The Volusia Officer’s Call Military Officers Club of Volusia County

An Affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America WEB SITE: www.moaafl.org/Chapters/VolusiaMOAA/Default.aspx

The Prez Sez - - Our January Luncheon was well attended and my thanks to all who participated. My thanks to Maj Wade Lester for his auto-biographical presentation. It was both informative and interesting. At our Board meeting Curt Voelbel reported that we currently have 53 members in our Chapter. MOAA exists to protect your earned benefits and to offer you resources you can't find anywhere else. But most importantly, we're here to help you connect with one an-other. Why? Because we believe in taking care of those who take care of us. On February 22, 2020, the Annual Retiree Appreciation Day (RAD), hosted by the Fort Stewart Retiree Council, will take place at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. It is free of charge and walk-in registration can be made at the event. Also, we

are making plans for the May “Spring Fling”, our end-of-year party, and will provide more information soon. Finally, the Florida Council Of Chapters Annual Convention, hosted by Palm Beach-Martin Counties Chapter will take place 29-31 May 2020, at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott. This is another event that you don’t want to miss. Our next Luncheon is scheduled for 12 February 2020. The date was changed at the request of the Grand Villa. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

MAJ Raul Gonzalez, FLARNG (RET), President

VOL 28 NO 6 FEBRUARY, 2020

Email Address: mickcotten@icloud.com

2018 NEWSLETTER & WEBSITE President: MAJ Raul Gonzalez, FLARNG (RET) 386-366-4473 majgonz@earthlink.net First Vice President: VACANT - - Volunteer Needed! Second Vice President: LTC Milt Corley, USA (RET) 386-738-0708 ruthacorley@yahoo.com Secretary: LtCol Twila Davis, USAF (RET) 717-729-8281 flygirlltc@gmail.com Treasurer: CW2 Bill Hightower, USA (RET) 386-736-1014 bh4550@yahoo.com Directors: Col John Burtnett, USA, RET 215-776-6599 Dtboat@gmail.com LTC Bill Johnson, USA, RET 386-734-4457 billj52A@hotmail.com Maj Mick Cotten, USMC (Ret) 386-490-7343 mickcotten@icloud.com Immediate Past President Capt Marshall Vance, USMC (Ret) 386-216-9255 mcvance1937@gmail.com Chief of Staff: Maj Curt Voelbel, USAF (RET) 386-479-3400 LgtCurt@gmail.com Chaplain: Maj Lewis Long, USAF (RET) 386-228-2646 longc@earthlink.net Community Relations Chairman: Maj Curt Voelbel, USAF (RET) 386-479-3400 LgtCurt@gmail.com Legislative Chairman Maj Wade Lester, USAF (RET) 386-299-7494 WADEBBI@gmail.com Membership Chairman: Maj Curt Voelbel, USAF (RET) Personal Affairs Chairman: LtCol Twila Davis, USAF (RET) 717-729-8281 flygirlltc@gmail.com ROTC/JROTC Liaison: CWO3 Eddie Molina, USA, RET 386-717-2408 molina.eddie@gmail.com Scholarship Chairman: LTC Milt Corley, USA (RET) TOPS Coordinator: VACANT—Volunteer Needed! WEB Master: MAJ Raul Gonzalez, USAFNG (RET) Editor: Maj Mick Cotten, USMC (Ret) Surviving Spouse Liaison: Lisa Hightower 386-736-1014 bh4550@yahoo.com

NOTICE: The Volusia Officer’s Call is published monthly (September-May) by the Military Officers Club of Volusia County (an Affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America [MOAA] and the Florida Council of Chapters [FCOC], MOAA. Opinions of writers is their own, and do not necessarily reflect the position of the organization. Also, please note that information in The Volusia Officer’s Call is not necessarily endorsed by MOAA or FCOC.

The Chaplain’s Corner - - “Needy Jesus” By Mary Luti - - “Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming the good news. The

twelve were with him, as well as some women … who provided for them out of their re-sources. - Luke 8:1-3 (NRSV) If Jesus and his crew were on their own, they’d probably forget to eat. Or run out of money. But they’re not alone. Some women are with them, and the women provide. That women were with Jesus on the road unsettles some people. It titillates others. Exactly how were they ‘with’ him? What exactly did they ‘provide’? Money? Yes. Meals? Probably. Um… Anything else? Imagining answers to that question made The Da Vinci Code a sensation. But sleep-ing arrangements in Jesus’ entourage aren’t as interesting or consequential as this plain fact: the women attend to Jesus’ needs because, like all of us, he has them. He needs to eat, trim his toenails, empty his bowels, clean gunk (Cont’d on Pg 4 - -)

MOAA’s Mission - - The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is a nonprofit veterans’ association dedicated to maintaining a strong national de-fense and ensuring our nation keeps its commitments to currently serv-ing, retired, and former members of the uniformed services and their families and survivors. Membership is open to those who hold or have ever held a war-rant or commission in any component of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, or NOAA and their surviving spouses.

MOAA Take Action Center - - Http://takeaction.moaa.org

Community Relations - -

At our February 2020 meeting, we will be collecting food goods for the West

Volusia Salvation Army. They are very appreciative of our donations. While you purchase your 50-50 tickets, please continue to donate to all our causes. Thanks for your kind support.

Maj Curt Voelbel, USAF, RET, CommRelChair

Next Meeting Scoop - - The next MOCVC meeting is 12FEB20 at the Grand Villa of DeLand at 350 East Internation-al Speedway Blvd., in The Theater Room. Our Social Hour will start at 1100 HRS, and be followed by our Luncheon Meeting at 1200 HRS. The menu we have requested is Salad, Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, and Corn - - with Banana Cream Pie for desert. Our guest speaker will be LTC Marc Oliveri, USA, RET, former FCOC President and MOAA BoD member. CWO4 Kenneth Stanley, USA, RET gets to eat for free. RESERVATIONS ARE IMPORTANT - - WE USUAL-LY HAVE TO PAY FOR THE NUMBER OF MEALS OR-DERED - - so please contact Maj Curt Voelbel, USAF, RET at 386-479-3400 or LgtCurt@gmail.com. He needs your reservations by NOON on Thursday, 06FEB20 - - so call or email Curt TODAY! Also, those individuals who do not have a reservation are welcome. However, they will be issued an "Alternative Meal" card, which must be displayed on their table - - and, if alternative meals are required, the servers will be in-structed to serve them the alternate meals. OUR NEW POLICY is that you will be expected to pay for any meal that you reserve, but fail to show up for - - but excuses will be reviewed by the BoD on a case-by-case basis to determine if an exception should be granted.

The Volusia Officer’s Call Vol 28, No. 6, February, 2020 Page 2

Last Meeting (08JAN20) - - President, MAJ Raul Gonzalea called the meeting to order at 1200 hours. Attendance: 43 MAJ Lewis Long gave the invocation followed by The Pledge of Allegiance. MAJ Gonzalez read a memorial for CW04 Robert “Pops” Roberson who passed away December 15, 2019. He presented a Resolution of Condolence for CW04 Rob-ert Roberson to CW03 Phil Loranger. MAJ Gonzalez welcomed our guests and members: Rosa -Raul’s Mother-in-law, Rachael Winter-wife of COL Jim Winter, MAJ Dale Tennant and wife Carol, CAPT Robert Maynard and CW04 Kenneth Shanley. Lunch was served –Southern Fried Chicken, salad, mashed potatoes, green beans, and ice cream. MAJ Gonzalez introduced our guest speaker MAJ Wade Lester, USAF, Ret -one of our members who shared his bio with the us. Wade hails from Wisconsin. He was recruited by his cousin and joined the USAF on December 5, 1980. He said it was the best thing that ever happened to him. He remained an enlisted member for 10 years then he had the opportunity to become a missiles officer -and he took it. Wade showed a map of all his duty stations ---all were in the continental United States. One of his duty assignments was as an AF ROTC Instructor at Emory Riddle. He finished his military career at Patrick AFB where he retired in 2003. After retiring from the Air Force, he went back to Emory Riddle and worked for Nex-ten for 15 years. He now enjoys trips in the RV, boating and working on old sports cars. MAJ Gonzalez thanked Wade for sharing his career history with the members. MAJ Gonzalez then shared a patriotic video of “Why I Stand.” MAJ Gonzalez requested approval of the 3 December 2019 meeting minutes as published in our VOC. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as pub-lished. They were approved by all members present. MAJ Gonzalez called for reports: Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer CWO2 Bill Hightower

Membership - - Recall at our January meeting I highlighted the im-portance of being a member of MOAA National. Why? Membership numbers matter when MOAA lobbies Con-gress and advocates for our earned benefits and those on active duty, Guard, and Reserve. Membership strength has tremendous positive impact for all of us. There are 3 categories of MOAA National member-ship: Basic - free electronic access to MOAA e-communications about news and support of critical advo-cacy efforts to protect your military benefits. PREMIUM - gives you total access to everything MOAA has to offer, including our full spectrum of career and financial resources, MOAA-exclusive publications, college scholarships for dependents, and countless dis-counts on products and travel. LIFE Membership - is the most elite membership category. As a MOAA LIFE Member, you'll receive all of

MOAA's PREMIUM benefits - plus more - for life. Addition-al benefits include waived initiation fees at the Army Navy Club of Washington, D.C., spouse protection, and direct access to MOAA staff experts on the dedicated MOAA LIFE Member Hotline. Click on the following links: Detailed Information Be sure to scroll to end! JOIN HERE Direct link to Join. Basic membership is FREE, no reason not to join! However, skin in the game has its benefits so consider a Premium or Life Membership. Our local Chapter stands at 53 members with a goal of 56 again for 2020. Thanks! Remember, bringing in a new member earns you a FREE lunch. Happy hunting!

Maj Curt Voelbel, USAF, RET, