FRA Today – November 2016
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM THE FANTAIL
SHIPMATE FORUM
ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL
FRA’s Newest Life Members
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Looking For…
Reunions
FEATURE
TAPS
SHIPMATE NEWS
NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

COMMUNICATIONS 

Nameless Faces
This month’s feature story highlights the Marine Corps’ History Division and the role it plays in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Corps. In the service’s 241-year history, no image has resonated more than the Pulitzer Prize-winning photo of the flag being raised over Mount Suribachi. During my interview with Dr. Charles Neimeyer, director of the USMC History Division, much of the conversation centered on the recent efforts to correctly identify the six men portrayed in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic image. None of their faces are visible in the famous photo, which was part of what makes it so compelling. Though none of the men sought acclaim or credit, they were young men who had human fears, pride in their service and a powerful commitment to their nation. They each had loved ones back home. They each had a unique background and very personal history, but are only known to most of the world as the Marines who raised the flag. 
Accurately determining the names of those famous Marines took decades and it all came to light because of the persistence of two amateur historians. A great story appeared in the Omaha World Herald in 2014 that outlined their journey to the truth, which is available at dataomaha.com/media/news/2014/iwo-jima/.
Those six Marines aren’t the only faces to appear in print without proper identification. The photo of a nameless veteran appeared on page 12 in the September issue of FRA Today. It was a stock photo, purchased by FRA to highlight the article about homelessness among military veterans. Since it appeared, I’ve come to learn that this veteran does, indeed, have a name and a history. 
His brother, Shipmate Ralph Stephens (Branch 166, Virginia Beach, Virginia), let me know that the photo was of AM3 Gary D. Stephens (right). Gary served in the Navy (1960–1964) and passed away 16 years ago. I don’t know more than that about Gary, but the photo alone seems to indicate that he’d faced some personal challenges following his military service. 
These two instances have reminded me how easy it is to take people at face value. We often make assumptions about the people we see in the media and in our everyday life. Whether we’re drawing conclusions about political candidates, envying one of the rich and famous celebrities we see on the cover of a magazine, or avoiding someone on the street because they don’t look like us — we all make assumptions about others. I’m making a pledge to look more closely at those faces, nameless or well-known, and remind myself they are living, breathing human beings with families and feelings and challenges, just like the rest of us. 

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 

Senior Enlisted Leadership of the 21st Century
“A Chief is a mentor, advocate and always a receptive listener.”
It has been a number of years since many experienced the “initiation rituals” bestowed upon many of us old salts as we climbed the ladder to become Chief Petty Officers (CPOs). During those years, the selection process has evolved and today’s Chief Petty Officers in the Navy and Coast Guard must demonstrate leadership, especially in community involvement, educational pursuits, in- and out-of-rating knowledge, damage control proficiencies and non-traditional leadership assignments. Today’s CPO training, while not the sole measure of the perfect leader, is creating solid enlisted leaders and providing a greater value for our military services. Consider the following timeline as the senior enlisted leadership ranks have developed over the years.
According to the Coast Guard’s Chief Petty Officer Academy website (https://www.uscg.mil/cpoacademy/History/cpoahistory.asp), the enlisted workforce received virtually no standards of leadership and management training prior the 1950’s. “World events and technological progress forced changes in the Nation’s conventional thinking and political strategies. The end of the Second World War brought significant budget and manpower cuts without subsequent reductions in global threats. Both the Asian and European Theater remained active in the face of Communism’s global spread while both continents relied upon the economic stability of the United States. Responsibility for leadership and knowledge of sensitive information expanded from the officer corps into the enlisted workforce as result of global operational theaters, advanced technology, and smaller fighting forces.
“Along with the spread of communism, significant retention issues plagued the military in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Increased technical responsibility and an advancement system with a plateau at E-7 caused significant problems in electronic, mechanical, aviation, and rocket technology fields as E-7’s supervised E-7’s. Facing the inability to advance or increase their quality of life, many enlisted members sought opportunity in a growing national economy. Public Law 85-422 was enacted May 20th, 1958 creating the E-8 and E-9 pay grades specifically to combat this trend. Each branch of the service was left to develop and train the new roles as they are not described within the law.”
Today, the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard have their own respective senior enlisted leadership training. That training pipeline is intended to greatly expand the future roles, training, education, and managerial duties of the E-7, E-8, and E-9 communities. 
Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson recently stated that more than 50 percent of today’s senior enlisted hold a Master’s degree. The enlisted personnel being recruited today are older and are more educated than those who came before. These collegiate specialties are particularly noticed in the disciplines where leadership and technological applications are required.
The Senior Enlisted Academy’s (SEA) mission is to train and prepare senior enlisted leaders. For the past 35 years, SEA has created a stronger professional network and fostered a greater sense of responsibility among its graduates. Its motto says it all: “Leadership, Excellence and Success through Knowledge.” 
The SEA’s success will be measured by the quality of its graduates from all of the services, as well as international students who attend as part of exchange programs with other nations. CNO Richardson recently stated that other nations’ senior Navy leaders are envious of the quality of leadership and training the United States provides its senior enlisted communities.
I believe senior enlisted leaders in the 21st century must embrace a philosophy of collaboration with their brother and sister leaders in all branches of service. Leadership is not a science, but rather a behavior to model in the service to others. Its consequences, whether positive or negative, will depend upon its execution to benefit others. 

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

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SHIPMATE FORUM 

Aerographers Mates Memories
I was an enlisted AG/commissioned officer, who served more than 40 years. I know that you had more material than could be used, but it would have been nice, for history’s sake, to have had a short paragraph on the Aerologists/Aerographer Mate’s that made a difference in WWII.
My first LPO AGC John P. Bleclic, USN (Ret.), now 95 years old and living with his daughter in Virginia, was one of the early “wanderers of the Gobi.” I served in USS Glacier (AGB-4) with him in 1959-62, making three trips to the Antarctic, where a mountain range is named after him. 

Thank you for telling our story.
Chuck White 
Is FRA Truly Democratic
In your “Convention 101” article (October 2016 FRA Today), you say that “FRA is one of the most democratic organizations.” I’m not sure that is a true statement. As a long-time member and retired Navy chief petty officer, I cannot be a “delegate” because I am not in an FRA branch. I’m just a Member at Large (MAL). 
I don’t understand why being an MAL causes me to be less of a member than one who belongs to a branch. It sounds as if my personal choice to be an MAL makes me a lesser member. 
I treasure your magazine, but if you want me to be more supportive of your ideas, I won’t recommend changes because you’ve already classified me as a non-entity. You should change your comments on “democracy” and rules on being a “delegate” to conform to your actual practices. Shame on you.
Ed M.
FRA Response: Thanks, Shipmate. You make an excellent point and I suspect your comments reflect the sentiments of many MALs. There have been discussions about allowing MALs a stronger voice in the Association, but there have been no resolutions to make that change in FRA’s Constitution. Hopefully, your comment here will advance that conversation. 
SBP/DIC Offset
Is there any effort being made to eliminate the SBP/DIC offset for Veteran’s survivors? We finally received the concurrent receipt of Retired Pay and VA Disability Pay for retirees, but what about our spouses? It doesn’t seem to make any sense to not have the same benefit applied to surviving spouses.
Thank you for your outstanding work on behalf of our Shipmates, Retirees, Veterans and spouses.
Clair Sheffield
FRA Response: FRA has long sought the elimination of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) offset for widows and widowers of service members (H.R. 1594/S. 979). This offset, also known as the “widow’s tax,” impacts approximately 63,000 widows and widowers of our Armed Forces. FRA strongly believes these survivors should receive both SBP and DIC benefits without the current dollar-for-dollar offset. 
Currently this offset is more than $1,200 a month for many survivors. 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. In 2008, Congress enacted the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA), which increased gradually and now pays approximately 25 percent ($310) of the offset. Unfortunately the legislation that authorizes the SSIA benefit expires on October 1, 2017. FRA supports extending the SSIA and continued increases to help our widows and widowers. The House version of the FY 2017 Defense Authorization Bill (HR 4909) extends the SSIA for one-year and the Senate version (S. 2943) makes SSIA payment permanent. 
FRA Disaster Relief Fund
I have received Disaster Relief for the recent flooding in Baton Rouge, La., and wish to thank everyone involved with the distribution of the checks. I truly understand the meaning of Loyalty, Protection and Service. 
Leon Perkins 
FRA Response: The FRA Disaster Relief Fund is designed to assist shipmates who, like you, find themselves in challenging situations. Please see page 14 to learn more about FRA’s support of shipmates in need. 

Submissions Send Shipmate Forum letters to Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. Alexandria, Virginia 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

Congress Back to Work on NDAA and Budget
As you receive this issue of FRA Today, Congress will be returning to the Capitol following the 2016 elections to hopefully complete work on the FY 2017 budget and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The House passed its version of the NDAA (H.R. 4909) on May 26, and the Senate passed its version of the NDAA (S. 2943) on July 14. A conference committee was appointed to resolve the differences between the two bills. Key committee members, the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees recently had a “closed door” meeting to resolve the two versions. The “Big Four” are Chairmen Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) and Rep. Mac Thornberry (Texas) and Ranking Members Sen. Jack Reed (Rhode Island) and Rep. Adam Smith (Washington). None of the legislators provided any specifics about discussions, but Senator McCain stated, “Obviously money is one of the issues.” 
It is unclear how much progress is being made in agreeing to provisions of a final Defense Authorization bill. What is clear, current and former service members have much to lose if the final NDAA is approved by the House and Senate and signed into law by President Obama. Efforts to have a final vote on the FY 2017 Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 4909/S. 2943) before October 1 have failed. It now appears that the NDAA final vote will also occur during a “lame-duck” session in November following the election. FRA members have been asked to communicate with their legislators through the FRA Action Center and urge them to do all they can to ensure the following proposals are eliminated in the final bill:

•	Drastically higher health care fee increases;
•	Sharp cuts to housing allowances (BAH) cuts that would cost many $10,000-$20,000 per year or more;
•	A fourth consecutive year of limiting military pay raises below the average civilian pay increase; and
•	Significant cuts to active duty end strength. 

FRA members and FRA staff have reminded legislators and their staff that similar personnel and benefit cuts in the 1970s and 1990s caused retention problems. We should not make the same mistake again. It may not be too late to use the Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to weigh in on these issues. 

