Renew your dues – please see page 5!

ROTC/JROTC Appreciation Lunch

WHERE: Manor House Restaurant600 Maple Trace Dr., Springdale, OH (Gathering Room)

WHEN: Friday, 17 Apr 2015TIME: 11:30 AM – Social Time

12:00 PM – Brunch ……… Program follows LuncheonCome and listen to the young men and women who are our next generation of Military Leadership. These are

representatives from just some of the ROTC/JROTC units that our chapter sponsors. Come and share yourexperience with them. Expected to attend are Diamond Oaks Army JROTC, Scarlet Oaks Navy JROTC, ButlerTech Navy JROTC, Miami University Air Force ROTC and UC Air Force ROTC.

Volunteers are needed to serve as MOAA award presenters for area ROTC & JROTC programs. Somepresenters elect to wear their service uniforms, however, this is not a requirement. This is a great way to see localROTC & JROTC programs in action. You will have the opportunity to meet members from other area veteran’sorganizations and connect with parents, students and educational leaders. To volunteer or obtain additionalinformation, contact LTC Al Brauer at ltcusarmy@aol.com or call (513) 677-8320. The following ceremonies arepresently open:

University of Cincinnati Air Force - April 23 at 4:00pmPrinceton HS Navy JROTC - April 25 at 6:00pm (awards banquet)Miami University Air Force & Navy - April 25 at 8:45am (Presidential Review)Hamilton HS Navy JROTC - April 30 at 9:00amWestern Brown HS Army JROTC - April 30 at 7:00pmButler Tech Navy JROTC - May 1 at 6:30pm (awards banquet)Diamond Oaks Army JROTC - May 6 at 8:30amScarlet Oaks Navy JROTC - May 6 at 5:00pmRipley Marine Corps JROTC and Holmes HS Marine Corps JROTC program dates TBA

VOL 42 No. 2March 2015

GREATER CINCINNATI CHAPTER MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAAN AFFILIATE OF THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

LUNCH RESERVATION: Fr iday, 17 Apr 2015—Manor House Restaurant—Springdale, OH.

Name: __________________________ Rank & Service: _______________ Spouse/Guests: _______(ARE YOU A NEW MEMBER, OR FIRST TIME OUT? _____ )

Entrée choices:Lunch BUFFET $12.00(Menu changes daily but always includes a selection of homemade soups, 3 salad selections,three entrees, two vegetable dishes and a side dish and includes Manor House bread pudding for dessert )

Total Reservations _________ = Total $________

Make Checks payable to GREATER CINCINNATI CHAPTER/MOAA and mail to LTC PAUL FELLINGER, 5493Delhi Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45238-5139, (Phone (513) 451-9881) or email: pwf5493@aol.com. Please make reserva-tions NLT than 15 Apr. No cancellations after that date.

2015 CHAPTER OFFICERS AND BOARD(phone #’s are area code 513 unless noted)

Executive CommitteePresident LTC Al Brauer, USA 677-8320Immed PP BG Tom O’Brien, USA 421-01181st VP CAPT Steve Drefahl, USNR 752-40972nd VP CAPT Mike Glaser 675-0895Secretary CAPT Alan Echt, PHS 573-0315Treasurer LTC Paul Fellinger, USAR 451-9881Chaplain Rev Joseph L Boone, USA 853-2051Legislative Ofc BG Tom O’Brien, USA 421-0118Natl Bd RADM Larry Hereth, USCG 812 537-2968Past Natl Bd MAJ Isaac Mincy , USAF 542-6145Aux Liaison MAJ Diana Bloemer, USAF 729-2960

State Council1st VP CWO3 Kym Mader, USN 759-0852Chaplin Rev Joseph L Boone, USA 853-2051Delegate CAPT Alan Echt, PHS 573-0315Alt Delegate MAJ Ed Knox, USAF 674-7755

CommitteesPrograms VacantMembership CDR Charlie Bell, USCG 859 240-1943

R.O.T.C. LTC Al Brauer, USA 677-8320Reserve/NG CAPT Steve Drefahl, USNR 752-4097

Historian LCOL Dick Probst, USAF 703-0754Sympathy/ CAPT Jack Meyer, USN 489-7361

Personal AffairsTOPS LtCol Brad Hamant, USAF 439-3140

VA Brick Liaison BM2 Ben Staubach, USN 919-3659CinMoaaNews/ CWO3 Kym Mader, USN 759-0852

