special recreation activities and veteran recognition programs. Selected cities also host concerts that are free to veterans and their families, and the week is a great way for the community to get acquainted with volunteer opportunities within the local VA facility. It’s not too early to start thinking of ways you can get involved next February! 
President’s United We Serve Program
VAVS has joined President Barack Obama’s United We Serve (UWS) initiative and is committed to engaging American citizens in service during the summer months to provide lasting benefits to the veterans and communities in which they live.	Various VA facilities around the country offer four volunteer programs under the UWS umbrella: 
•	Stand Down for Homeless Veterans: The VA is the only federal agency that provides substantial hands-on assistance directly to homeless persons and, although limited to veterans and their dependents, the department’s programs constitute the largest integrated network of homeless treatment and assistance services in the country. Many VA centers offer outreach and support programs that can use the assistance of volunteers. 
“Volunteers have a direct impact on veterans and our VAVS amenities, programs and events create those tangible results,” says Burns. “Our Winterhaven Homeless Stand Down is a perfect example. We open our doors on a Saturday to provide an array of services for homeless veterans. In the weeks leading up to the event, our social workers and outreach teams go to shelters, street corners and under bridges and let homeless veterans know about the event and that we want to help. We provide transportation to get these folks to our facility, where they’ll get a hot breakfast, update their VA eligibility, receive a head-to-toe health screening that includes dentistry, audiology, mental, podiatry and HIV screenings. And we don’t let them leave without offering them a hot lunch. This is the 21st year we’ve done this event in D.C., but similar events happen all over the country. 
“We also combine our efforts with community partners, including housing agencies, employers and VSOs who can help with claims processing. We have reps from the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) and National Cemetery Administration (NCA) and we’re also supported by other federal agencies and private companies,” she continued. “HUD [the Department of Housing and Urban Development] held a boot drive so we were able to give shoes to many of these vets. Zips Dry Cleaners held a clothing drive, collecting and cleaning winter coats. VAVS also enlisted the help of these volunteers and VSOs to spread the word about the coat and boot drives. We received more than $300,000 in donations and were able to help 700 veterans, all thanks to the support of volunteers. VAVS is how these events happen and the veterans feel the direct impact of these programs. We hope they will spread the word about the care they receive and encourage the community to be a part of the VA.” 
•	VA National Cemetery Volunteer: The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service to our nation. Volunteers can assist with administrative and grounds-keeping services, as well as offering military honors to fallen veterans. 
•	VA Volunteer Transportation Network: Changes in the level of funding for the Beneficiary Travel program led the VA to establish the VA Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN), which permits volunteers to provide needed transportation for veterans seeking services from a VA facility and/or authorized facility. The program allows volunteers to use a privately-owned conveyance or a government-owned vehicle, including donated vehicles, county vehicles, DAV Department (State) or Chapter (local) vehicles, public transportation and contracted transportation to get vets to their medical appointments. 
•	VA Welcome Home Celebrations: VA sponsors Welcome Home events around the country for military service members who are returning from deployments and their families, as a way to honor their service. The events are open to all veterans and are celebrations of their dedication and service to our country, usually including music, food, fun and important information that will help make each service member’s transition from active military status as seamless as possible. 
“We’d love for folks to help us spread the word about United We Serve and volunteer opportunities with VA,” adds Clark. “There’s a very useful fact sheet available online at www.volunteer.va.gov/docs/UWSFactSheet.pdf and we invite FRA Today readers to print and distribute it to their family, friends, schools, churches, FRA branches and other organizations. America’s veterans will appreciate it.”
Need for New Volunteers
The need for volunteers increases in direct proportion to the growth of our veteran population, and there are many challenges to maintaining a vibrant and able consortium of volunteers. Some challenges are universal, while others are more localized. 
Burns, who has worked at the D.C. Medical Center for the past 12 years, describes an interesting dynamic that exists at the facility. “We treat vets from the D.C. area, which includes southern Maryland and northern Virginia, so we want volunteers from the same area. D.C. is populated with a lot of workaholics and they have little free time to volunteer. Also the D.C. facility isn’t particularly accessible by public transportation and transportation presents a problem, not only for our patients, but also for our volunteers. Many folks might be willing to volunteer, but are discouraged by the prospect of driving in the metro area traffic. These workaholics also tend to retire later, so our volunteer population is aging.” 
An aging volunteer population isn’t unique to D.C., according to Clark. “The overall VAVS pool of current volunteers is aging, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Our older volunteers may move a little slower, have transportation challenges or have health concerns of their own that prevent them from volunteering as much as they’d like, so that’s a challenge,” she explains. “We work to find ways for them to volunteer from home or contribute in the best ways they are able and we’re tremendously grateful for their commitment. We really depend on these older volunteers to tell their story and help mentor and perpetuate that culture of service among younger volunteers. Many are veterans themselves and that creates a wonderful opportunity for them share and continue that rich tradition and history of service that began with their own military service. We’re very reliant on volunteers from our veteran service organizations like FRA and want to continue to build those relationships. We want to make sure they understand we value their contributions and value them as individuals.
“We are strategically and deliberately working to find new volunteers … of any age … from different walks of life and other arenas and organizations than we’ve traditionally tapped. Our VSO volunteers are so valuable and use the past to inform the next generation of volunteers as we build for the future. 
We’re also looking at a broader scope of sources, such as corporations and businesses with a service component that we haven’t traditionally tapped into,” Clark continues. 
If you’d like to learn more about VAVS opportunities, visit www.volunteer.va.gov and complete the online form. Those without Internet access can contact their local VA facility and ask to speak with someone in Voluntary Services. 
“It’s not just nice; it’s necessary.”
To advance the mission of the VAVS program, administrators like Clark are emphasizing a three-pronged strategic direction that focuses on leadership, collaboration and impact. “We obviously want effective leaders and we’re working to enable the capacity of the programs to create leaders who are as effective as possible. Secretary [Robert] McDonald recognizes the importance of community leaders and we’re looking to develop ways for us to find potential partners and for potential partners to find us,” describes Clark. “We’re also focused on working within local communities and in collaborative ways with various organizations to generate those positive outcomes I mentioned previously. It’s not just about working as a team, but making sure the need of both the veterans and volunteers are heard. We want there to be a push-pull effect in these relationships, where the community pulls information from us and also pushes us to be the best possible program. 
“It’s all about impact,” she summarizes. “We sincerely believe that everyone is capable of making an impact. Anyone who has served or wants to serve can make a difference. We’re working very intentionally to address problems that arise with volunteers and partners, so that at the end of the day we can find ways for our volunteers and the VAVS program to make a difference and talk about the impact of our efforts. We want to put a smile on veterans’ faces, but we also want to have statistics and measurable outcomes. It’s not just nice; it’s necessary.” 
“What will you do?”
In a VAVS public service announcement, award-winning actor Gary Sinese encourages citizens to play a role in honoring and supporting our veterans. Best known for his roles as Lt. Dan from the movie “Forrest Gump” and Detective Mac Taylor on CBS-TV’s “CSI: New York,” the actor works tirelessly on behalf of our active duty military and veterans, not only as a spokesman for the VAVS program, but also touring with the United Service Organizations (USO) and entertaining troops with his Lt. Dan Band. 
In the short public service video, Sinese reminds viewers that “our veterans put everything on the line to protect our freedom. We may never be able to repay them for their sacrifice, but we can show them just how much we appreciate all that they’ve done. Everyone can do something to let Veterans know how much we appreciate their service.”
At the end, he asks the ultimate question: “What will you do?”
VAVS National Committee
The VAVS program is supported by the VAVS National Advisory Committee, which is comprised of representatives of 54 major veteran, civic and service organizations, including FRA. As an associate member of the committee, FRA is a liaison between our membership and the volunteer community that serves the VA. 
“FRA involvement in the VAVS program is another avenue for veterans to help veterans,” says Chris Slawinski, FRA’s national veterans’ service director and FRA’s representative on the National VAVS Advisory Committee. “Among the 116 shipmates who volunteer at VA facilities, 29 are designated VAVS representatives and deputy representatives at 22 facilities. These ‘reps and deps’ attend quarterly meetings at their local VA facilities to set goals for the coming months and plan activities to meet those goals. By helping our fellow veterans, we also help the VA serve its patients.”

FRA Shipmates Make a Difference
Shipmate Past National President (PNP) Joe Maez and his wife, Alice, are regular volunteers at the Reno (Nevada) VA Medical Center, where they attend the Veterans’ Coffee Cart, serving veterans who stop by for a free cup of java. 
“The Coffee Cart is very popular and we have a lot of takers,” says Maez, “even some homeless vets stop by for a free cup. We serve about 30 cups during our 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. shift.”
The Maezs enjoy the opportunity to give back and are always happy to lend an ear to the veterans they serve.
“Vets like to talk and the coffee helps them open up. Vets have their own language and that common language is definitely a benefit of vets serving vets. The cart is positioned near the mental health clinic and many of those patients, in particular, really benefit from communicating with others who share the common bond of military service. They introduce themselves and you can see them get excited as they begin to share their stories. They like to talk and, more importantly, they like to be heard. It’s very rewarding.”
Maez is also a VAVS representative at the Reno Medical Center. He attends the quarterly meetings, where the committee helps set goals and plan activities. Other FRA shipmates also volunteer at the Reno facility and all have undergone the necessary screening and training to be VAVS volunteers. 
“Privacy is very important. All volunteers have to attend a class about the importance of respecting patients’ privacy regarding medical matters and compliance with HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] regulations. They have to take a TB test and some other basic medical screenings before they can interact with patients,” explains Maez. 
The screenings may also help determine what type of assignment is best suited to each volunteer. “I wanted to be a driver, but I didn’t qualify for that type of volunteer service. The VAVS staff worked with me to match my skills with their needs. They’re also good about moving people around to different volunteer tasks so they can get a feel for how they’d like to contribute.”
Maez encourages all FRA shipmates and Auxiliary members to consider VAVS as an outlet for their free time. “If you want to help veterans, this is a great way to go.”