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Active Duty Issues
Pentagon to Remember the September 11th Attacks
The 15th anniversary of the world’s deadliest terror attack was recently remembered during special services and events in New York City and throughout the U.S. President Obama spoke at a Pentagon ceremony. Defense Secretary Ash Carter and General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, attended the event.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in New York City, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon during terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaida, a Muslim militant group founded by Osama bin Laden. One hundred and eighty-four people perished at the Pentagon when an American Airlines jetliner slammed into the five-sided building in Arlington, Virginia. Bin Laden was later killed by U.S. military forces in Pakistan during a May 2011 raid authorized by President Obama.
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Continuing Resolution Passes
The new fiscal year begins October 1st, yet Congress has not completed work on any of the 12 Appropriations (spending) bills for FY 2017. With 3 days remaining before a government shutdown, Senate Democrats were joined by a few Senate Republicans and defeated a Continuing Resolution (CR)—a temporary spending measure that would keep the government operating until December 9, 2016. The following day the House and Senate finally passed a 10-week CR (H.R. 5325) to fund the government through December 9, 2016 and avoid a partial government shutdown. President Obama quickly signed the legislation into law, which includes $1.1 billion to respond to the Zika virus. The CR contains the full-year Military Construction/Veterans Affairs (MilCon/VA) spending bill, and $500 million in flood relief for Louisiana and other affected states. Funding for the Flint, Michigan water crisis will be included in a bill to be passed during a “lame-duck” November session. Only 4 of the past 42 fiscal years has Congress passed spending bills without the need of a CR.
Congress will pass an omnibus spending bill for the other 11 appropriations bills, in a “lame-duck” session following the November election.
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Veterans/Retiree Issues
FRA Meets with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi
National Executive Director (NED) Thomas J. Snee along with representatives from other military and veteran service organizations (VSO) met with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (California) to voice and support the Commission on (veterans) Care’s recommendations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare. The House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees (see page ??) recently held separate hearings on the Commission’s final report.
In addition NED Snee urged Leader Pelosi to support the “Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act” (H.R. 969/S. 681) that 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. The House bill was introduced with 131 original co-sponsors, and now has 335, which is more co-sponsors than any other bill currently in Congress. A similar provision has already passed the House as an amendment to the MilCon/VA Appropriations (H.R. 4974).
NED Snee said “Congress should recognize ‘Blue Water’ veterans who served off the coast of Vietnam were exposed to Agent Orange.” The legislation authorizes presumptive status for VA disability claims associated with exposure for this group of veterans. These veterans are an aging segment of the population and we must ensure that they are able to receive the full proper care and benefits now, to continue and make, a major difference in their quality of life in their remaining years. 
Other legislators in attendance include Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), Tim Walz (Minn.), Beto O’Rourke (Texas) Seth Moulton (Massachusetts), Mark Tanako (California), and Dina Titus (Nevada).
Members can weigh in on the Agent Orange Blue Water Navy issue as well as other veteran’s issues through the FRA Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center/).
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Sense of Congress on Agent Orange/Blue Water Navy Issue Introduced
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (New York) and Senator Chuck Grassley (Iowa) have introduced a non-binding Sense of Congress (H. Con. Res. 161 and S. Con. Res. 51 respectively) expressing support for those who served in the bays, harbors, and territorial seas of the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. Service members should be presumed to have been exposed to the toxin Agent Orange and should be eligible for all related Federal benefits that come with such presumption under the Agent Orange Act of 1991. 
These non-binding measures, if passed, would show Congressional support for the Blue Water Navy veterans and hopefully, will convince the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide this presumption by regulation.
Military Construction and Department of Veterans Affairs (MilCon/VA) appropriations bill (H.R. 4974) that passed the House included an FRA-supported amendment to extend presumptive service-connection for conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure to Blue Water Navy Vietnam veterans. This provision was later dropped from the legislation.
FRA is also still supporting the “Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act” (H.R. 969/ S. 961) sponsored by Congressman Chris Gibson (N.Y.) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.) respectively. The House bill has 335 co-sponsors, more than any other bill currently in the House.
Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to weigh in on House and Senate Sense of Congress (H. Con. Res. 161 and S. Con. Res. 51) and pending legislation (S. 681/H.R. 969). 
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USFSPA Legislative Update
One of the thornier issues FRA has supported is reform of the Uniform Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA). The Act was intended to offer some financial protection to certain former spouses of service members. It allows states to divide military disposable retired pay as marital property upon divorce. USFSPA allows some former spouses (through a court order) to be awarded a share of military retired pay, either from the member or by direct payment from DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service). In some cases spouses obtain medical care and certain other benefits. The Act was passed in 1983 and there have been no significant changes enacted. This year the House and Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA-H.R. 4909/S. 2943) both contain identical provisions that reform USFSPA by requiring former spouse awards to be based upon member’s grade/years of service at the time of divorce (not retirement). The provision only applies to future divorces.
FRA wants to further prohibit state courts from issuing orders to make retired pay available for a former spouse before the service member retires, as well as supports the publication of a handbook and website to enhance understanding of USFSPA.
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SVAC and HVAC Reviews Final Report of Commission on Care
The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) and the House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) held separate hearings to discuss the Commission on Care’s recommendations for improving how the VA provides healthcare to veterans. The Commission released its final report this past June 2016, with 12 of 15 commissioners endorsing the report’s 18 recommendations. The Commission is a bipartisan and independent commission charged with evaluating the entire Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system and offering recommendations for improving it. Following the VA’s delays in care crisis, which HVAC helped expose in 2014, the agency has endured a number of additional healthcare-related setbacks. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) placed VA healthcare on its “High Risk List” in 2015, and an independent review to fix the department’s problems would require “no less than a system-wide reworking” of the Veterans Health Administration.
The hearings allowed Senators and Representatives to directly hear from the commission’s chair and vice chair about the report and its recommendations for improving veterans’ access and quality of care. VA Secretary, Robert McDonald, testified at the SVAC hearing and expressed overall support with the final report. He believes the Commission recommendations suggest “Validation of the course we have been on.” FRA welcomes the Commission’s final report as a starting point for the President, Congress, the VA, and other veterans organizations to all work together to improve VA health care delivery. 
For additional information on these hearings Shipmates can go to the September 8, 2016 issue of Military Update (Column 37-16) located on the FRA website (www.fra.org). 
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75th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor
December 7th, 2016, marks the 75th year since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor — an attack designed to disable the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The impact was indeed profound, but certainly not disabling. In fact, the “sleeping giant” was awakened and the United States of America went to war! December 7 was, indeed, a day of “infamy.” Centered around National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, there is a series of historic events taking place with theme to “Honor the Past. Inspire the Future.” The “Greatest Generation” will be honored and celebrated. The youth of our country will march and pay tribute to the fallen and the survivors. 
For a complete list of Pearl Harbor events, visit http://pearlharbor75thanniversary.com/home/
Or consider remembering December 7th in your own way in your own community. Please share photos of your remembrance with FRA Today. 
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House Passes Reform Bills
Three FRA-supported bills passed the House, two by voice vote and the third by roll call vote (357-0). The “Vet Connect Act” (H.R. 5162) authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to disclose medical records to non-VA healthcare providers. This would provide more open communication between two or more doctors providing care for the same service member. 
The “Veterans Emergency Treatment Act” (H.R. 3216) would require that a veteran requesting medical treatment at an emergency room of a VA medical facility receives a medical screening to determine if an emergency medical condition exists. This would ensure the veteran receives prompt care. Lastly, the “No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered” (H.R. 5392) directing the VA to develop a plan to ensure each telephone call, text message or any other form of communication that is received by the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) is answered in a timely manner. A study this past May shows approximately 35 percent of VCL calls were diverted to back up centers, which are staffed by personnel who are typically less experienced dealing with Veteran issues. All three bills will now make their way to the Senate for further consideration. 
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VA Homeless Vets Update
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently awarded approximately $300 million more in grants under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). The funding helps thousands of very low-income veteran families across the nation who are permanently housed or transitioning to permanent housing. The SSVF grant program provides access to crucial services that help prevent homelessness for Veterans and their families. 
SSVF funding has been awarded to 275 non-profit organizations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The funding supports outreach, case management and other flexible assistance for veterans. These grants are key elements of the VA’s implementation of the Housing First Strategy that enables vulnerable veterans to secure or remain in permanent housing. A list of SSVF grantees is located at: www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp. 
“Since 2010, the Housing First Strategy has helped cut veteran homelessness nearly in half,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “Housing First is why 360,000 Veterans and family members have been housed, rehoused or prevented from falling into homelessness over the last five years. SSVF helps homeless veterans quickly find stable housing and access the supportive services they and their families need.”
In fiscal year (FY) 2015, SSVF served more than 157,000 participants and is on track to exceed that number for FY 2016. As a result of these and other efforts, veteran homelessness is down 47 percent since the launch of the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in 2010. Also, since 2010 more than 360,000 veterans and their family members have been permanently housed, rapidly re-housed, or prevented from falling into homelessness by VA’s programs and targeted housing vouchers provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 
In 2010, the VA established a goal of eliminating veteran homelessness by 2015. The data shows a 17 percent decrease in veteran homelessness between January 2015 and January 2016 and a 47 percent decrease since 2010. HUD and VA have a wide range of programs that prevent and end homelessness among veterans, including healthcare, housing solutions, job training and education. In FY 2015, these programs helped 99,000 veterans. For more information on VA veterans homelessness programs go to: www.va.gov/homeless/
For more information about the SSVF program, visit: www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp

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House Passes Veterans Legislation
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently awarded approximately $300 million more in grants under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). The funding helps thousands of very low-income veteran families across the nation who are permanently housed or transitioning to permanent housing. The SSVF grant program provides access to crucial services that help prevent homelessness for Veterans and their families. 
SSVF funding has been awarded to 275 non-profit organizations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The funding supports outreach, case management and other flexible assistance for veterans. These grants are key elements of the VA’s implementation of the Housing First Strategy that enables vulnerable veterans to secure or remain in permanent housing. A list of SSVF grantees is located at: www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp. 
“Since 2010, the Housing First Strategy has helped cut veteran homelessness nearly in half,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “Housing First is why 360,000 Veterans and family members have been housed, rehoused or prevented from falling into homelessness over the last five years. SSVF helps homeless veterans quickly find stable housing and access the supportive services they and their families need.”
In fiscal year (FY) 2015, SSVF served more than 157,000 participants and is on track to exceed that number for FY 2016. As a result of these and other efforts, veteran homelessness is down 47 percent since the launch of the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in 2010. Also, since 2010 more than 360,000 veterans and their family members have been permanently housed, rapidly re-housed, or prevented from falling into homelessness by VA’s programs and targeted housing vouchers provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 
In 2010, the VA established a goal of eliminating veteran homelessness by 2015. The data shows a 17 percent decrease in veteran homelessness between January 2015 and January 2016 and a 47 percent decrease since 2010. HUD and VA have a wide range of programs that prevent and end homelessness among veterans, including healthcare, housing solutions, job training and education. In FY 2015, these programs helped 99,000 veterans. For more information on VA veterans homelessness programs go to: www.va.gov/homeless/
For more information about the SSVF program, visit: www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp

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.

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FRA’s Newest Life Members 
FRA congratulates the following shipmates who have become Life Members during the third quarter of 2016. The listing also includes their branch number or their designation as a Member-at-Large (MAL). Call 1-800-FRA-1924 to learn how you can become a Life Member of FRA.

July
Roosevelt Collins	MAL
Richard Greene	MAL
Joseph F. Maline	183
Paul R. Stalnaker	281
Seybourn E. Hopper, Jr.	112
David Karl Melges	038
Duncan Paul Disharoon	093
William E. Dicus	MAL
Charles L. Murphy	029
Charles E. Hudson	MAL
Tobias L. Vanesselstyn	024
Charles Glaser	MAL
John C. Adams	MAL
William P. Fitzpatrick	MAL
Donald Burris	MAL
Michael Martus	024
Bryan Mckernan	024
James C. Holmes	269
Robert F. Ducharme	212
David E. Booth	161
Vincent Wirkman	MAL
Michael K. Hoeth	053
Sebastian Riccobono	014
Robert B. Bennett	046
Jerome M. Rolfson	136
Terry D. Scott	MAL
Edward A. Grunwald	024
Dennis M. Murphy	276
Dominic B. Osboro	154
Casey T. Batorne	154
Robert K. Rhodes	022
Albert R. Burchi	161
Samuel E. Teleshuk	040
Leo D. Esposito	MAL
Howard J. Beckett	024
Hugh D. Rowe	024
James P. Dolge	367
John D. Lookabill	269
Carl G. Hare	060
Arthur A. Delao	175
Freddie D. Goddard, Jr.	210
Angel Otero	136
Nancy Franklin	024

August
Melchor V. Garza	060
Arthur Clapsaddle	MAL
Aaron A. Turner, Jr.	047
JERRY L. HOESE	MAL
William J. Kowall	261
Alan W. Gilbreath	094
Jeffrey K. Hatcliff	049
John M. Niland	269
Gerald D. Davis	MAL
Hans Putz	MAL
Arthur C. Ellison	038
James C. Janney	289
Lewis W. Strause, II	014
Paul J. Thonis	MAL
John T. Jones	382
Cynthia L. Jones	382
Victor R. Billings	MAL
James Webb Sampson	008
Frank M. Clark	275
Monte R. Briggs	092
James G. Stalnaker	281
David M. Edwards, Sr.	315
Earnest Beaty	187
Jamie D. Sauvageau	MAL
Elton F. Hazen	MAL
Richard W. Ronnow	MAL
Ezekiel D. Brown	147
Ray A. Borchert	014
Gerald L. Farr	269
Randolph V. Turner	269
Steven Dawes	MAL
Margaret M. Palmer	046
Michael B. Cole	245
Avelino R. Aquisap	154
Russell G. Slez	MAL
John W. Cormier	MAL
Benjamin C. Anderson	008
Richard B. Cushing	117
James A. Franklin	MAL
John Ray Kenney	024
William Neal Liebman	MAL
Harry B. Purden	MAL
Mark Francis Dwyer	276
Eduardo G. Monteclaro	064
Hans E. Hannus	MAL
Perry Southall Benson	MAL
Robert H. Champion	MAL
Earnest M. Hall	202
Miguel Rodriguez	046

September
Angel G. Luna	261
Henry W. Hansen Jr.	130
Norman L. Whinery	162
Orlando G. Esteban	154
Daniel A. Dicillo	MAL
Howard B. Miles	269
John L. Hall	166
Timothy Leitzell	MAL
Cecil T. Edwards	161
Gregory J. Deweerd	298
Scott R. Blatt	MAL
Terrance M. Roughton	046
Ronald D. McKinnon	093
Ramon M. Monsale	064
Martha J. Huff	175
William E. Cassin	098
Dominador Yalung	MAL
Robert P. Lombard	MAL
Ricardo B. Cayabyab	084
Mack J. Seitz	101
Raymond C. Walker	188
Charles A. Smith	099
Steven L. Cleland	MAL
Frank W. Leuschen Jr, Jr.	238
Charles W. Hodge	070
Johnny C. McElfresh	MAL
Michael L. Hubbard	020
Alan R. Walsh	MAL
William S. Grant	099
Adam Winovitch	175
Joseph E. Sullenger	161
Richard D. Nall	126
John C. Darneille	MAL
William F. Martin, II	269
Steve Scudder	029

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS 
Disaster Relief Support
Recently the country experienced some terrific storms with tremendous amounts of rain and flooding. Some of our shipmates across the country sustained damage to their homes and personal property. FRA shipmates are eligible for Disaster Relief Support upon request. Here are highlights of the program and some examples of assistance.
FRA’s Disaster Relief Program was established to provide financial aid to members, widows of deceased members, and/or immediate families who have been stricken by a disaster. A disaster is defined as a single sudden physical event of a catastrophic nature such as floods, fires, typhoons, hurricanes, windstorms or earthquakes, which cause severe damage to property. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina was categorized as one of the most horrific storms that ravaged the south of the United States. Many shipmates had devastating losses of property and personal belongings. They applied for and were approved to receive financial assistance through the Program. 
Fast forward to August 2016 and an identical storm hit the Baton Rouge, LA area. Between 25 to 30 inches of rain fell over a period of three days. In Lafayette, LA, where several members of Branch 371 reside, more than 15 to 20 inches of rain flooded the area. Flash flooding inundated several FRA shipmates’ homes. Both the Amite and Comite Rivers rose to a new record high of over 4.5 feet, which destroyed tens of thousands more homes. Many of them were not located in flood zones. The Federal government estimated more than 160,000 properties were affected by this massive surge of water. 
In an effort to locate FRA members affected by this devastating flooding, Shipmate David Thompson, Regional Vice President for the South Central Region and President, Branch 371, in Baton Rouge set out on a mission along with other FRA leaders to survey the area and find shipmates who had damaged property. Using maps of flooded areas, the team established a list of 50 names. They tried every means necessary to contact the members but with phones out and property uninhabitable, it was an enormous job to locate everyone. The team had to drive through streets crowded with mountains of flood debris to check on each house for approximately 40 shipmates, including some members who lived more than 120 miles away. A total of twelve members were assessed to have suffered significant damage to their homes and personal property. Each shipmate applied for a grant from the Disaster Relief Fund and received assistance with clean up and temporary living arrangements. Collectively they received grants totaling $19,500. 
The Disaster Relief program falls under the administration of the Regional Presidents who appoint a Regional Chairman, Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation. The Chairman will investigate each request for a grant, including Members-at Large residing in the region. Based upon the Chairman’s recommendation to the Regional President, the final approval is authorized by the FRA National President and then processed by the Finance Officer. 
Funding for the Disaster Relief Program is derived from several sources, including but not limited to branch and personal donations from members of the association as well as donations from the general public.
If you would like to make a donation to FRA’s Disaster Relief Program, go to the website: www.fra.org and click on DONATE. Select the “Disaster Program” and designate the amount of your contribution. You can also contact FRA National Office on 1-800-372-1924 x1 and speak to a Member Services Representative to make  your contribution or mail your donation by check made payable to FRA, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. 
An integral aspect of membership is camaraderie and commitment to the care and attention to those in need. The FRA has a strong sense of service to others.

Penny Collins is FRA’s Director of Membership Development and a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Maryland. She can be reached at penny@fra.org.

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Looking For…

Hal Travers
He was a Navy photographer who served with me on USS Randolph (CVS-15). Please contact PHCM Bob Adams (Ret.) at 417-634-3391 or 417-693-2123. 

CDR Joseph Green, SC, USN
Last known duty station was as a SUBSAT Division Officer at TRIDENT Refit Facility, Navy Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Georgia, in 2001. Please contact CPO Rodney D Chapman (Ret.) at dublin98@bellsouth.net

All Looking For … notices must be submitted in writing. Members can submit requests via email to Lauren@fra.org or in writing to FRA Looking For, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Questions regarding Looking For… submissions should be directed to 1-800-FRA-1924, ext. 126.

Reunions

USS Duluth (LPD-6)
September 6 –10, 2017, Duluth, Minn. Contact John Adams, 924 Creekside Dr., Brookhaven, Pennsylvania 19015, 484-766-3715 or john.adams@ussduluth.org

USS Tattnall (DDG-19)
September 17– 22, 2017, New Orleans, Louisiana., Contact Dick Harmon, 386-235-8723 or dharmonlpga1@aol.com

USS Harry E. Yarnell (DLG/CLG-17)
November 3 – 6, 2016, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Contact Glen Hunsberger at Hunsberger@yahoo.com

All reunion notices must be submitted in writing. Members are authorized one free reunion posting/year and can post reunions online at www.fra.org, submit via email to VictoriaD@fra.org or in writing to FRA Reunions, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Please include your FRA member number and a daytime phone number. Questions regarding reunion submissions should be directed to 1-800-FRA-1924, ext. 124.

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. You can easily talk through benefits of membership with the prospect using this brochure and offer NewsBytes or one of the FRA guides, provided by filling out the information card. 
These work great for one-to-one conversations with someone who 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 Penny Collins at 1-800-372-1924 (ext. 123) or penny@fra.org. Reunions are great places to recruit. If you’d like additional information or ideas for your reunion, please contact Penny!

FEATURE

Learning from the Past
John W. Gardner, who served as Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under President Lyndon Johnson, once said, “History never looks like history when you are living through it.” That’s particularly true of military history. A single battle can turn the tide of war or a seemingly simple event can resonate with the entire world, but the long-term impact is rarely known immediately. 
Perhaps no other service embraces its history and heritage like the United States Marine Corps. From the Corps’ establishment as the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775, to today’s Marines who are at the tip of the spear, the Marine Corps’ rich heritage has been, and continues to be, carried by every Marine who ever wore the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. 
FRA Today recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Charles P. Neimeyer, the director of the Marine Corps’ History Division, and he shared his perspective on the importance of history in determining the future of our nation’s fighting force. In his conversation, he emphasized that documenting USMC history isn’t just about preserving photos and documents; it’s also about using the past as a roadmap for charting the future. 
FRA Today: Marine Corps history is part of the service ethos and is a big part of what creates ownership in the service. How does history impact today’s Marines?
Dr. Neimeyer: You can ask any Marine … ANY Marine … and he or she knows the Marine Corps’ birthdate. I don’t think you can say that about the other services. Our traditions and heritage inform young Marines on our culture and that begins in recruit training. They are taught from day one that they are not only representing today’s Marine Corps; they are also representing those Marines who came before them. Every Marine has this looming historical perspective looking over his shoulder, saying, “Don’t let me down. Those before you didn’t.”
Every Marine is a Marine first and then identifies with his or her MOS [Military Occupational Specialty]. There’s a saying that every Marine is a rifleman. It’s your job to be a Marine first and then exercise whatever other special skills you might have. Every Marine is ready to be back in the infantry if needed. This connection to our roots helps bind all Marines to one another and to those who came before. 
FRA Today: Why is it important to document USMC history? 
Dr. Neimeyer: Of all the services, the Marine Corps emphasizes its history and heritage the most. Doing so allows us to assess the lessons learned and we sometimes use history to formulate plans for the future. For example, during the Anbar Awakening in the Iraq War, we looked at the Combined Action Platoon (CAP) initiative from the Vietnam era. It’s a program where Marines worked with indigenous personnel to provide security. Many elements of the CAP were used in Iraq. 
There’s something to be learned from each [episode of history]. Capturing history tells us what we did and why we did it. It’s helpful to capture the lessons from the past. 

FRA Today: How do you determine what’s historically significant? 
Dr. Neimeyer: You can’t always tell immediately what will be historically significant. That usually comes to light later, when other evidence is collected and the long-term impact of the action is clearer. 
For example, the Iwo Jima flag-raising was really a sidebar to the real story [of securing the militarily significant island]. Often these sorts of events happen early and there’s usually a lot of combat to come. We try to collect as much as possible so we have as much material on hand as possible when we write the collective history later on. We won’t know how critical a component is until later when history reveals itself. 
Essentially each unit records its own history. Every unit submits a command chronology of its activities and these reports are kept in our archives. Operations in combat zones are reported every 30 days and non-combat activity is reported every six months. We also gather oral histories from a cross-section of key personnel in the unit, from both officers and enlisted personnel. We keep all this documentation on file and combine it into what becomes the official record. It gets published as a definitive history of the Marines’ activity. When it’s finished, the cover has an Eagle, Globe and Anchor on the front and I always say that emblem on the front means it’s accurate.
FRA Today: How do you handle Corps events that aren’t particularly positive? How are those documented in the history books?
Dr. Neimeyer: Even unpleasant or unfavorable events are documented in the command chronology. Not every detail of every investigation gets included, but we certainly don’t shy away from unfavorable events.
And like all historical events, we try to learn from them, like the Ribbon Creek incident at Parris Island. [In April of 1956,] several Parris Island recruits drowned when they were improperly supervised during their training. It’s important to remember there wasn’t a lot of recorded detail at the time of the tragic event. We didn’t hide it and much of what we learned came after the fact, when context and details could be assessed. 
FRA Today: What do you find most enjoyable about your position as director of the Marine Corps’ History Division? 
Dr. Neimeyer: I enjoy the research and revealing new information that needed to come to light; finding things that change the story. The recent development in the Iwo Jima flag-raiser story is a prime example. 
We’ve recently learned that one of the men in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic image of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi had been misidentified. The man believed to be Navy Corpsman John Bradley was really another previously identified flag raiser, PFC Franklin Sousley. The person previously believed to have been Franklin Sousley in the Rosenthal photo turned out to be a heretofore unknown Marine, PFC Harold Schultz. 
As you may know, there were two flags raised over Mount Suribachi. Everyone who witnessed the first flag-raising has a very clear memory of it. It was 1030 local time, the Marines had taken the mountain, there were horns blowing and people cheering. The idea was that the second, larger flag would replace the original and go up as the first flag was coming down. It’s the second flag-raising that Rosenthal captured and became an iconic symbol for the Marine Corps, but the time and details of the second flag going up are a bit fuzzy. Nobody had a clear recollection of the exact time. 
Bradley had been part of the first flag-raising and, in the moment, nobody bothered to clarify which flag he’d help hoist … and Schultz never made any claim to the honor. The true identity was determined from film footage of the second flag-raising. Schultz’s personal combat gear was configured in a unique way and that’s how we were ultimately able to identify him. The error was discovered thanks to painstaking work by two amateur photo historians in 2014. It took us 71 years to correct the original error in identification. All those Marines are deceased now, but I like to believe their next of kin will be happy to know that we finally got the story right. 
The Rosenthal image doesn’t show faces. They are all facing away, which is exactly the point. It was a team effort; no individual is recognizable in the action. I think it’s remarkable that Schultz never came forward. Neither Bradley nor Schultz wanted personal acclaim or credit, which is indicative of that generation. They just did their job. 
Schultz was a Marine for less than three years. He was seriously wounded after the flag-raising and left the service as a result of those wounds. He moved to Los Angeles and spent the next 40 years as a postal worker. He lived a very quiet life.
Rene Gagnon was one of the Marines in the iconic photo and was asked to identify the others. He named five of the six as he knew them, but initially honored Ira Hayes’ wish to remain anonymous. He identified Hayes only after directly ordered to do so and, as a result, the three surviving flag-raisers — identified then as Gagnon, Hayes and Bradley — were recruited to represent the “All Together Now” theme of the 7th War Bond sales tour. It was one of the most successful in the history of the War Bond program. 
President Roosevelt invited these Marines to return to the states and support the War Bond drive. Roosevelt died in the interim and Truman was only eight days into his term of office when the Marines come to the White House. They raised the Iwo Jima flag over the Capitol and made a big deal of it. 
As I said before, the flag was really a sidebar to history, but the history it represents and the human element of that event had a tremendous impact on World War II and the Marine Corps. 

FRA Today: What’s the most challenging part of your work? 
Dr. Neimeyer: The administrative responsibilities of the job are staggering. We’re sometimes asked to find things that we can’t. An enterprise-wide effort to catalog every detail is tremendously difficult and we are often undermanned and underfunded. Granted, we are a smaller service, but we only have about 30 people handling all of the Marine Corps’ history. In contrast, the Army has several hundred employees working on its combined historical effort.
We only have four historians on our staff, all of whom are civilians. There are no active duty Marines assigned to the History Division. When we have several units return from overseas deployments simultaneously, we often ask Reserve augmentees to assist in creating those oral histories. It’s important to capture these critical histories right away, before people forget the finer details. We have about 14 Reservists … from colonel to sergeant … that deploy on request. 
When the Montford Point Marines were in Washington, District of Columbia., to be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal [June of 2012], we activated our team to interview these men who lived an important chapter in our Corps’ and our nation’s history. We got some great oral histories and that effort was tremendously successful because of our augmentees. 
The military has been a leader in breaking down race and gender barriers. The Montford Point Marines were the Corps first black Marines and are an example of people not being treated fairly, but doing well in spite of the prejudice. They set an example that was key when the services did officially racially integrate [in 1948]. The Montford Point Marines moved us a step closer to equality and integration in combat arms. 
Just like the Ribbon Creek incident, we can’t change the past, but we can learn from it. 