Public Affairs

Service RepresentativesArmy COL Robert Greene, USA 859 689-4321Navy CAPT Jack Meyer, USN 489-7361Coast Guard CDR Charlie Bell, USCG 859 240-1943USPHS CAPT Alan Echt, PHS 573-0315Air Force MAJ Ed Knox, USAF 674-7755Marine Corps Vacant

MEETINGS - Mark your Calendars NOW! Watch www.cincymoaa.org for updates.

BOARD MEETINGS2nd Friday of each month, 1230 - American Red Cross Building

2111 Dana Ave., Cincinnati, OHConference Call in is available. Contact a board member for more details.

Spouses and guests are welcome at all meetings.

MEMBER MEETINGS

Future Member Meetings to include topics onLocal Law Enforcement, PHS Ebola responders, & LTC Kari

Keep watching for more details

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PURPOSES OF THE GREATER CINCINNATIMOAA CHAPTER

The purposes of Military Officers Association of America asstated by national are printed on the outside of eachNewsletter. The corresponding purposes of our Chapteras stated in our BYLAWS, Article II are:

(a) To promote the purposes and objectives of theMilitary Officers Association of America

(b) To foster fraternal relations among retired, activeand former officers of the uniformed services.

(c) To protect the rights and interests of personnel of theuniformed services and their dependents and survivors.

(d) To provide useful services for members and theirdependents and survivors.

(e) To serve the community and the nation.

Your officers and Board members welcome your commentsand suggestions on steps that may be taken to strengthenour Chapter and its benefits to all members.

LOCAL Chapter:CinMoaa News is published to arrive at your home 10 daysbefore each meeting. Articles and corrections for the Newsmust be in the hands of editor 4 weeks before each meetingdate. – Mail to CinMoaa News, 8099 Pepper Pike, WestChester, OH 45069. Or E-mail chmader@fuse.net.

For MOAA National information:Visit the MOAA Web Site - INTERNET ADDRESS

HTTP://www.moaa.org

TAPS

If you know a member of MOAA who has past away, please let usknow so we may pass it on.

FY16 Budget Takes Center StageEarlier this week, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin

Dempsey (USA), testified before Congress over the merits of the FY 2016 budget proposal.Carter supported the budget, saying it would allow the military to defend the country and fight wars.

Dempsey provided a different view, saying the proposed defense budget provides “no slack, no margin left forerror or strategic surprise.”

The administration’s proposed budget is $38 billion over the self-imposed restraints of the 2011 BudgetControl Act. Failure to change the BCA will trigger automatic and arbitrary cuts, known as sequestration.

Carter stressed to the committee that, “We cannot meet sequester with further half measures.” Instead ofsavings, Carter says that sequestration “frequently leads to waste – as, for example, when it forces a reduction incontract production rates, driving up unit costs.”

Both men urged Congress to fund the defense department above sequestration levels.Congress provided some relief to defense planners in a controversial 2013 budget deal, but without

additional action, the full brunt of sequestration is set to return to the defense department in October.In a Feb. 27 letter to the Senate Budget Committee, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John

McCain (R-Ariz.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) called sequestration “a national security crisis of the first order.”In a similar letter to House Budget Committee counterparts, House Armed Services Committee Chairman

Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) said, “reducing our military spending in the hopes of improving our financialsituation may well bring about more instability in the world.”

According to the letter, at sequestration levels, the military will not have enough money to pay for its currentrequirements.

HASC members seem poised to balk at sequestration funding levels. In remarks on Mar. 4, RepresentativeRob Wittman (R-Va.) warned House Budget Committee members that any budget resolution coming under thepresident’s budget request will not pass the House.

While debt reduction is a national priority, Congress cannot ignore the serious threats to national securitythat sequestration imposes.

Act now to send your elected officials a MOAA-suggested message to end sequestration.

