The Council Communiqué - MOAA Fl · Ian Mackenzie, 89, of Palm Coast was awarded the French Legion...

What’s inside…

President’s Message 1 Legislative Comments 2 Chaplain’s Remarks 3 MOAA Connect 3 Area VPs 5 FDVA 9 Photo Gallery 10 Homestead Tax-Disability 13 Auxiliary 14 Sarasota 2013

PR 19

Registration 21

President’s Message Lt Col Jim Conner, USAF (Ret)

chapters and we have been doing some things at the Council level. See Dottie’s article on this subject and if your chapter is interested in coming on line let me know.

Hope to see you in Sarasota 7-9 Jun!

Jim

April 2013

Issue 119

The Council Communiqué Florida Council of Chapters

Military Officers Association of America

We are moving forward with the new recruiting program and I am pleased with the emphasis chapters are putting on recruiting. Membership rosters are a key in determining chapter’s eligibility for monetary rewards in the new recruiting program and Brian Anderson from MOAA Council and Chapters has told me that the Florida chapters have done an excellent job of updating their rosters.

Recruiting is a challenge and we need to use all the tools we have. You now have a new tool to work with: “Constant Contact”. This is the internet program that Palm Beach Martin Counties used for registrations in the 2012 Convention and for their Officer Calls. Marc Oliveri, FCOC membership chair, is the leader on this and many of you heard his presentation at the Winter Leadership Forum. We have expanded the availability of this program to all the Chapters. Get in touch with Marc if you want to use it for a recruiting event.

I am going to be at MOAA Hq for the annual Storming of the Hill. Your contact with the representative from your district and our senators will certainly give our teams an advantage in gaining their support when we visit them 17 April. We will discuss DOD’s misleading information about military personnel and health care costs and concurrent receipt inequities. Also while there, VADM Ryan will announce the Col Marvin J. Harris Communication Awards winners. I’m hoping to see many of you on the list. Don’t forget that the Level of Excellence submissions are due 1 June. MOAA Connect is the social network that MOAA is bringing on line. The Cape Canaveral Chapter was one of the pilot

The Bradenton Chapter ROTC

Awards

Jerry L. Neff, President Bradenton County Chapter The Bradenton Chapter will be holding the Annual JROTC Scholarship Awards Lunch on April 24, at the Bradenton Country Club. This year we will be awarding a total of $12,000 in scholarships to Cadets from the six high schools in Manatee County.

April 2013

The Council Communiqué

Legislative Comments Col Fran Martin, USAF (Ret)

After months of talking about the “S word”…sequestration…we seem to have another “S word” on our plates: speculation. As we view the sequestration ‘dance’, it certainly appears to be in a ‘one step forward, two steps back’ rhythm. Does anyone know where this is going? Frankly, I never thought we’d be at this ‘dance’, but since we are here, let’s review the dance floor: TUITION ASSISTANCE

After suspending tuition assistance due to the sequestration budget cuts, the Pentagon has restored funding for this important program for the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. However, tuition assistance for Coast Guard veterans remains suspended since the Coast Guard operates under the Dept of Homeland Security. CIVILIAN FURLOUGHS

After announcing a civilian furlough of 22 unpaid days, the new plan is for 14

BUDGET

BUDGET

WHO’S GOT THE

BUDGET?

unpaid days. Furlough notices will go out to the DoD civilian workforce on April 5 and the furloughs will start in June. As you may expect, civilians serving in war zones and critical public safety jobs will be exempt. All others are tightening their belts—and their personal finances--accordingly. BUDGET, BUDGET…WHO’S GOT THE BUDGET?

In the ongoing battle of the budget during the sequestration ‘dance’, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine which partner is leading. One thing is certain: everyone is dancing to a tune they’ve never heard before. And it seems that the military members, veterans and their families are ‘wallflowers’, relegated to the sidelines while the tune keeps changing. Hopefully, a clear ‘bandleader’ will emerge soon.

Mackenzie Awarded French Legion of Merit Gary DeKay, President, Flagler County Chapter

Flagler County MOAA Chapter member Ian Mackenzie, 89, of Palm Coast was awarded the French Legion of Merit at a ceremony in Daytona Beach, January 29,

2013. Mackenzie,was a pilot who

flew 79 missions in a P-38 at Normandy, moving on to other campaigns in France, Belgium and Germany.

Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the medal is the most prestigious honor given by France for exceptional merit. Notable American recipients in the past include Thomas Edison, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Colin Powell.

Congratulations Ian!

