2nd Golf Tournament to be held on Monday May 25th at ......Bruce Bowden, obituary Bruce C. Bowden,...
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Page 2: - From the President’s Desk - Chaplain Diefendorf’s talk on “Military Women” Page 3: - Legislative Tidbits - Contributions to Rolling Thunder & VVA Chapter 925 Page 4: - Obituaries - Grand Strand Chapter Board of Directors Page 5: - VA Director Updates Healthcare - Donation to Scents for Soldiers Page 6: - Chapter Membership Update - CCU Gold Bars & Leadership Award Pages 7 and 8: - Military Appreciation Days Pages 9 and 10: - Golf Tournament Information, Registration and Sponsor Forms On Monday, May 25 th (Memorial Day), MOAA will host its second annual golf tournament fund raiser. Net proceeds will go to our JROTC Scholarship Fund and other military/veterans charitable efforts. The tournament will be played at the Moorland Golf Course and the Legends Resort off 501 in Myrtle Beach, with registration starting at noon and a 2 PM starting time. The price per player, which includes golf, cart, lunch, two beverage tickets, and prizes for the winning teams is $80– or $300 for a team of four – with a $5 per player discount for Veterans. The City of Myrtle Beach is our Honorary Sponsor and the tournament will probably be the last event of Military Appreciation Days. We are still seeking hole sponsors, prize and auction item donors, volunteers, and players. Please talk to any of the chapter officers or members of the golf committee to indicate your interest in participating. We hope to grow the tournament and revenues and that will not happen without the proactive support of most of our Chapter members. 5 Star Chapter of Excellence Military Officers Association of America www.grandstrandmoaa.com MOAA Award Winning Newsletter U. MOAA Award Winning Website Grand Strand Chapter Summer 2015 Edition In this Issue: 2nd Golf Tournament to be held on Monday May 25th at Moorland Golf Course Chapter to Present Scholarships and Honor JROTC Instructors at May Dinner Meeting Our May Scholarship meeting will not only recognize four outstanding scholarship winners from the 18 various JROTC High Schools, but also recognize the Instructors and their spouses who will be in attendance. Our efforts are focused on the JROTC programs that have been so successful in serving the local high schools in our area. In recognizing both the seniors who have won these prestigious scholarships, and their instructors, the Chapter felt it was important to acknowledge the dedication and diligence of both groups. After the successful Golf Tournament last May and its significant contribution to our scholarship fund, we were able to award four $2000 scholarship winners this year. The proud winners are: Jaena Dominguez and Payden Shaw from Georgetown High School (Maj Sean Studley, USMC (Ret); Daniel Kelleher from Myrtle Beach High School (LCDR Billy Hall, USN (Ret); and Vincent Lordo from St. James High School (Col Steve Cellucci, USA (Ret) . In addition to recognizing these two important groups and their significant achievements, COL Phil Odom, USAF (Ret) who is the Deputy Director, Government Relations Survivor and Retiree Benefits, MOAA National, is our featured speaker and guest. It should be an excellent evening and allow our members to remain an integral part of our new initiatives.
Transcript of 2nd Golf Tournament to be held on Monday May 25th at ......Bruce Bowden, obituary Bruce C. Bowden,...
Page 2: - From the President’s Desk - Chaplain Diefendorf’s talk on “Military Women”Page 3: - Legislative Tidbits - Contributions to Rolling Thunder & VVA Chapter 925Page 4: - Obituaries - Grand Strand Chapter Board of DirectorsPage 5: - VA Director Updates Healthcare - Donation to Scents for SoldiersPage 6: - Chapter Membership Update - CCU Gold Bars & Leadership AwardPages 7 and 8: - Military Appreciation DaysPages 9 and 10: - Golf Tournament Information, Registration and Sponsor Forms
On Monday, May 25th (Memorial Day), MOAA will host its second annual golf tournament fundraiser. Net proceeds will go to our JROTC Scholarship Fund and other military/veterans charitableefforts. The tournament will be played at the Moorland Golf Course and the Legends Resort off501 in Myrtle Beach, with registration starting at noon and a 2 PM starting time. The price perplayer, which includes golf, cart, lunch, two beverage tickets, and prizes for the winning teams is$80– or $300 for a team of four – with a $5 per player discount for Veterans.The City of Myrtle Beach is our Honorary Sponsor and the tournament will probably be the lastevent of Military Appreciation Days. We are still seeking hole sponsors, prize and auction itemdonors, volunteers, and players. Please talk to any of the chapter officers or members of the golfcommittee to indicate your interest in participating. We hope to grow the tournament and revenuesand that will not happen without the proactive support of most of our Chapter members.
5 Star Chapter of Excellence
Military Officers Association of America
www.grandstrandmoaa.com MOAA Award Winning NewsletterU.
MOAA Award Winning Website
Grand Strand Chapter
Summer 2015 Edition
In this Issue:
2nd Golf Tournament to be held on MondayMay 25th at Moorland Golf Course
Chapter to Present Scholarships and Honor JROTC Instructors atMay Dinner Meeting
Our May Scholarship meeting will not only recognize four outstanding scholarship winners from the 18 variousJROTC High Schools, but also recognize the Instructors and their spouses who will be in attendance. Our efforts arefocused on the JROTC programs that have been so successful in serving the local high schools in our area. Inrecognizing both the seniors who have won these prestigious scholarships, and their instructors, the Chapter felt it wasimportant to acknowledge the dedication and diligence of both groups. After the successful Golf Tournament lastMay and its significant contribution to our scholarship fund, we were able to award four $2000 scholarship winnersthis year. The proud winners are: Jaena Dominguez and Payden Shaw from Georgetown High School (Maj SeanStudley, USMC (Ret); Daniel Kelleher from Myrtle Beach High School (LCDR Billy Hall, USN (Ret); and VincentLordo from St. James High School (Col Steve Cellucci, USA (Ret) .
In addition to recognizing these two important groups and their significant achievements, COL Phil Odom, USAF(Ret) who is the Deputy Director, Government Relations Survivor and Retiree Benefits, MOAA National, is ourfeatured speaker and guest. It should be an excellent evening and allow our members to remain an integral part of ournew initiatives.
The MOAA Grand Strand Chapter continues to be an organization that makes a difference in thelives of local veterans. Our success is due to the commitment of individual MOAA members wholead and support our fundraisers and activities across the Grand Strand. During spring 2015, theGrand Strand Chapter marks several important milestones because of the dedication of MOAAmembers.In March 2015, the MOAA Grand Strand Chapter received 501(c)3 status as a not-for-profit
charitable organization from the Internal Revenue Service. This status means that 100% of yourdonations to MOAA fundraisers are tax deductible! The Chapter especially is indebted to Execu-tive Officers and the BOD for their work in preparing our application for the IRS.Bob Hawkins continues to lead the Chapter’s long standing involvement with Military Apprecia-
tion Days. Bob serves on the Military Appreciation Committee, along with honorary chapter member, Mark Kruea,Public Information Officer for the City of Myrtle Beach. Bob and Tom Middleton have also spent substantial time, thisyear, working to ensure that the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War is appropriately remembered and celebrated dur-ing Military Appreciation Days.
Gerry Sherwin is chairing our May 25th Memorial Day Golf Tournament fundraiser, which is the culminatingevent of Military Appreciation Days. Gerry’s leadership is evident in acquiring tournament sponsors, ensuring this yearwill be the most successful fund- raising event in Chapter history. Now is the time that Gerry and his committee needyour assistance in sponsoring holes and carts and getting your neighbors and friends to sign-up for the event. This isour main fund raiser. Last year’s tournament enabled the Chapter to donate to the Scents for Soldiers organizationthat sponsors Wounded Warrior visits to Myrtle Beach; to contribute to the recently opened “Service membersReintegration House” in Little River; and to sponsor four $2000 scholarships for local JROTC seniors who willattend college in the fall. Last year’s tournament also enabled us to become a sponsor for the Veterans Stand Downin September 2015 that assists homeless veterans along the Grand Strand. You can appreciate why this is such a signif-icant fund raiser for the Chapter—and why we are requesting your participation and generosity to make it a success!
A Chapter highlight this month occurred at our monthly dinner meeting at Pine Lakes. Our Chapter presentedGold Bar Awards to five ROTC seniors at Coastal Carolina University. The ROTC cadets will receive their commis-sions as Second Lieutenants in the US Army at graduation ceremonies on May 9th. Cadets receiving Gold Bar Awardsand Certificates were: Christopher Duncan—Infantry, Princeton Bradley—Armor, Brooks Gaspich—Logistics, DejonGomez—Armor, and Corey Spiller—Infantry. Chapter members presenting the awards were: Jimmy Jacobs -USA,Hans Duerr-USA, Roger Pilcher-USMC, Tom Middleton-USA, and Jerry Terwilliger-USA. Cadet Christopher Duncanreceived the 2015 MOAA Leadership Award (Leadership and Academic Standing). Major Chad Hodkins, USA -APMS at CCU also attended and shared accomplishments of the cadets receiving awards.There is more to come in May! At our May meeting we plan to award scholarships to four JROTC seniors, and for thefirst time, recognize the efforts of JROTC instructors in the 18 different High Schools that we serve.I encourage you to attend our monthly meetings and be an active part of our fundraising and accomplishments. Thankyou for your support of the MOAA Grand Strand Chapter!
Chaplain Karen Diefendorf Talked About Women inthe MilitaryOur Chapter paid tribute to women who are serving (or have served) in the Armed Forcesof the United States at our March meeting. Our special guest speaker was Chaplain (LTC,retired) Karen J. Diefendorf. Her excellent presentation focused on “Women in theMilitary”. Chaplain Hill, one of her colleagues, introduced her. Following herpresentation, COL (ret) Gordon Stone presented her with a cherished songbook that hadbelonged to his wife, Mrs. Sofia Stone. In addition, Peggy DeVivo, Chapter Auxiliarymember provided an update on MOAA Survivor Assistance.
Chaplain Diefendorfand Chaplain Hill
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From the President’s Desk
President
South Carolina Giving Back to Our Veterans ActThanks to all Grand Strand Chapter members for supporting our efforts to get petitionsignatures supporting exemption of military pay in South Carolina. The April 8th rally inColumbia did not have as many participants as anticipated because the week being a schoolbreak week, but our chapter can be proud of our support in submitted petitions. Out of the 12state MOAA chapters, we were #1 in the number of signatures.....so thanks to all for makingthis our success!Advocates Expand Fight Over Military Retirement Changes
Military advocates in favor of retirement reform are pushing lawmakers to move ahead on theissue, saying the change could help strengthen the fighting force and the financial lives oftroops.In a letter to House Armed Services Committee leaders this week, five advocacy groups jointlygave strong support for a 401(k)-style retirement plan proposed by the Military Compensationand Retirement Modernization Commission earlier this year."By not establishing a retirement plan when they begin working, service members are several years, if not a decade,behind financial planning for retirement guidelines," the letter states. "We believe that the (commission's)recommendation enhances the current retirement system and is a valuable recruiting tool for a new generation ofwarfighters."The five groups — Veterans of Foreign Wars, Air Force Association, Enlisted Association of the National Guard,National Guard Association and Reserve Officers Association — boast more than 3 million members collectively.They are in direct opposition with the Military Officers Association of America, another high-profile advocacy groupthat has lobbied heavily against the potential retirement change.MOAA officials have said the changes could be a disincentive for mid career service members to stay in the ranks.The compensation commission's proposal features government contributions to investment accounts, matching up to 5percent of troops' base pay, and would allow troops who serve at least 12 years to see some financial bonuses to theirretirement accounts.But it would also scale back retirement pay by up to 20 percent, alarming supporters of the current system.VFW and the other groups have argued the current 20-years-or-nothing system is unfair to the 83 percent of troopswho don't reach that retirement mark, including many driven out by difficult deployments or force cuts.The letter also offers support for a separate recommendation to promote troops' financial literacy through new benefits.