RX Fee Hike Begins

February 6, 2015

Due to last year’s defense authorization bill, TRICARE will be raising most pharmacy copays beginningthis week.

TRICARE beneficiaries who fill their prescriptions at retail pharmacies or by mail will see most copaysincrease by $3. The new fee structure which went into effect February 1 and will result in 30 day prescriptionsat TRICARE network pharmacies for generic medications will rise to $8 from $5, for brand names, to $20 from$17, and for prescriptions not in TRICARE’s formulary, to $47 from $44.

Many prescriptions available through TRICARE’s home delivery program also will see increases.According to Tricare, a 90-day supply of brand-name medications delivered by mail will rise to $16, from $13,and nonformulary items will cost $46, up from $43.

What remains unchanged is that mail-order generic drugs will still be available at no cost as well as allprescriptions filled at the military pharmacies.

In addition, beneficiaries with chronic diseases on maintenance medications will be able to fill medicationsat either a military pharmacy or obtain them through TRICARE home delivery program. This is the sameprogram for maintenance medications as was instituted last year for TRICARE for Life beneficiaries and wasexpanded to include all non-active duty beneficiaries. Beneficiaries will still be able to fill prescriptions forname-brand drugs for acute illnesses, such as each aches and sore throats, at TRICARE network pharmacies aswell as prescriptions for generic brands which cost $8 for a 30-day prescription.

MOAA is waiting for TRICARE to release the details for the new program which is set to start October 1.

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AUXILIARY CORNERWhat Not to Say and What to Say to a Surviving Spouse

When a death occurs after a sudden or long illness or a short or long marriage, the surviving spouse has suf-fered a huge loss. It is never easy. Out of sympathy and good intentions, family and friends sometimes say thedarndest things. As a surviving spouse, I have heard the following comments and many more. It is my inten-tion to provide you with not only what not to say but also some tips on what to do and say instead.

1. “I understand exactly how you feel because my [substitute any noun other than spouse, including cat, dog,etc] died.” Nobody know how another person is feeling. Every relationship is different. Instead, say one of thefollowing: “I can’t imagine how you must be feeling,” “You must be so sad,” or even, “I don’t know what tosay.”

2. “If you need anything, let me know.” Recent widows/widowers don’t know what they need, and theywon’t call. Do say, “May I take you out for coffee?” “May I run errands for you?” “May I bring you a meal orbabysit?” or “May I stop by and visit?”

3. “He/she is as peace now,” or “At least you were prepared,” in the case of a terminal illness. It is nevereasy. When death is sudden and unexpected, do not say, “At least he/she didn’t suffer.” The surviving spousethinks, Maybe he/she didn’t suffer, but I am suffering.

4. To a younger survivor, people say “You are young, and you will move on and find somebody else.” Nat-urally, the surviving spouse cannot imagine life with anybody other than the deceased spouse.

5. Asking any survivor about dating is just as tactless. Do not say “When are you going to start dating?” or“Will you remarry?”

6. To an older widow, people say “You were so fortunate to have had such a long marriage or to haveknown each other so long,” It is never long enough.

7. “Did he/she leave you a hefty life insurance policy?” Unless you are a close family member, the familyfinancial advisor, or an attorney, do not ask.

8. “It has been a while now. Aren’t you over it yet?”

Don’t be afraid to talk about the deceased, as memories are with the survivor constantly. It is comforting forthe survivor to know others have not forgotten about his or her spouse. Tell him or her, “I remember.” Every-body grieves differently and on a different time line. It can take six months to several years. Accept where thesurvivor is in the process. Do not assume the survivor is no longer interested in couple’s activities. Your invita-tion might be declined, but it will be appreciated.

No matter what, remember to be there for a surviving spouse and stay connected.MOAA’s Web Base has other great resources for surviving spouses and their family members. Get more

Tips on helping a grieving friend and reaching out to friends or find book recommendations for surviving spous-es.