FRA Today: What would you like readers to know about history in general? 
Dr. Neimeyer: There’s a difference between history and lore. History is factual data that can be proven. Lore is a story that can’t be confirmed or denied. For example, it is Marine Corps lore that the red “blood” stripe down the trouser leg of Marines’ dress uniform was awarded to officers and NCOs for their bravery at the Battle of Chapultepec, but there’s no documentation of that. That doesn’t mean lore is bad and it’s not wrong to repeat lore. We just need to be sure we don’t abuse it. Lore has great value in that it reinforces the customs and traditions; it just needs to be taken with a grain of salt. 
FRA Today: What would you like folks to know about the USMC History Division?
Dr. Neimeyer: Our job is to preserve, promote and publish USMC history. We write and publish nine or 10 books each year, as well as a biannual history magazine of scholarly articles. The History Division was created in 1919, when the Corps was trying to figure out what to do with all the accounts and artifacts from World War I. Ninety-eight percent of everything we’ve published since then is currently available online. And since it’s public domain, all the information is available at no charge.
We used to be the History and Museum Division, but the National Museum of the Marine Corps [in Quantico, Virginia] was created in 2005 and is now an independent entity that reports to the president of Marine Corps University. The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation supports the museum’s mission and efforts. The History Division supports the museum in the creation of its written materials, such as story boards and plaques. We’re involved as the Museum is in its second phase of construction, which is expected to be complete in early 2019. 
As we collect and catalog the Corps’ history, all two-dimensional materials, (photos and documents) come to us here in the History Division. If it’s three-dimensional, it goes to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. 
If folks have questions about the Marine Corps, I invite them to visit www.history.usmc.mil. There’s a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page that’s downloadable to print. The customs and traditions page is very popular, but people should remember that the FAQ page is more about lore than history! 

Charles P. Neimeyer is the director of the United States Marine Corps’ History Division. Previously he was Executive Director at Regent University, (Washington, D.C.). Before that Neimeyer served as Academic Dean as well as Professor of National Security Affairs at the Naval War College, and Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy. He is the author of numerous publications, including his most recent book published by the Naval Institute Press in 2015, War in the Chesapeake: The British Campaign to Control the Bay, 1813–1814

Charles P Neimeyer is the director of the United States Marine Corps’ History Division. Previously he was Executive Director at Regent University, (Washington, District of Columbia). Before that Neimeyer served as Academic Dean as well as Professor of National Security Affairs at the Naval War College, and Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy. He is the author of numerous publications, including his most recent book published by the Naval Institute Press in 2015, War in the Chesapeake: The British Campaign to Control the Bay, 1813–1814.

TAPS

Adams, Clarence P, ADCS, USN	022
Antonio, Fedencio, YN1, USN	MAL

Barker, J A, HMC, USN	MAL
Bloemker, R L, AQC, USN	070
Bobbitt, John B, BTC, USN	117
Bonnell, JR., John C., MSgt, USMC	040
Borinski, Edmund J, BUC, USN	061
Box, Charles L, CWO3, USN	008
Boydston, Edward, CAPT, USNR	MAL
Broskoskie, Kenneth C, MMCS, 
USN	126
Brown, William L, ETCS, USN	028
Bryant, Robert A, RM1, USN	307
Burden, Wayne A, ABEC, USN	105
Butler, William, MSC, USN	010

Casey, Jim, EM2, USN	063
Clark, John A, GMG1, USN	089
Clonts, Emery A, HMCM, USN	MAL
Coker, Edward E., PO2, USN	210
Combest, Booker, CPO, USN	257
Cook, Charles F, SGTMAJ, USMC	217
Crinigan, Richard H, ETC(SW), USN	216
Crowl, Marion E, ENC(SS), USN	221

Delarosa, Edward M, ENCS, USN	MAL
Duprey, Francis, ADRC, USN	263
Dye, James A, LTJG, USN	212

Edmondson, Edward E, AOC, USN	091
Eichelberger, Wilmer G, AEC/ ASC, 
USN	057

Felguth, Ernest G, LT, USN	126
Ferguson, James A, ENCS, USN	MAL
Ferranti, Joseph T, ADC, USN	091
Frazar, John L, AGCS, USN	MAL

Gadsden, James, SD1, USN	001
Gebhart, Sheri, YNC, USN	263
Gilmore, Larry T, OSCS, USN	MAL
Ginn, Jimmie R, EN1(SS), USN	MAL
Goza, Harold B, 1STSGT, USMC	089
Gray, John A., HMC, USN	MAL

Harbin, Samuel O, RMC, USN	089
Hardy, Wilbur L, AA, USN	324
Harrison, Herbert, CWO2, USN	MAL
Haywood, James E, TMC, USN	230
Heatherley, James G, USN	060
Hedman, Clayton E, RMC, USN	010
Helmrich, William C, RMC, USN	254
Hollandsworth, Nelson, EMC, USN	060
Holliger, Samuel I, BMC, USN	MAL
Hood, Carlton D., CPO, USN	091
Hubbard, Glen D, CPO, USN	008
Huffaker, Robert L, QMC, USN	269

Ickes, Alan G, PNCS, USN	022
Inns, Robert H, MRC, USN	147
Ivan, Andrew, TMC, USN	070

Jividen, John L, DPC, USN	181

Kluck, Robert, PNC, USN	MAL
Konruff, Thomas, CPO, USN	091

Laborte, Charles A, SD1, USN	084
Leon, Arturo, RMCS/SS, USN	MAL

Madusky, Robert E, POC, USN	042
Malapit, Juanito, PO1, USN	004
Malloy, John T, AWCM, USN	MAL
Marusch, Anthony K, ADJC, USN	061
Massie, Robert L, AMHC, USN	091
McClure, Donald W, ETCS, USN	234
McKinney, D E, MSGT, USMC	251
McLaughlin, William R., HM1, USN	MAL
McQuarrie, William M, SK2, USN	MAL
Miller, Arthur Douglas, MMC, USN	024
Miller, Robert R, SKCS, USN	145
Moncrieff, Robert A, AW1, USN	091
Moore, Leonard L, CAPT, USN	024
Morgan, George W, GMGC, USN	166
Morin, Lionel, CPO, USN	230

Naedele, Gerald F, AD1, USN	MAL
Norman, Raymond E, BMCM, USN	055
Nush, Andrew, BMC, USN	061

Otte, Walter H, LCDR, USN	289

Paul, George R, STCM, USN	047
Perso, Robert B, CS1, USN	192
Phillips, George P, SWCS, USN	MAL
Plackett, William H., MCPON, USN	005
Powell, Robert C, SKC, USN	316

Ratliff, Herman D, BTC, USN	061
Rein, David E, LCDR, USN	269
Rentschler, Rodney, CPO, USN	210
Ricciardi, John R, DT1, USN	020
Rice, Clive E, DPC, USN	041
Richardson, Wayne C., MS1, USN	269
Ritchie, Robert E, AMCS, USN	091

Sandefur, Douglas M, AKC, USN	105
Schoettelkotte, D H, ETCM, USN	MAL
Shelby, Jim, ADR1, USN	334
Shepherd, Raymond G, HMC, USN	106
Sherlock, Richard, LT, USN	346
Shrader, Thomas L, PNCM, USN	041
Simac, Joseph, CSC, USN	061
Smith, Tullie R, AFCM, USN	210
Spyker, David Eugene, ATC, USN	285
Swedbergh, Mark, USN	091
Swindell, Harold W, CAPT, USMC	MAL

Taylor, Olin J, GMG1, USN	202
Terrell, Walter L, MSGT, USMC	242
Tivnan, Mike, MAJ, USMC	MAL
Todd, Clarence L, CSC, USN	MAL
Tolar, James W., USN	307
Turoski, William A, GYSGT, USMC	269
Tyson, Duncan F, BM1, USN	005

Walling, Robert P, COL, USMC	MAL
Walsh, Andrew J, FIC, USCG	MAL
Weaver, James A, AMHC, USN	093
Webb, Laverne W, ADJC, USN	MAL
Wheeler, Lester R, SH1, USN	MAL
Whitaker, John J, BM1, USN	117
Wilczewski, Dennis, CWO4, USMC	208
Wilson, Bob, AQC, USN	089

Zagar, Joseph, BMC, USN	238

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

Branch 8 Vallejo, California 
During the West Coast Regional Convention, PNP Gary Blackburn recognizes Shipmate Robert “Bob” Smith on his 50 years of continuous FRA membership, while his wife Betty proudly looks on. 

Branch 6 Baltimore, Maryland
Branch President Clarence Logan, Sr. (left) and Shipmate Anthony Jackson (right) present a Certificate of Appreciation to Grand Master Riley Hawkins of the Riley Hawkins Karate Club for his continued support at branch functions. He and his staff and students were also recognized for the support they’ve shown to our military veterans and their families.

Branch 186 Hernando, Florida
Florida Governor Rick Scott recently recognized several FRA shipmates who represent the Sunshine State’s more than 1.5 million honorably discharged veterans. Shown (l to r) are Branch Secretary Bob Huscher, Shipmates Jack Townsend, Fred Daniels, Branch President Florence McCann, Chaplain Paul Kimmerling, Vice President Tim Donovan, Shipmates Don Peters, Norman King and Treasurer Bill Rossfeld. 

Branch 162 New Orleans, Louisiana
PRPSC Dave Field poses with two graduates from the Marine Corps JROTC program at the New Orleans Maritime & Military Academy. Cadets Tyler McNabb (left) and Alexys Wright (right) received MCJROTC medals and gift cards, provided by Branch 162. 

Branch 208 Jacksonville, North Carolina
Shipmate Delbert “Jack” Glover accepted his 35-year continuous membership pin from Shipmate Mark Rogers. 

Branch 275 Placerville, California 
Americanism Essay Contest winner were recognized during a special ceremony. Shown (l to r) are Branch Americanism Chairman Bud Sweet; Jessica Schnabel (1st Place Local, 2nd Place Regional, 9th Grade); Grace Mauro (1st Place Local, 1st Place Regional, 2nd Place National, 8th Grade); Ashley Gruenwald (1st Place Local, 2nd Place Regional, 7th Grade); Kenacie Hansen (1st Place Local, 2nd Place Regional, 10th Grade); and Samuel Trowbridge (1st Place Local, 2nd Place Regional, 11th Grade). Not Pictured are Rachel Chu (1st Place Local) and T. Gary Saich, Branch Assistant Americanism Chairman.

Branch 37 Portsmouth, Virginia
Shipmate Clyde Toler (center) was named the 2016 East Coast Region’s Shipmate of the Year in Public Relations. He was recognized by Branch President William Hansen (left) and Shipmate Edward Kracker (right). 

Branch 105 Owensboro, Kentucky
Shipmate President Harold Phillips (left) is recognized for his 50 years of continuous FRA membership by Branch Vice President Jerry Millay.

Branch 1 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Branch 1 President Charles Rainey, Pat LaRose and Branch Secretary, Randy Brown preformed the Memorial Day Ceremony and laying of the wreath on the pier of Sector Delaware Bay Coast Guard Station, Philadelphia, Pa. Standing by (center) to throw the wreath is S/M William Rutledge, and far right Branch 1 2nd VP Thomas Groeber, with the USCGC William Tate moored pier side.

Branch 166 Virginia Beach, Virginia. 
Branch members met with Tidewater Community College Representative Alexandra Rice to establish a scholarship for student veterans. 

North East/New England Region
During the NE/NEng Region Convention (August 2016), RPNE/NEng Donna Jansky presented 50-year membership cards and pins to PNP George P. Hyland and Shipmate John A. Sullivan.

Branch 178 Monterey, California
Shipmate Dan Presser prepares for Memorial Day ceremonies on Coast Guard Pier, Monterey, California

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, Virginia 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

Members of the LAFRA have participated in numerous activities across the globe during the past year. Here a just a few of those moments.
•	Members of LAFRA Unit 154(Baguio City, Philippines) after their induction and initiation ceremony.
•	Welcome aboard at the 2016 National Convention in Spokane, Wash. Seated (l to r) are FRA PNP Jim Eblen (who has since joined the staff of the Supreme Commander), LAFRA PNP Ruth Eblen, FRA PRPSW Mick Fulton, Nadine Braudaway, Marilyn Quesnel, Sharon Schreiber, Deana Lewandowski, (standing, l to r) FRA RPSW Don Kelley and John Quesnel.
•	PNP Cindy Rodham Tuck congratulating PRPNE Sue Hershberger on her 50 years of continuous Auxiliary membership.
•	Valley of the Sun Unit 163 (Phoenix, Ariz.)
•	PNP Diane Hoover and PNC Sylvia Wainio
•	Eileen Hyland holds the Bible as RPNE/Neng-Elect Bobbie Seidel is installed. PNC Ellen Kotheimer (left) and PRPNE Sue Hershberger (right) also participated in the ceremony.
•	Homeless Veteran Stand, sponsored by Branch and Unit 274 (Reno, Nev.) 
•	NP Helen Courneya and escorts at the Tomb of Unknowns during the LAFRA Pilgrimage

Correction
The photo of the North Central Region’s convention that appeared on the Auxiliary page in the October issue identified LAFRA National President Karen Snee without her surname. FRA Today apologizes for this oversight and any confusion it may have caused.

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