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Jimmy JacobsLegislation Tidbits
Thanks (again) to the success of the 2014 Grand Strand Chapter golf tournament fund-raiser, the Chapter has been able to expand its community support outreach initiatives.Pictured is Tom Middleton (member of GS MOAA and VVA Chapter 925) presentingchecks totaling $400.00 to Rich Gregory, President, VVA Chapter 925, at their AprilChapter dinner meeting.VVA Chapter 925 is organizing several special events during Military Appreciation Daysthis year – in recognition of the 50th Anniversary/Commemoration of the Vietnam War.Events include a special night out at the Pelicans ball game, an education day for schoolchildren, participation in the parade and exhibits on May 16th, and a dinner dance for all eraVeterans on that Saturday evening.In addition, the Grand Strand Chapter also contributed $300 to Rolling Thunder (RC3)
toward the costs of providing the first area organized Tribute to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. This special Tribute was thefirst event of 2015 Military Appreciation Days, on May 2nd; and, was truly appreciated by all who attended.
Chapter Contributes to VVA Chapter 925 and Rolling Thunder RC3
Board of DirectorsChaplain: Greg Hill,[email protected]
Legislative Affairs: Jimmy Jacobs,[email protected]
T.O.P.S.: Bill Stewart,[email protected]
Chair/Scholarship Committee:Hans Duerr, [email protected]
Social Director: Tom Middleton,[email protected]
2nd Vice President & MembershipChairman: Bob Hawkins,[email protected]
Treasurer: Tom Satterfield,[email protected]
1st Vice President & ProgramChairman: Tony Prince,[email protected]
Historian: Clay [email protected]
Fund Raising: Gerry Sherwin,[email protected]
Secretary: Jerry Terwilliger,[email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Bill Walsh,[email protected]
ROTC/JROTC: Dean Brown,[email protected] Past President: Roger Pilcher,
InsuranceAndFinancial Services
Personal Affairs/Out Reach:Rufus Manning, [email protected]
Auxiliary Coordinator: Joan Perry,[email protected]
Webmaster: Peggy DeVivo,[email protected]
Tidelands Ford Lincoln9387 Ocean HighwayPawleys Island,• SC• 29585
888-264-4377
Drake Tilley, obituary
Drake Hamilton Tilley Sr. passed away on the 2nd of March, 2015 at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife of 43years, Ann Vaughn Tilley, his son Commander Drake H. Tilley, Jr. M.D., his daughter Elizabeth Vaughn Tilley, Esq.,and his daughter in law. He served honorably during Vietnam as an Officer in the United States Navy; and, was amember of the Grand Strand MOAA chapter. He retired after 34 years of service with JC Penney.
Bruce Bowden, obituary
Bruce C. Bowden, Lt. Col, USAF-Ret., 86, of Calabash, NC, died on April 17, 2015. He was born on December 13,1928, and raised in Waltham, MA. He retired as a pilot from the United States Air Force, was a veteran of theKorean and Vietnam Wars, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and eleven air medals.After retiring from the Air Force in 1971, he had a tax accounting business. He is survived by his wife, LindaStewart Bowden, four daughters, one son, two stepsons, and thirteen grandchildren.
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President: Greg Youngman,[email protected]
As a result of the Chapter’s first annual golf tournament fund-raiser, last year, more than $5000 was raised to supportthe Chapter scholarship and community outreach programs. The Golf committeeand Chapter Board of Directors agreed to provide $1000.00 to the Scents forSoldiers organization, which sponsors Wounded Warrior vacations to MyrtleBeach, 2 or 3 times a year.In addition, Scents for Soldiers makes regular visits to Walter Reed NationalMedical Center, Bethesda, Ft. Belvoir, Ft. Bragg, and Camp Lejeune to provideneeded quality-of-life items to the recovering service members who are assignedat those hospitals and transition activities. Due to the Director’s recent illness,key members of her support team, John and Kathy Zipko, attended the Aprilmeeting and accepted the donation, on her behalf.
VAMC Director Scott Isaacks Presents Update on VA Healthcare atOfficers CallThe Grand Strand Chapter was honored to host Mr. Scott Isaacks, Director, Ralph H. Johnson, VA Medical Center(Charleston), at the Chapter’s second coastal area officers’ call, on April 29th, at the Grande Dunes Ocean Club, inMyrtle Beach. Tonya Lobbestael, Center PIO; and Ms. B.J. Farmer, Myrtle Beach Community Based Outpatient
Clinic (CBOC) Administrator, also participated in the discussion of services andconcerns.Mr. Isaacks provided an excellent update regarding the healthcare services thatare currently available (and planned) at the Myrtle Beach CBOC and at theJohnson VAMC; and, members posed pertinent questions about the need toexpand services further – especially at the Myrtle Beach Clinic. Subsequently,Mr. Isaacks outlined the VA’s plans to construct a new CBOC (approx. twice thesize of the current facility) and to provide the most needed outpatient specialties(e.g. cardiology) in Myrtle Beach. He also discussed plans to increase staff andservices at the Charleston facility, and to construct the critically needed newparking garage.Based on the success of this VA healthcare area focused presentation, the Chapter
plans to partner with the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC, and Myrtle Beach CBOC and Vet Center leaders to host futureupdate presentations.At the conclusion of his presentation, President Youngman presented him with the Chapter’s challenge coin andexpressed the Chapter’s appreciation for his efforts to further enhance health services for coastal area Veterans.
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President Youngman, Kathy and JohnZipko
Director Scott Isaacks withPresident GregYoungman
Chapter contributes $1,000 to Scents for Soldiers
On June 18th there will be a “Business After Hours” at Pelican ball field. Free to allmembers. To sign up, go to the web site :www.myrtlebeachareachamberofcommerce.com, click on events, and sign up as amember of Grand Strand MOAA. Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce providesrefreshments, food and beverages to all members.
The Pelican “Business After Hours” Game is on Thursday June 18th
Grand Strand Chapter Membership2015 is another great growth year !! We currently have 150 members on our roster. One hundred and thirteen(113) have already paid their 2015 dues; and most others will soon. And, we already have 12 new regular members;and 7 CCU ROTC cadets have also joined our Chapter.Our goal is to recruit another 25 new regular members this year – while also increasing the number of Grand Strandmembers who are also Premium or Life members of National.We need your help. If you are one of our 2015 members who have not renewed, please do so soon. And, if youknow of any other eligible officers who could benefit by joining our 5-star Chapter of Excellence, please encouragethem to attend a meeting and join. If questions, please do contact me (765-479-7577; [email protected]).
New 2015 Members (since last newsletter)WELCOME !!!
Kenneth V. Spenser, CAPT (retired), NavyOlen Phipps, LTC (retired), Army
Ed Turek, LTC (retired), Army Bobby Hurt, LT jg, (former), US Navy
Baseball: Pelicans Pay Tribute to VeteransOn Thursday evening, May 14th, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans will be honoring our coastal service members andVeterans. They will be playing in camouflage uniforms, which will be auctioned off after the game; and, there willbe free baseball cards honoring Vietnam era Veterans. There will be much celebration and pageantry, as ourVeterans, Flag and nation are honored. Tickets are only $8; and, they can be obtained from Tom Middleton(843-446-2209).
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Our keynote speaker in April was Mark Kruea, City of Myrtle Beach, Public Information Officer(and an honorary member of the Grand Strand Chapter). Since the Chapter participates actively inseveral Military Appreciation Days events (to include: the parade, exhibits and wounded warriorfloats and breakfasts), Mark provided a detailed update regarding all planned events and activitiesduring May. (See attached flyer.) Bob Hawkins also informed members about volunteer needs andopportunities.
Coastal Carolina University Gold Bars presentation andLeadership AwardFrom left to right, Cadets Christopher Duncan, Brooks Gaspich, DejonGomez, Princeton Bradley, and Corey Spiller, who are scheduled tograduate from Coastal Carolina University in May, were honored at theGrand Strand Chapter dinner meeting in April. Chapter membersJimmy Jacobs, Hans Duerr, Jerry Terwilliger and Roger Pilcherpresented each of these cadets with their first set of gold bars (providedby National MOAA). In addition, Cadet Christopher Duncan was therecipient of the National MOAA ROTC Leadership Award, presentedby President Youngman and MAJ Chad Hodkins, Asst. Professor ofMilitary Science, CCU.The Chapter is looking forward to further expanding existing proactive programs with all area ROTC and JROTCprograms.
Mark Kruea Updates Chapter Members onMilitary Appreciation Days Plans
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Continued on Page 8
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GolfTournament
Moorland Golf Cours Resort Legends -e
Raising Funds to Support:College Scholarships for JROTC High School SeniorsWounded Warrior Visits to Myrtle BeachVeterans Outreach Programs
Reservation Deadline May 11, 2015
May 25, 2015
Major Sponsors WelcomeHole Sponsorship $100Cart Sponsorship $25Donations & Recognition in Brochure
May 25, 2015
Team Low Score (Top 3)Longest Drive - Men & WomenHole in-one ContestPutting contest 1 PM (additional cost)
Four Person Teams$80 per person $300 per team$5 discount for veterans!Includes lunch and refreshments!
Military Officers Association of America“Grand Strand Chapter”
Sponsorship
Opportunities
Jerry Terwilliger, [email protected] - Phone 843-903-4047Gerry Sherwin, [email protected] - Phone 843-299-0167
Registration and Lunch 12 PM - 2 PMShot Gun Start at 2 PM“Captains Choice”
Mailing Address: Grand Strand MOAA, P.O. Box 15842, Surfside Beach, SC 29587
ContactInfo.
Honorary Sponsor-Myrtle Beach/Military Appreciation Days - Final Event
See reverse side for registration and donation
Company Name ____________________________________ Phone __________ Email _________________
Individual Name ____________________________________ Phone___________ Email _________________
Street Address ___________________ City ______________________State:____________ Zip Code ____________
$5.00 Discount from above price(s) for veterans
Be a Player - Register
(501.c3 - receipt available upon request)
Team Captain__________________________________Phone________________Email__________________
Player 2______________________________________Phone_________________Email_________________
Player 3______________________________________Phone_________________Email__________________
Player 3______________________________________Phone_________________Email__________________
SponsorSponsor a hole! Your customized 2 ft x 2 ft sign will be placed on the tee box of each hole you sponsor.Hole sponsorships are available at $100 each or 2 for $175. Hole sponsors will be recognized at thetournament. Please complete the following and submit your check payable to "Grand Strand MOAA,PO. Box 15842, Surfside Beach, SC 29587. Questions? Call Tom Middleton at 843-446-2209 or GerrySherwin at 843-299-0167(Please print!)
Company Name: Phone: Email____________________
Street Address : City: _____________State:________Zip Code______________
Hole Sign to Read________________________________________________________V
$80.00 per person, $300.00 per team. To sign up, please complete this form and submit with check payableto Grand Strand MOAA. Mail to: Grand Strand MOAA PO Box 15842, Surfside Beach SC 29587 Questions?call Jerry Terwilliger at 843-903-4047 or Gerry Sherwin at 843-299-0167 (Pease Print!)
Donated Gift Item__________________________________________________________Value_________________
Donate
__________
Your charitable donations of auction/raffle items will go a long way to helping the wounded servicemembers, college scholarships and veterans out reach programs. All businesses making donations willbe recognized in the tournament brochure. Please complete this form and submit prizes and or giftcertificates to Gerry Sherwin 843-299-0167 or Jerry Terwilliger at 843-903-4047 (Please print!)