A NOTE FROM THE CHAPLAIN

Perhaps the most important family conversation one could ever have would involve one’s wishes for end oflife care. Although most consider this conversation extremely important, the vast majority do not get around toexpressing these wishes. Allow us to offer to you a resource… The Conversation Project. You can find a pack-et of information and tools to guide the conversation on their website which is called The Conversation Project.These tools will assist you is sharing with your parents or children these important decisions and allow a plan ofcare to be in place that reflects one’s values and deep seated beliefs in goals that make sense without the possi-bility of misinterpretation. The MOAA Cincinnati Chapter Chaplain is available to assist you in this effort ifyou would desire by email Joseph.Boone@LEC.org or calling (513) 502-3168.

Ohio Veterans Homes

The Ohio Veterans Homes as a State of Ohio establishment comprised of three facilities — a nursing homelocated in Georgetown, and a nursing home and a domiciliary located in Sandusky. Each one offers a quality oflife which emphasizes privacy, encourages independence, provides comfort and security, and meets socialneeds. For more information click here or go to http://dvs.ohio.gov/VETERANS_HOMES.

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“Serving our homeless vets, after they served us all.”

The 5K run and celebration is a synergy of ideas from The Joseph House administration and Connor Thomas, President of The Goshen Military Club. This event could not possibly benefit anyone more deserving than our military veterans. In America, we are taught to extend a hand when someone needs help. That is what the Joseph House is all about. At the Joseph House, we don’t leave our wounded behind. The 2014 Point-in-Time (PIT)

count revealed that there were

approximately 49,933 homeless Veterans

on a single night in January 2014 in the

U.S. http://www.va.gov/homeless

These vets fought to ensure our way of life. Our freedom and liberty is a debt that can never be paid, just appreciated.

The 5K will take place at Joyce Park on Sunday, April

26th 2015 at 10:00 A.M., along the scenic Great Miami

River. Joyce Park is located at 194 Joe Nuxhall Way

Fairfield, OH 45014. 100% of net profit will go to The

Joseph House.

Complete registration at www.runningtime.net Adults $20.00 Kids <13 $10.00 Donations Camouflage t-shirts, pink or green, will be optional and are purchased online for $12.00. Same day registration will be an extra $5.00 and will be available from 8:45-9:30 A.M. All participants under 18 must be registered by their parent or guardian.

Awards will be given to the top overall male and

female runners, the top three finishers in each age

category, and to the top ten overall walkers.

Categories are <13, 14-19, 20-26, 27-31, 32-37, 38-43,

44-51, 52-57, 58>

Any questions? Please Call Mr. Murray Belew, Director

of Operations, at The Joseph House. You can reach

him at (513) 241-2965 or email him at

murray.belew@josephhouse.com

The Joseph House 1526 Republic Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-241-2965 www.josephhouse.com

You can pick up your packet at The Buckeye

Running Store in Mason, April 24th from 3:00-

6:00.

www.jumpandplaypartyrentals.com

Bring the kids out for some great

entertainment provided by Jump

and Play Party Rentals!

NAVAL JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL

1165 Eaton Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45013

(513) 868-7700

9 March 2015

From: Senior Naval Science Instructor, Hamilton High School NJROTC

To: To Whom It May Concern

Subj: Request for Donations to Participate in Navy National Academic, Athletic and Drill Competition

1. Due to their Outstanding Victory at the Area 3 East Academic, Athletic and Drill Competition

held this past weekend at Central Crossing High School, Hamilton High School’s NJROTC Unit

has been selected to be one of 25 NJROTC Units from over 550 in the country to participate in

the Navy National Academic, Athletic and Drill Competition. This event is being held at the

Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL on 10 – 11 April.

2. The cost for transportation, lodging and meals while at NAS Pensacola is estimated to be over

$22,000. After the estimated reimbursement from the Navy, the cost for each Cadet is still over

$260.00 and this does not cover meals while travelling. Many of these students had difficulty

paying $25.00 for the Area 3 East Championships.

3. We respectfully request that you consider making a donation to help support one of more of these

fine individuals whom have arrived day after day at 6:00 am and stayed after school to earn this

great honor. Donations can be made out to “Hamilton High School NJROTC” and delivered to

the High School or to the above address. If you have any questions, please contact myself, or

GySgt Todd McAlister, USMC (ret) at the above phone number (extensions 4300 / 4301 / 4335).