April 2013


A major change is being implemented at The Annual Florida Convention, in that The Memorial Service is being moved from Saturday morning to Sunday morning. There was some concern that too much was being squeezed into a very tight schedule. The Memorial Service has been for many years one of the important features of the Convention, and during my tenure they have all been exceedingly and reverently well done. By the way, the Hosting Chapter is the responsible party for planning and executing this Service and the Council Chaplain serves as an advisor and participant as requested or needed. It is very important to me for this Service to continue its fine tradition. This brings us to the question of whether or not our Members will remain in Sarasota just a bit longer to pay honor to those of our Organization who have passed from this life to the next. As Council Chaplain, I implore all of you make this Service a priority, and I fully expect a good attendance, not for my

sake, but for those we honor and those who will be working hard to make this a special spiritual occasion. Chaplain Charles Caudill, Colonel USAF Retired, will be planning and leading the Service this year. For now, I am scheduled to offer The Benediction. It has been my privilege to know Chaplain Caudill a good many years from the time that he served as the Senior Chaplain at Langley Air Force Base, and his fifteen years as Chaplain for the Cadets at The Virginia Military Institute. I can guarantee that you will be pleased with our Convention Memorial Service and the brief delay in your departure will be well worth it. Weather permitting the Service will be just outside of The Convention Center, beginning promptly at 9:00 a.m. Chaplain (COL) Robert L. Morris, Jr. USA Ret [email protected]

Memorial Service Chaplain (COL) Robert L. Morris, Jr. USA Retired

The Memorial Service is being

moved from Saturday morning

to Sunday morning.

MOAA has started a new way for chapters and members to communicate with each other across all of MOAA nationwide. A way to talk to each other and exchange ideas and problems about anything. Sort of like a Facebook but for MOAA members only. It also has blogs so people can just voice their views.

I have started posting Bits & Pieces to MOAA Connect so that other chapters around the country can also benefit from our good ideas. I’ve removed names and contact info but I usually tell what chapter it came from.

If you want to see what MOAA Connect looks like, type “moaa connect” into your search bar. Basically that’s all you can do right now unless you’re already signed in and have a password. If you want to get a password and dig further into it, contact your Florida Council of Chapters President, Jim Conner at (239) 542-5627 or [email protected] and he can help you get a password. This is a new thing, just getting off the ground. Have fun with it!

MOAA Connect Dottie Conner

A new way for chapters and members to

communicate..

mailto:[email protected]


April 2013


April 2013


Presenting……

East Central Area Vice President:

Col. Susan Neugebauer, USAF

Susan grew up in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. Her world was pretty normal but it changed forever one afternoon when she was a senior in college. She was playing the piano in her dormitory common room when an Air Force recruiter came in and asked her where she’d like to be at that time next year. On a whim, she said “Germany” and he said “I can make it happen.”

Susan joined the Air Force and began a career in Intelligence with the help of that recruiter. After finishing the Intelligence school at Lowry AFB Colorado, she was enthusiastic about her first assignment. It was to the 483 Tactical Airlift Wing at Cam Ranh Bay AB South Viet Nam. The war was winding down and the Intelligence unit was closing, so to complete her Southeast Asia tour she was assigned to Task Force Alpha at the Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base. You notice she’s still not in Germany.

Next she was assigned to the 67th Tactical

Reconnaissance Wing at Bergstrom AFB, Texas. There she worked with aircrew members and supported wing operations. As she was newly married to Hans, she enjoyed living in a real house instead of a hooch like in Southeast Asia.

Finally, she went to Germany. She and Hans lived near Kaiserslautern and worked at Sembach AB. They loved Germany and travelled all over Europe. They especially enjoyed the “volks marches,” Christmas markets and würsts!

After four years, they moved to Offutt AFB in Nebraska, which was Headquarters for Strategic Air Command (SAC). After years in Tactical Air Command and living in Europe, the adjustment to SAC was taxing. After careful consideration, Hans retired; she left active duty. They moved to upstate New York and she began serving special duty tours as an Air Force Reservist in Washington, D.C.

In 1985 she attended Air Command and Staff College, and then she returned to active duty for a job with the Air Force Intelligence Agency at Fort Belvoir, VA. Hans and Susan moved to Alexandria, VA to enjoy sight-seeing opportunities in the area.

After this tour, she was assigned to the J-4 Logistics Directorate in the Pentagon. The Gulf War started shortly after her assignment began. Talk about logistics! Moving armies and their housing, food, and everything else imaginable to the desert. All those Reservists out there reading this take note: Susan and her Army colleague drafted the paperwork to recall Reservists to Active Duty.

After this tour, she was asked to work for the Air Force Inspector General. There went the next four years of her life.

Finally she retired back to upstate New York. There she served as a representative on a County Planning Board and was a State Chairman in the Daughters of the American Revolution. She and Hans wanted to travel and they decided that Florida was near cruise ship ports, the excitement of Cape Canaveral, etc. So, happily for us, they moved here and she’s been busy helping MOAA, FCOC and the Cape Canaveral chapter ever since.

Now here’s an interesting tidbit: when Susan moved to Florida she was already a life member of MOAA. Her neighbor kept asking her to join the local (Cape Canaveral) MOAA chapter but she kept saying she didn’t need to join a chapter, she was already in MOAA. He finally convinced her to go to a meeting and join. She eventually became the President of the chapter and now she’s the Area Vice President for six chapters. She is the type of person you’re all now working to recruit this year – National MOAA members who are not members of chapters. See what an asset that persistent neighbor brought to MOAA/FCOC/ Cape Canaveral chapter?

April 2013


Presenting……

Southwest Area Vice President

Col. Len Friedlander, USAF

Col. Len Friedlander, USAF (ret.), went from high school dropout to Vice Commander in one career!

Len quit high school and started working on his own, then decided to try the Air Force. He enlisted as an airman, went through Basic Training and went off to Germany. He was a happy bachelor working as a radar operator there when he met the beautiful and talented Christa at a social gathering in Berlin. They married and had their first child, Susan, and suddenly Len was supporting a family, not just himself, so he started taking classes at night. He finished his high school degree and was 2 years into a college degree when he was selected for the Air Force Airman’s Education & Commissioning Program.

The Air Force sent Len to Syracuse University to finish college, then to Officer Training School and his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant with 10 years Active Duty under his belt.

They had another child while Len was at Syracuse, Danny, and Len & Christa now have three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

As an officer, Len worked in computers, intelligence, communications and command and control systems. After multiple assignments at SAC Headquarters and the Pentagon, and assignments to Service Schools and Michigan State university for his Masters Degree, Len and Christa’s last overseas assignment was to Ankara Turkey for three years, which they loved.

It was an exciting time. Len was the Commander of the Communications Group with ten units – Squadrons and Detachments - spread across the country. While he was overseeing their operations, the First Gulf War

erupted and things got very active. Communications support was established for AWACS, airlift, tanker, and fighter operations at US installations, and new operating locations for Search and Rescue operations were set up as well. During this time, Len was working with the Turkish military to get this all set up and running.

These actions spilled over into a humanitarian relief effort called Operation Provide Comfort. After the Gulf War hostilities ended, Saddam Hussein began attacking the Kurds in the north of Iraq, near the border with Turkey. To escape the onslaught, the Kurds began coming over the mountains into Turkey with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The Americans and Turkish military set up refugee camps with the US Military providing medical supplies and support, and flying supplies in to the camps. Subsequently, a NO FLY Zone was established over northern Iraq with fighter aircraft flying out of Incirlik AB in Turkey, allowing the Kurds to return to their homes in Iraq.

His last year in Turkey, Len was the Vice Commander of The US Logistics Group (TUSLOG) which had administrative control of all US Forces in Turkey, and coordinated all US activities with the Turkish military.

Quite a road travelled from High School dropout days! He can be very proud of his accomplishments and we’re proud to have him as our Area Vice President.

PS – Len is now doing the Convention Magazine for the 2013 Florida Council of Chapters convention in Sarasota. That’s a huge job, so when you get your copy think about the man who made it!

April 2013


Presenting……

Southeast Area Vice President:

LTC Marc Oliveri, USAR

At the end of his junior year in college, Marc signed up for a Marine Officer Candidate School program run by St. Johns University, at Quantico. He had decided he wanted to go to Vietnam and have a military career. Things usually don’t go exactly as planned in life…

After some basic training at Quantico he went to Camp Lejeune and joined a Motor Transport Group, then he was off to Vietnam from Feb.1969-Feb.1970, in charge of a platoon in the 7

th Motor Division. For his first six

months he was a Convoy Commander, then the last six months he went to Headquarters and served as the Company Commander.

Back from Vietnam, he decided to change directions and took a job in management with the New York Telephone Company and began a Management Development Program run by the company. The timing was good for Marc. The telephone company was having worker strikes so managers stepped in to cover their jobs as best they could, working 11-14 hours a day and getting lots of overtime pay.

He didn’t leave the military altogether. For the next 19-20 years he joined the Army Reserves because they had reserve units nearby. He worked in the 318

th

Transportation Battalion and at times they worked on possible war scenarios focused on Egypt and that area. They would use actual documentations for realism, and the unit even deployed to Egypt for two weeks to experience desert conditions.

Meanwhile, back at his day job, he collaborated with a group of other young single guys to split the cost of a vacation rental beach cottage in West Hampton on Long Island in the summers, and a condo in Vermont for skiing in the winters. It was at the beach house that he met Jenine one sunny weekend. She was a guest of one of the other guys’ girl friend and Marc knew a good thing when he saw it!

After they married he left the lively single scene and instead bought a house in Pennsylvania for summer vacations for their growing family, now two boys and one girl.

He also bought a horse and would ride with 6-8 neighbors to someone’s house, have breakfast, then ride trails all morning. His children also learned to ride.

After 15 years he left the phone company and bought a hair salon. Not to run it, but as a business to manage. Then he bought another, then another, until he had four. He managed those for about ten years.

Jenine, meanwhile, taught English in high school and raised their three children while they all lived on Long Island.

During these years Marc was working his day job as a manager, was in the Reserves, and going to night school to get his Master degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance. (He probably could have taught the course!) On class days he would leave for work at 5:30 AM, go straight to class after work, and not get home until 11:00 PM at night.

Marc’s friend had convinced him to buy the Pennsylvania house, so when that same friend invited him to Florida to see his new house there, Jenine said, “I hope we don’t buy a house in the week that we’re there”, but sure enough, before the week was out they bought a new house. Then they sold the Pennsylvania house and retired to their new community in West Palm Beach.

We’re glad they did, because he’s brought his expertise to many things that benefit his chapter, FCOC, and MOAA such as the fantastic 2012 Convention that Marc and Jenine co-chaired in West Palm Beach, with its great speakers and bagpipe band, tours, and outstanding locale. Jim and I still hear great comments about it as we travel around to the chapters. And that’s just one of the pies he’s had his finger in! Wherever Marc is, life is lively!

April 2013


e

To Contact Your Area Vice President?

1. In your search bar, type “moaa/fcoc” 2. Click on “MOAA Florida Council of Chapters –

“Home” (must be home) 3. Click on “Council” 4. A list of Florida Council officers displays. Scroll

down to your Area Vice President and click on “Send Email”

5. Fill out the email form and send it – the AVP will receive it and reply back to you.

Communiqué Kudos to:

Dottie Conner for the AVP Interviews and information.

Area VP Contact & Coverage Info AREA Coverage

East Central Area – Cape Canaveral (Patrick AFB), Indian River (Vero Beach), Lake & Sumter Counties (Lakeland), Central Florida (Orlando), MOC of Volusia (Deland), and Treasure Coast (Fort Pierce) chapters. Southwest Area - Bradenton, Charlotte Harbor (Punta Gorda), Lee Coast (Sanibel), MOA of Sarasota, MOA of South West Florida (Naples), MOA of South Central Florida (Sebring), and Venice Area chapters.

Southeast Area - Broward County (Deerfield Beach), Florida Gold Coast (Coral Gables), Palm Beach Area (Boynton Beach), Palm Beach-Martin Counties (Jupiter), South Dade (Princeton) chapters, and there is an effort to get a Florida Keys chapter up and running again

RADM Robin M. Ikeda, MD, Lee County Chapter Dinner Speaker RADM Robin M. Ikeda, MD, MPH, USPHS, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases, Injury Prevention and Environmental Health of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga., and RADM Roger Triftshauser, President of the Lee Coast Chapter of MOAA. Speaking at the chapter dinner she had this message: Among adults over 65, falls are the leading cause of injury/ death, but with attention to preventive steps like exercise and watching for side effects of medicine, these risks can be significantly reduced.

April 2013


March 15, 2013

Press Release: Republican Party of Florida

TALLAHASSEE - The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) will donate $300,000 to the Florida Veterans Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group, after learning that political contributions had been raised from an organization that now stands accused of using veteran's charities as a front for alleged illegal activity.

"RPOF respects our nation's veterans, and we have zero tolerance for this kind of activity," said Chairman Lenny Curry. "It is outrageous to all Floridians that anyone would use our veterans as a front for criminal actions."

After a thorough review of financial records in connection with this case, RPOF has received approximately $271,000 during the current and

most recent campaign cycle from entities currently under investigation. "This is a complex, ongoing case and new facts may develop," said Curry. "But RPOF has a history of supporting the men and women who serve in the military, and we will always do everything we can to support America's veterans. That is why we will contribute a total of $300,000 to this great organization and the heroes they help."

Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.

Jim Brodie, PH: 850-487-1533 Ext 7705

Republican Party of Florida to Donate $300,000 to

Veterans Foundation Jim Brodie, Director of Legislative and Cabinet Affairs, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs

April 2013


Cape

Canaveral

Community

Blueprint

On the green…….

April 2013


Bill Knehans receives a patch for Council service from FCOC President, Jim Conner

Calusa Shrimp Boil

April 2013


Helen McClary, Grande Dame

Operation Helping Hand Dinner

Helen McClary Grande Dame

Operation Helping Hand Golf

Bob Silah drops the ball to start the tournament.

Bagpipe Salute!

April 2013


Homestead Property Tax Discount For Veterans Age 65 and Older

With a Combat Related Disability

Gayle D. Norgaard, FCOC, Personal Affairs Chair

TAKE NOTE!

On November 2012 the legislature passed Amendment 2 that expanded Amendment 7 that was passed in 2006.. Amendment 2 includes veteran discounts for property taxes regardless of your state of residence when you entered the service. This amendment provides a property tax discount on homestead property owned by eligible veterans. To be eligible, a veteran must have an honorable discharge from military service, be at least 65 years old, be partially disabled with a permanent service connected disability all or a portion of which must be combat-related. This discount is in addition to any other exemptions veterans now receive.

Applications for the discount should be made to the property appraiser in the county where the veteran’s homestead property is located. Apply now for the coming year. The Department of Revenue’s role in implementation of the discount is limited to providing aid and assistance to the property appraiser.

For additional information, please see the Department’s Property Tax Informational Bulletin titled Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Discount on Homestead Property.

Calusa Chapter President, Bill Deile with Cape Coral Mayor, John Sullivan. Photo from: John D. Hicks Public Relations Chair Calusa Chapter

http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/veteran/pdf/amend7bulletin121406.pdf

http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/veteran/pdf/amend7bulletin121406.pdf

April 2013


Auxiliary Corner Violet M. Smith, Auxiliary Liaison, FCOC . To All the Auxiliary Liaisons in Florida. First of all I want to thank you all for serving. We all know how important it is to be able to communicate.Thanks to all of you, it is possible for the Surviving Spouses(and Spouses) in the local Chapters to have the Liaisons to reach out to. The Auxiliaries are vital members of the chapters. They can bring skills and talents to the membership and many hold executive positions within the chapters. Please encourage them to speak out and tell you what they would like to see change within their chapter and also what they are happy with. We need to share this with all the Florida Chapters. Please make sure that the word is out with regard to the 2013 MOAA AMAC Storming the Hill Event. This will be held on 16 and 17 July and will deal with the SBP and DIC issue which the members of AMAC and MOAA have been working on for many years. MOAA has secured discounted room rates and it is a great

opportunity for Spouses and Surviving Spouses (and all others )to go to the D.C. area and "Storm" for a very worthwhile cause. Go to www.moaa.org/amacstorming for more details. The deadline for reservations is 1 June 2013. I am looking forward to meeting with all the Auxiliary Liaisons who plan on going to the Florida Council Convention at Sarasota. I have made my reservations and shall be there from 7-9 June. Hope to see you there. Feel free to contact me at any time, my home phone is 727-595-5543 of e-mail at [email protected]. Thank all of you for serving. Remember too that The Surviving Spouses of MOAA are "The Heart Behind One Powerful Voice".

http://www.moaa.org/amacstorming


April 2013


Ten Reasons Why You Didn't Get the Job

CAPT Jim Carman, MOAA Career Center

This week’s announcement from MOAA’s Career Center comes from Lee Cohen, an Executive Senior Partner with Lucas Group. Wondering what's running through your interviewer's mind? Here are 10 things your interviewer might be thinking:

1. You showed up too early. Interviewers are annoyed when candidates show up more than five or 10 minutes early.

2. We're judging how you're dressed. A professional appearance still matters. You don't need to wear expensive clothes, but showing up in a casual outfit or clothes that don't fit properly, having unkempt hair, or inappropriately flashy makeup can be harmful.

3. We don't want you to try to sell us. It's a turn-off when a candidate seems overly focused on closing the deal, rather than on figuring out if the job is the right fit. No hiring manager wants to think she's being aggressively sold; we want the best person for the job.

4. Little things count. It's not just official contacts, like interviews and formal writing samples. Hiring managers are watching everything, including how quickly you respond to requests for writing samples and references, whether your email confirming the time of the interview is sloppily written, and how you treat the receptionist.

5. We might act like we don't mind you bad mouthing a former employer, but we do. We'll let you talk once you start, but internally we're noting that you're willing to trash-talk people who have employed you in the past and are wondering if you'll do that to us.

6. You might be talking too much. Your answers to your interviewer's questions should be direct and to-the-point. Rambling and unnecessary tangents raise doubts about your ability to organize your thoughts and convey needed information quickly. If you're tempted to go on longer than two minutes, instead ask, "Does that give you what you're looking for, or would you like me to go more in depth about this?"

7. Fit really matters, so we think a lot about your personality. You might have all the qualifications an employer is looking for, but still not get hired because your working style would clash with the people with whom you'd be working. Remember, it's not just a question of whether you have the skills to do the job; it's also a question of fit for this particular position, with this particular boss, in this particular culture, and in this particular company.

8. We want you to talk about salary first for the exact reason you fear. Salary conversations are nerve-wracking for job seekers because they know that they risk low-balling themselves by naming a number first. And that's exactly why interviewers push candidates to throw out a number first.

9. We're going to ask other people what they think of you. This includes everyone who came in contact with - from the receptionist to the guy who you met for two minutes in the hallway.

10. We like thank-you notes, but not for the reason you think. Post-interview thank-you notes aren't just about thanking the interviewer for her time; the ones that are done well build on the conversation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the job.

Suggested for Communiqué Publication by Mike McHugh, TOPS Chairman

April 2013


April 2013


MILITARY OFFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (MOAA) FLORIDA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS (FCOC)

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS INFORMATION

The MOAA Florida Council of Chapters (FCOC) is comprised of 40 Chapters with over 8,000 members and their families. MOAA has over 375,000 members in all 50 States and across the World with the FCOC being MOAA’s largest Council. The FCOC’s primary communication vehicles are our bi-monthly publication, The COUNCIL COMMUNIQUE and our Website www.MOAAFL.org. Recently we dramatically increased COMMUNIQUE distribution from less than 100 printed copies in B & W to electronic email in Color to all 40 Chapters and MOAA Headquarters in Virginia. Chapters use their internal email list to redistribute COMMUNIQUE electronically to their 8,000 members as an increasing number of members now have email.

The FCOC Website will also post your Ad to make it available to virtually all 375,000 MOAA members. Both COMMUNIQUE and the FCOC Website provide a unique forum for businesses to reach a select segment of the population. The membership is patriotic and professional. We encourage your business to reach out to our members by advertising in The COUNCIL COMMUNIQUE and our Website. In appreciation of Businesses that also support the FCOC Annual Convention with Ads in the Convention Souvenir Program Book within the last year the FCOC offers a discount for the same size Ad shown on the following Order Form.

Thank you!

Northeast Chapter’s Cookbook Project makes generous

contribution to the MOAA Scholarship Program

Jim Conner, President, Florida Council of Chapters

Several years ago the Northeast Chapter in Jacksonville took on a project to write a cookbook using recipes from Family, Friends and MOAA Members. They designated the Florida Council of Chapters to receive 80 % of the profits. The program was very successful and the Northeast Chapter has forwarded $1,454.02 to the Florida Council to be used for Scholarships. It was agreed at the time that although the Florida Council did not have a

Scholarship Program, we would in turn give it to the MOAA National Scholarship Fund. This money can now be used to help some deserving students a chance to offset some of their college expenses and we thank the Northeast Chapter for their efforts. This donation will list the Northeast Chapter and Florida Council of Chapters as the donor.

http://www.moaafl.org/

April 2013


FLORIDA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS (FCOC)

Communiqué and Convention

ADVERTISING ORDER FORM

ANNUAL CONVENTION ADVERTISER Business Card Size (2” H x 3.5” W) $300 $250 SAVE $50 Quarter Page Size (4” H x 3.5” W) $420 $350 SAVE $70 Half Page Size (8” H x 3.5” W) $840 $700 SAVE $140 Half Page Size (4” H x 7.5” W) $840 $700 SAVE $140 Full Page Size (9.625” x 7.5” W) $1200 $920 SAVE $280 Size of Ad: _______ Mo/Yr to Begin: _ Mo/Yr to End: ________ Amount: $____________

Business Name: _________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City: _____________________________________

State: _________________________Zip: __________

Email: ____________________________________________

Business Contact: ____________________

Tel #:________________________Fax #: ___________________________

Submit PDF file to: [email protected]

Contact Cdr. Bill Bolin (727) 584-1595 or [email protected] for assistance.

Ad information must be submitted by the 1st of the month “preceding” the first month of publication.

Please make check payable to MOAAFL , Return this form with check to:

Don Courtney, Treasurer FCOC 4516 Shark Drive, Bradenton, FL 34208 (941) 745-9564 [email protected]




April 2013


Convention 2013 Press Release Troy Scott, Annual Convention Chair 2013

Final plans are coming together for our Convention. We hope you are planning on coming to Sarasota June 7 to 9 for a great convention themed “Under the Big Top”. As we promised when we started taking registrations, we have drawn a winner from the first 45 registrants who will get a free room from the Hyatt. The lucky winner is LTC Kathryn Blunk of the MOAA of Citrus County Chapter. We have a lot on the schedule and great entertainment for our President’s Reception, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, so you won’t have to leave the hotel to get dinner. Also, be sure to meet our Florida Council President, Lt Col Jim Conner ,USAF (Ret) and his lovely wife, Dottie. Jim has introduced new ideas into training our Chapter Officers and is having significant positive results. Our kick-off speaker for the All-Hands breakfast will be CAPT Bob Silah, Chairman of Operation Helping Hand and a MOAA National Board Member. Since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, the James A. Haley Veteran's Hospital in North Tampa has had a marked increase in the number of wounded and injured active duty members referred for treatment. Their Spinal Cord Injury and Comprehensive Rehabilitation Units have treated some of the most severely injured service members who have been in combat in these operations. Operation Helping Hand of Tampa (Op HH), a project of the Tampa Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), has been organized to help the families of the wounded and injured during their stay in Tampa Bay.

Additionally, we have a great panel lined up for our discussion of “ Serving those who served our Country.” which will focus on how communities can better support veterans returning to Florida following one or more deployments. The purpose of the panel session is to

explain to representatives of local MOAA Chapters what the issues are, and how the local MOAA Chapters can help. Col (Retired) Mike Pendergrast, Executive Director, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, has agreed to serve as moderator for the Panel. BG Richard Gallant, Commander, Land Component Command for the Florida National Guard, will address special challenges encountered by members of the Florida National Guard and their families. Luncheon speaker will be Debra Jacobs, CEO of The Patterson Foundation, which has started a program called Legacy of Valor, designed to honor our Veterans. They are working with the Department of Veterans Affairs – National Cemetery Administration in an unprecedented partnership to donate Patriot Plaza, a ceremonial amphitheater, which will greatly enhance the new Sarasota National Cemetery. All our activities will be concluded after the luncheon so you have the afternoon free to explore Sarasota. We have 2 organized excursions, a trip to the Circus Museum at Ringling or a cruise on Sarasota Bay with LeBarge. But you’d better hurry up and get your registration in, because they are starting to fill up and we can only accommodate so many. In the evening, we have the opportunity to hear from our MOAA National President, General John Tellili , USA (Ret) and get the latest info on what’s happening in Washington, DC. And how MOAA is reacting to it. We have some special entertainment, our favorite band, and a surprise performance. Everyone can dance to the wee hours, if so desired. Finally, we will conclude the convention with our Memorial Service on Sunday morning, paying homage to our brothers and sisters at arms, who’ve departed during this past year. Afterwards, we wish you a safe trip home.

http://www.operationhelpinghandtampa.com/moaa.html

http://www.operationhelpinghandtampa.com/moaa.html

http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/sarasota.asp

April 2013


FLORIDA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS 2013 CONVENTION

HYATT REGENCY, SARASOTA, FL

7-9 JUNE 2013

The Military Officers Association of Sarasota Chapter is pleased to serve as the host chapter for the FCOC 2013

convention. We invite you to come and enjoy our hospitality, cultural treasures, and fantastic dining. Come early and

stay longer, the hotel’s rates will remain at our low Convention rate for 2 days before and 2 days after the event.

We have chosen our theme as “Under the Big Top” in Sarasota. As you may know, Sarasota has been the home of the

circus for many years, and we have an amazing treasure trove of attractions. Our most prominent is the Ringling

Museum, with the Circus Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center having the world's largest miniature circus, The Howard

Bros. Circus Model. The model is a replica of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1919 – 1938. It was

created over a period of more than 50-years by master model builder and philanthropist Howard Tibbals. Plus, the Art

collection of circus magnate, John Ringling. In addition to the Ringling, we have the beautiful Selby Botanical

Gardens with a myriad of orchids, bromeliads and other beautiful plants. Take a Bay tour on the Sarasota Bay explorer

and learn/see various kinds of plant and animal life.

Our hospitality committee will be ready to advise you on the many other exciting places of interest, including an array

of suggestions for restaurants, some offering special promotions for our attendees.

Early reservations are a tremendous help to your convention planners. The enclosed reservation form should be filled

out and returned at your earliest convenience. If necessary, you can always cancel by 30 May 2013.

Let the convention committee make the Hyatt Regency hotel reservation for you and save the tax. Please indicate your

wishes on the second page of the reservation form. Having the convention committee to make the reservations will

save at least 12% off the cost of your room. Let us know if you have any special needs or desires.

You can check out the latest convention information and download the registration form, convention shirt or-der form,

and convention program ad order form on the FCOC Website at www.moaafl.org/Convention.

Troy Scott and Linda Gould are the Co-Chairs for the convention. Troy can be reached at 941-379-3023 or

[email protected] and Linda at 941-388-7149, or [email protected]. They are happy to answer any questions.

The members of the Military Officers association of Sarasota want you to have a great time “Under the Big Top” in

Sarasota, and know you will enjoy a very special 2013 FCOC Convention.

* CONVENTION 2013 *

April 2013


The Hyatt Regency, Sarasota- 7,8,9 June

REGISTRATION FORM Page 1 of 2

Please read carefully, fill out legibly and completely, copy for your files and submit early!!!!

Be one of the first 45 registrants and be entered for a drawing for one free hotel night.

Member (Full) Name_______________________________________________Rank_________________Service_____________

Mailing Address (include Zip)________________________________________________________________________________

Email:________________________________________________________Phone:______________________________________

Chapter________________________________________ Current Office Held__________________________________________

Spouse/Guest(s) ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Convention Badge Name

Member___________________________________________________________________________________________

Spouse/Guest(s)_____________________________________________________________________________________

PRELIMINARY CONVENTION INFORMATION AND SET FEES

Event/Item Per-Person Cost Number Attending TOTAL COST

Note: A per-person surcharge of $10 is required for those attending only one event, e.g. the Military Ball

Registration $20 ______________ $_____________

President’s Reception $25 ______________ $_____________

All Hands Breakfast $25 ______________ $______________

Memorial Service n/c

FCOC Annual Meeting n/c

Seminars (2) n/c

Luncheon $25 _______________ $_____________

Military Ball $50 _______________ $_____________

Meal choice for Military Ball _____________Sirloin; ___________ Chicken; ______________ Fish

Tours:

Per-Person Cost Number

LeBarge Bay Cruise $25 __________ $______________

Ringling Circus Museum $25 __________ $______________

Departure times for each event will be announced at the convention upon check-in.

Convention Shirt $30 each (Order now and receive at the convention).

If you prefer, we can mail you your shirt(s). Please add $5 per shirt for shipping. Check here _____ if you would like your shirt(s)

mailed, and specify address if different from above.

Please check size and insert number of shirts for each size:

Ladies: ____ SM ____ M ____ L ____ XL

Men: ____ SM ____ M ____ L ____ XL ____ 2XL $______________

for CONVENTION FEES and SHIRTS…………………………...…….…..…………………………… $______________

April 2013


* CONVENTION 2013 *

The Hyatt Regency, Sarasota 7,8,9 June

REGISTRATION FORM Page 2 of 2

MEMBER FULL NAME_______________________________________________________________________ The Hyatt Regency, Sarasota is a non-smoking facility. Room Reservations made through the convention committee are @ $115/night.

Also save 12% Tax by making reservations through FCOC Convention 2013 committee. Note that you can get the FCOC Convention

rate for up to two days prior and/or two days following the convention if booked through the convention committee. Please specify

below.

I wish to reserve a room for ________Friday 7 June; ________Saturday 8 June; ________ Sunday 9 June_________

I wish to reserve the following days prior to and/or following the convention _________________________________

2 double beds: ______ OR1 king bed: _______; Number of people in room__________ Total Nights_________

Special needs__________________________________________________________________________________________

TOTAL ROOM COSTS……………………………………………..………………….. $_____________________

Total from page 1 (CONVENTION FEES and SHIRT(S)) ……………...…………. $_________________________

Total ROOM COSTS from page 2 above ……………………………………...…...…… $_________________________ GRAND TOTAL………………………………………………………………….…………….. $_________________________ Make check payable to MOAS/FCOC-Convention 2013.

Mail Check and completed Registration form to: FCOC Convention 2013

P.O. Box 50974

Sarasota, FL 34232

Convention Dress: Florida Casual except for the Military Ball which is Formal Wear.

Please add any Comments, Questions and/or Special Instructions/needs.

April 2013


36th Annual Florida MOAA Convention Florida Council of Chapters Hyatt Regency, Sarasota, FL

CONVENTION PROGRAM

FRIDAY, JUNE 7th 2013

1200-1700: Registration Open(Lower Level) 1200-2200: Hospitality Room Opened (Ringling Room),

(Late Registration in Hospitality Room) 1400-1500: Council Board Meeting (Boardroom) 1500-1600: MOAA Presentations ( COL Barry Wright-Florida Room) 1800-2100: President’s Reception (Boathouse)

SATURDAY, JUNE 8th 2013

0730-1700: Registration Open (Lower Level) 0730-0900: All-Hands Breakfast, (Salons C, D, E)

Guest Speaker: CAPT Bob Silah USN (Ret), Operation Helping Hand Playing of the National Anthem Posting the colors 0930-1700: Hospitality Room Opened (Ringling Room) 0915-0945: Annual Meeting (Salon C&D) 1000-1145: Panel: Serving those who served our Nation (Salon F) 1200-1330: Luncheon: The Patterson Foundation Brief (Salon C, D & E) 1400-1700: Tours (Due to time constraints, please choose only one) Ringling Circus Museum Sarasota Bay 1400-1700: Optional Meetings (Florida Room) FPAS Financial Planning Seminar Authors Forum 1800-2200: Military Ball (Salons C,D, E & F) Guest Speaker: Gen John H. Tilelli, Jr. Chairman of the Board, MOAA

SUNDAY, JUNE 9th 2013

0830-0930: Memorial Service (Lanai) 0945-1100: FCOC Board meeting (Board Room )

Have a safe trip home and thanks for coming to Sarasota.

April 2013


Florida Council of Chapters Officers and Committee Chairpersons

OFFICERS

President .……………….…… LtCol Jim Conner, USAF, 239-542-5627, [email protected], Dottie

Vice President ………………. LTC John Morrison, USA, 561-842-8404, [email protected], Myra

NE Area Vice President …….. COL Jim Gleason, USA, 352-333-8974, [email protected], Candy

NW Area Vice President ……. CPT Neal Schneider, USA, 850-932-9242, [email protected], Alicia

EC Area Vice President …….. Col Susan Neugebauer, USAF, 321-253-9658, [email protected], Hans

WC Area Vice President ……. Maj Stephen (Skip) Hartnett, USMC, 727-733-8646, [email protected], Kay

SE Area Vice President ……... LTC Marc Oliveri, USAR, 561-753-7565, [email protected], Jenine

SW Area Vice President …….. Col Leonard Friedlander, USAF, 941-927-0996, [email protected], Christa

Secretary …………………….. COL Jon Gordon, USA, 941-923-2302, [email protected], Mary

Treasurer …………………….. CWO4 Don Courtney, USA, 941-745-9564, [email protected], Donna

Immediate Past President ……. CAPT Don Freese, USNR, 727-360-3102, [email protected], Sherry

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Budget & Finance …………… CWO4 Don Courtney, USA, 941-745-9564, [email protected], Donna

Bylaws Proposals, Resolutions. MAJ Edward Lillich, USA, [email protected], Chris

Communiqué Editor ………… Marty Brown, 336-601-1318, [email protected], Wayne

Legislative Affairs …….…….. Col Fran Martin, USAF, 386-684-2442, [email protected], Rick

Florida Legislative Affairs ...... LtCol Steve Murray, USAF, 850-668-1645, [email protected], Beth

Vet Council/Leadership Forum LTC Bob LePage, USA, 407-298-7228, [email protected]

Personal Affairs ……..……… LtCol Gayle Norgaard, USAF, 850-259-1155, [email protected]

TOPS ……………………….. CAPT Mike McHugh, USN, 904-992-6123, [email protected], Barbara

Religious Activities ………… Chaplain (COL) Robert Morris, USA, 850-893-6181, [email protected], Jackie

Web Site & FMMC/IMMC Ed LCDR John Snyder, USN, 904-221-3425, [email protected]

Membership ………………… LTC Marc Oliveri, USAR, 561-753-7565, [email protected], Jenine

Convention Coordinator ……. COL Troy Scott, USAR, 941-379-3023, [email protected], Elke

Annual Convention Chair 2013 COL Troy Scott, USAR, 941-379-3023, [email protected], Elke

Auxiliary ……………………. Violet Smith, 727-595-5543, [email protected]

Commercial Ad Coordinator .. Bill Bolin, CDR USN ret, 727-584-1595, [email protected], Lynn

We’re on the Web!

See us at: www.moaafl.org/

About Our Newsletter…

The Communiqué is the newsletter of the Florida Council of Chapters (FCOC), Military Officers Association of America, and is published bimonthly: February, April, June, August, October, and December. The Communiqué is intended for wide distribution within the FCOC including Chapter Leaders and all Chapter Members in Florida. A current issue of The Council Communiqué can be found at the Florida Council of Chapters Web Site: http://www.moaafl.org/. Opinions expressed by writers are their own, and may not express the positions of FCOC or the MOAA.



























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