Lauren Armstrong is the Contributing Editor and Member of the FRA Auxiliary. She can be reached at lauren@fra.org.
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In Memoriam 
CWO4 Roger E. Mitchell, 
U.S. Navy, Retired
July 4, 1942 – April 7, 2015
FRA National Vice President, 2014–2015

FRA National Vice President (NVP) Roger E. Mitchell joined the staff of the Supreme Commander on April 7, 2015. A continuous member of FRA since 1985 and a Life Member for more than 20 years, Mitchell spent 30 years in service to the Association at the local, regional and national levels. 
During his long tenure as an FRA shipmate, Mitchell served as president of Branch 188 (Tampa, Florida) and Branch 278 (Huntsville, Alabama), chaired the Southeast Region’s Legislative and Youth Activities Committees and served as a member of the region’s Financial, Membership and Public Relations Committees. He was a member of the National Future Planning Committee at the time of his demise. As a shipmate concerned about promoting the FRA, he helped organize and attended more than 50 public relations and recruiting events in the Southeast Region to raise awareness and recruit new members into the Association. In recognition of his outstanding dedication, his shipmates elected him to serve as Southeast Regional President in 2007–2008. On the national level, Mitchell chaired the National Youth Activities and Public Relations Committees, served as chairman for the 2010 National Convention in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and played a lead role in the 2012 National Convention in Reno, Nevada. At the FRA National Convention in October 2014, Mitchell was elected National Vice President of FRA. 
Mitchell joined the U.S. Navy Reserve while a junior in high school in 1959, reported to active duty in February 1961, and retired in September 1981 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Gunner). His military career included participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade, service in Vietnam and involvement in several NASA recovery missions. He served on four surface ships with almost 15 years of sea duty. Retirement from the U.S. Navy led on to a position with Sperry Corporation (which later became Lockheed Martin Corporation) as an engineer and program manager. During his free time, Shipmate Roger was an avid gun collector and enthusiast, and devoted many hours to other veterans’ organization in his community. 
Shipmate Roger was dedicated to improving the FRA and moving the Association into the future. He was actively engaged in his leadership role as National Vice President, and his presence and counsel will be sorely missed by his shipmates and friends. 
Shipmate Mitchell is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Anne Harrison Mitchell; three sons: Thomas Mitchell (and wife, Kimberly), Roger Mitchell (and wife, Shannon), William Mitchell (and wife, Katrena); one sister, Anita Grace Bills of Erie, PA; five granddaughters: Carson Leigh, Olivia, Abigail, Naomi and Kellan. He is predeceased by his brother, Dwight Lee.
FRA offers its sincere sympathies to Shipmate National Vice President Mitchell’s family and friends. 
 
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TAPS
Adams, John C, MSCS, USN	162
Anderson, Albin A, ADCR, USN	049
Ashley, Douglas, RMCS, USN	MAL

Bal, John E, ADJ-1, USN	014
Barnes, Vernie L, BMC, USN	014
Bauer, Robert H , HMC, USN	MAL
Beaty, Thomas C, GMMC, USN	MAL
Bigley, William J, MSCM, USN	091
PRPSE, Blair, B. Charles, AEC, USN	089
Bond, Robert L, AMHC, USN	MAL
Bryant, James B, GMC, USN	MAL
Burket, Allen, YNCM, USN	126
Burris, William H, ADJ1, USN	MAL

Cass, Hoyal L, TMCSS, USN	013
Caudron, James H, PO1 AE1, USN	141
Chapman, Roy, BMC, USN	MAL
Clarino, Salvatore J., CWO, USCG	MAL
Clark, Thomas E, HMC, USN	234
Clement, Willis E, BMC, USN	285
Connor, John J, EMC, USN	018
Cunniff, Thomas F, ADR1, USN	MAL
Decker, Robert D, SH1, USN	MAL

Dinquel, Jack C, FTCS, USN	221
Drane, Winford F, AEC, USN	MAL

Elcess, David C, MSCM, USN	MAL
Euperio, Pedro Q., 247

Farr, Jerome, ADRC, USN	042
Fugere, Donald, LT, USN	MAL

Gallardo, Tomas I, GYSGT, USMC	281
Ganeff, Del, AK1, USN	281
Goshen, William D, QMC, USCG	051
Grimsley, Harold F, BMCM, USN	MAL

Hallman, Ernest S, ADC, USN	MAL
Hanstine, Raymond A, ACC, USN	042
Haynes, Harold L, ADRC, USN	018
Herrera, Guadalupe, USN	022
Hewitt, Wallace A, HMCM, USN	053
Hickenbottom, Charles, RMC, USN	047
Johnson, Wayne Gary, RMCM/SS, USN	238
Jones, Marjorie K, DPC, USN	MAL
Jones, William D, LCDR, USN	MAL

Karrer, Norman H, HMCS, USN	275
Keiffer, Leo H, CDR, USN	001
Kelly, Joseph H, DCC, USN	MAL
Kiefer, Roman G, SHC E, USN	105
Kohn, George W, EM1, USN	273

Lay, David E, AECS, USN	163
Leitch, William J, PHC, USN	097

Martin, Richard W, CDR, USN	147
Massetti, Ennio, LCDR, USN	MAL
McCoy, Raymond H, LT, USN	261
McGuirk, Francis J, SKC, USN	099
Messner, Charles H, SHC, USN	086
Miles, Paul C, CWO3, USN	099
Miller, Clarence F, PO1, USN	093
Mislan, Thomas J, YNCS, USN	005
Mitchell, Leon, BTC, USN	161
NVP, Mitchell, Roger E. CWO4, USN	188
Moon, Thomas, ICC, USN	278
Mooney, Charles A., RM1, USN	170
Moss, Carroll R, DTC, USN	MAL

Naungayan, Jose P, MSC, USN	085
Nelson, Mark V, CDR, USN	280
Nerney, John, CPO, USN	MAL
Nickless, Gary R, AMHC, USN	126

Pankake, Christian R, PNCS, USN	MAL
Parker, Dorothy T, PC1, USN	022
Peery, Larry, CAPT, USN	MAL
Plott, David M, AEC, USN	070

Ratcliff, Robert G, BT1, USN	264
Rinehart, Kenneth I, CPO, USN	026
Riordan, Edward J, TMCS, USN	099
Rittweger, Nicholas S, EM2, USN	254
Robison, Charles E, RMCS, USN	008
Rogers, Jack W, YN1, USN	285

Sadro, Francis J, ACC, USN	022
Sanz, Edison J, QMC, USN	084
Schrink, John L, ADR1, USN	071
Schutte, David M., MM2, USN	162
Scouten, Merle S, BMC, USN	024
Scovern, John J, YMCS, USN	MAL
Selfridge, George D, RADM, USN	267
Shick, Richard G, BMC, USN	258
Smith, James H., AETC/CPO, USCG	293
Spahr, Charles F, ADJ2, USN	289
Spencer, Richard H, AOC, USN	011
Stoner, Oliver B, SGTMAJ, USMC	MAL
Suasa, Ernando, DKC, USN	084
Szczepanski, Kazimierz, LT, USN	156
Tolosa, Nicomedes T, DKCS, USN	120

Voeltz, Charles R, AEC, USN	136

Walker, Ronald C, EMCM, USN	289
Weed, Richard O, AC1, USN	MAL
PNC, Whitaker, Thomas A, RMCS, USN	147
Williams, Elnathan, DTC, USN	MAL
Williams, Ed L, ATC, USN	089
Williams, Carl G, ETCS, USN	126
Wilson, Frank B, ADC, USN	MAL
Wolcott, George A, AZ1, USN	091
Wright, Thomas L, BM1, USN	273

Zakutansky, Eugene, STSCS, USN	MAL
Zobb, Louis J, CWO3, USN	010

Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. Names in bold indicate Past National Officers.
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REUNIONS

Cargo Handling Battalion Six
September 11–13, 2015, Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. Contact CMC Vito Motisi, 197D Ramapo Road, Garnerville, NY 10923-1845 at 914-629-7622 or vbmotisi@yahoo.com
USS Cacapon (AO-52)
September 9–13, 2015, Kansas City, Missouri. Contact Rick Connell at 847-797-1716 or usscacapon@yahoo.com
USS Chivo (SS-341)
October 4–8, 2015, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Contact Stan Pollard, 3016 Bayberry Cove, Wooster, OH 44691, 330-749-7151 (ext. 341) or stan@gmail.com
USS Constant (MSO-427)
October 1–4, 2015, Bloomington, Minnesota. Contact Gary Larsen, 7332 Colfax Ave, So Richfield, MN, 612-861-1503 or glarsen1942@yahoo.com
USS Dale (DLG-19/CG-19) & USS Dewey (DLG-14/DDG-45)
September 13–17, 2015, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Contact Dennis W. Smith at 570-337-8025 or denwsmith@live.com
USS Diachenko (APD/LPR-123)
February 16–19, 2016, Las Vegas, Nevada. Contact Walter Defelice, 6302 Lake Athabaska Place, San Diego, CA 92119, 1-619-534-8491 or warla@att.net
USS Everett (PF-8)
June 2–4, 2015, New Orleans, Louisiana. Contact Joe Bays at 206-293-8180 or jhbays@reagan.com
USS Hanson (DD/DDR-832)
September 17–19, 2015, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Contact Roy Ridderbusch at 
425-742-6591 or rrridder@msn.com
USS Hassayampa (AO-145)
September 10–12, 2015, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Contact Norm Barron at 405-590-3717 or normanbarron145@aol.com
USS Oklahoma City Association 
(CL-91/CLG-5/CG-5/SSN-723)
September 29–October 4, 2015, Reno, Nevada. Contact John Baker at 620-399-3999.
USS Sea Cat (SS-399)
October 19–23, 2015, Mobile, Alabama. Contact Ed Hymer, 1114 Elm Ave., Norwalk, IA 50211, 515-981-3006.
USS Takelma (ATF-113)
October 15–18, 2015, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Contact Dick Schreifels, 247 14th Ave. S, S. St. Paul, MN 55075, 651-455-1876, dick_rosemary@msn.com
VF-11 Red Rippers
August 24–28, 2015, Pensacola, Florida. Contact Jeff Thompson, 319-395-0646, pjtcr325@hotmail.com
VR-21 Fleet Tactical Support Squadron
September 9–13, 2015, Portland, Oregon. Contact Bob or Bonnie Parton, 73 Marigold Dr., Bellingham, WA 98229, 360-676-1339 or 360-510-8237, bparton1@comcast.net
VS-21 (circa 1955–1973)
September 27–October 1, 2015, San Diego, California. Contact Jeff Weisel, 117 Little Oaks Rd., Encinitas, CA 92024, 760-612-4376, jsweisel@yahoo.com

Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, submit to reunions@fra.org or mail to: FRA Reunions, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.

Reunions are a Great Recruiting Opportunity!
If you’re hosting or attending a reunion, please consider how many prospective FRA members will also be there! FRA has published a prospective member brochure with an information request form and a “thank you for your service” reference card included. You can easily talk through benefits of membership with the prospect using this card and offer NewsBytes or one of the FRA guides, provided by filling out the information card. For their convenience, they can keep the list of benefits on one side and a handy list of information sources on the other. 
These work great for one-to-one conversations with someone you know is eligible for membership (at least one day of enlisted service in the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard). You can request these brochures or other items for your reunion from FRA Member Services, at 1-800-372-1924, or mmserfra@fra.org. Reunions are great places to recruit — if you’d like additional information or ideas for your reunion, please contact us!

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Looking for…
Chaplain Edward Leis
He was a Catholic priest who served as a Navy Chaplain in 1970-1980. Please contact Roger Essi, 422 Saddle Ridge Road, Fayetteville, NC 28311-1243, raessi@yahoo.com or 910-580-7800.
AMS Thomas M. Thomas
AMH Jones H. Butler
ABH Robert A. Painter
Please contact Ann Kirby, wife of AMH John P. Kirby, at kirbyannm@embarqmail.com or 352-854-1866.
HTC Stanley Fenstermacher
He served aboard USS Abnaki (ATF-96) as an HT2, 1975-1978. Last known duty station was aboard USS Fife (DD-991) as an HTC. Please contact J.J. Schmidt at P.O. Box 175, Benton, IL 62812. 
STSCM(SS) Willie B. Grover III 
He served on the USS Sam Rayburn and also as TRALANT’s Sonar Tech. Please contact STSCS(SS) George Dreyer (Ret.) at gdreyer@dmv.com
VF-11 Red Rippers
Especially those who served during the 1967 fire aboard USS Forrestal and are not on our present email list. A reunion is planned for August 24-28, 2015, in Pensacola, Florida. All Red Rippers from any era are most welcome to join our group, be added to our contact list and receive reunion and other VF-11 information. Contact Jeff Thompson at pjcr325@hotmail.com

These notices are published on a space available basis. Notices must be submitted in writing. E-mail fratoday@fra.org or mail your request to: FRA, Looking for…, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA, 22314.

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NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES

BRANCH 124 Lakehurst, NEW JERSEY
Shipmate Leon J. Phillips receives his 40-year continuous membership pin and award from PRPNE David Munday III and Branch President William R. Anthony.

BRANCH 99 Virginia Beach, VIRGINIA
Shipmate David Moser recognized outstanding active duty Sailors at a recent Sailor of the Quarter ceremony at NAS Oceana. Shown (l to r) are GM1 Marvin Ford, GM2(SW) Brittany Hailey, Shipmate Moser and MA3 Kandice Nelson. 

BRANCH 222 Slidell, LOUISIANA
Shipmate Lyle Wille (left) was recognized for 40 years of continuous FRA membership and presented with a certificate and pin by Branch President Larry Cole. Congratulations and thank you, Shipmate!

BRANCH 72 Fall River, MassACHUSSETTS
Shipmate Roger Gagnon received a 10-year continuous membership pin and certificate and also a certificate of appreciation as chairman of Youth Activities for his committee’s second place recognition in the region. The presentation was made by Branch Secretary/Treasurer Allan Given.

BRANCH 15 Walhalla, SOUTH CAROLINA
Branch President Harvey Spencer (right) presents shipmate Earl Echols (left) with his 40-year continuous membership certificate and lapel pin at a branch meeting.

BRANCH 13 Atlantic City, NEW JERSEY
Shipmates discuss the value of FRA membership on the air during the “Welcome Home Talk Show” on WIBG AM radio. Seated from left to right are Branch President Bob Campbell; Joe Griffies, host of the Welcome Home Show; Branch Vice President Al Davenport and Branch Secretary Bob Burness.

BRANCH 84 San Diego, CalifORNIA
Shipmates Ray Cordivin (60-year pin), Bernabe Racela and Rogelio Malana (40-year pins) received their awards from then-RPSW Michael Fulton, assisted by Branch President Manny Cabildo.

BRANCH 201 Austin, Texas
Branch Secretary Charley Randall was the recipient of the 2014 Robert E. Dougherty award, presented by the National Americanism-Patriotism Committee. Shown (l to r) are PRPSC Russ Miller, Randall and PRPSC Bob Holcomb.

BRANCH 89 Atlanta, GEORGIA
Wayne Barron (left) presents a check to Evanthe Papastathis, coordinator of Wreaths Across America (WAA) efforts at the national cemeteries in Marietta and Canton, Georgia. Shortly after this presentation, Branch 89 joined WAA as a fundraising partner and raised an additional $1,090 for the program. Seven Branch 89 shipmates also participated in placing the wreaths on December 13, 2014.

BRANCH 166 Virginia Beach, VIRGINIA
Branch President S.D. Martin (left) and shipmates present an electric range to Wayne Lavender and Emily Grimmer of the South Hampton Roads Habitat for Humanity. The range will be part of a home provided to a Sea Services veteran by the organization.

To submit a photo for News from the Branches, please e-mail a photo as an attachment in jpeg format to FRAToday@fra.org or mail a high-quality photograph to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted. 

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NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

Message from the East Coast Regional President

Every issue of the Triangle, FRA Today magazine and regional presidents’ newsletters that I receive has some information about membership. As East Coast Regional President for the last year and a half, I have been trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Although technically a Unit may retain its charter until its membership declines below five members, it is clear that most cease to function well even at much higher membership levels. We will all soon be getting slates together for Unit elections. This typically reveals how well the Unit is doing. Many members find that they cannot take on an officer position due to health issues. This is particularly distressing when a small cadre of “active” members has been carrying the leadership load for their organization and indicates that the Unit has probably not been functioning in a healthy manner for some time. In a small Unit this means that they will have to disband, hopefully with members transferring to another Unit rather than to the Member-At-Large list. 
Some of the Units are flourishing. I have been able to see the reasons more clearly in new Units. I found the experience of one new Unit particularly instructive and I would like to outline some of the elements that seem to contribute to their success. Their watch words appear to be Positive Attitude and Cooperation. Working together and not separately, when able, builds a unity that fosters goodwill. This Unit is supported fully by their Branch. The Unit and Branch have laid out a plan of action for the year and work together on fundraising and some projects. Both the Branch and Unit also share a philosophy of outreach to other similar community organizations and attend their fundraisers and parties. They are also very effective in recruiting qualified members from these other organizations. The principal officers of both Unit and Branch attend the area council meetings, regional mid-year meetings and regional and national conventions. This gives them a better insight into the functions of our organization and helps them to apply what they have learned to make their own meetings run smoothly. I believe the biggest factor is in mentoring. The Unit has been very open to inviting other experienced members in the region to join their meetings and share information. They have quickly learned to keep their meetings progressing in the accepted format and turn, when necessary, to more knowledgeable sources to guide problem solving. This type of reinforcement helps the learning curve and leads to implementation of new ideas. 
Units that are flourishing still have to struggle to maintain membership, but it’s important to recognize the power of purposeful Unit function and sincere fellowship. In less than a year, this Unit went from fifteen members to forty-one. This is phenomenal growth. I believe that sharing what works just may be the boost that all our Units can use to restart their own growth.

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