4. Thank you for your support.

Very Respectfully,

CAPT Jim Allison, USN (ret)

Senior Naval Science Instructor

2015 CHAPTER DUES ARE DUE! Please pay now- IF you haven't done so.To determine whether your dues are paid, please check your address sticker on the other side of thisform. The year is shown for the latest year for which your dues are paid. (Life members show LIFE). Ifyour number is (2014) or lower, please return this form (with your name sticker on reverse) along witha check for your dues to bring you up to current year. Please mark your selection of dues (one year ,multi-year or life). For those of you who receive your newsletter by email, your dues date is located in the TOline of your email after your name. If you are moving out of state and don’t want to continue your chaptermembership or have any other status change, please let us know. Also please indicate on your check the year(s) your dues are for.

Chapter Membership Renewal.Name: _____________________ Rank: ____________Your email address please:_______________________

Member ___$28 for three years ___$19 for two years ___$10.00 for one yearAuxiliary Member (as the surviving spouse of a deceased officer )

___$14 for three years ___$9.50 for two years ___$5.00 for one year

Please renew as a LIFE member. ____ (Please circle amount in fee schedule.)

Make check payable to: Greater Cincinnati Chapter / MOAAMail Renewal form and check to:

LTC Paul Fellinger, 5493 Delhi Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45238-5139

-------------------------- cut here ---——--------- Dues Form ---------------------cut here----------------------------WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

CAPT David Byrne, PHS CAPT William Heitbrink, PHS CDR Mark Nicholls, USNCPT Michael Morner, USA Maj Melvin Carr, USAMAJ Brian Bucher, USAF Lt Col Lydia Black, USAF Res MAJ Dave Wilson, USAF Res

TRICARE’s Coverage of Women’s Health Issues

It is important for women to make their own health a priority and to help women understand what it meansto be well. This is especially important because the number one killer of U.S. women is heart disease — andit’s preventable. As a matter of fact, of the top five women’s health issues: heart disease, depression, breastcancer, osteoporosis and autoimmune disease, three of them are preventable. Dealing with heart disease can betough, but there are several things women can do to fight this disease. First, know the risk factors. High bloodpressure, high numbers for LDL cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. Second, knowyour numbers — blood pressure and cholesterol — and take action if they are not within a healthy range.Third, get preventative health screenings and ask your provider if you should be tested for diabetes. Finally,increase healthy behaviors like eating right and exercising regularly.

TRICARE covers clinical preventative services for all beneficiaries. Find information about specificpreventive services at TRICARE.mil/PreventiveCare.

Many women place everyone else’s well-being ahead of their own throughout the year. Now is the prefecttime for women to place themselves at the front of the line.

The Ohio Women Veterans ConferenceAladdin Shrine Center - Columbus, Ohio

Saturday, Sept 12, 2015Registration: 8am - 9am | Conference: 9am - 4pm

Click here or go to http://dvs.ohio.gov/HOME/Committees/Women_Veterans_Advisory_Committee/Ohio_Women_Veterans_Conference, for more information and to register.

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LIFE MEMBERSHIP FEES

(Fee is based on your age, nearest birthday)

Regular AuxiliaryAge up to 55 $161.25 $80.00Age 56 to 70 $127.50 $63.75Age 71 to 89 $ 93.75 $46.90Age 90 and over Waived Waived

Greater Cincinnati ChapterMILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OFAMERICA8099 Pepper PikeWest Chester, OH 45069-2842

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCINCINNATI, OHPERMIT NO 6122

Postmaster: Dated material, Please Expedite

PURPOSES OF

MILITARY OFFICERS

ASSOCIATION

OF AMERICA

TO inculcate and stimulate love of country and flag;

TO defend the honor, integrity, and supremacy of our National Government

and the Constitution of the United States;

TO advocate military forces adequate to the defense of our country;

TO foster fraternal relations between all branches of the various services from

which our members are drawn;

TO further the education of children of service personnel;

TO aid active and retired personnel of the various services from which our

members are drawn and their dependents and survivors, in every proper

and legitimate manner;

TO present their rights and interests when service matters are under

consideration; and

TO foster the integrity and prestige of uniformed service.

—from the Preamble to the Association’s Bylaws

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED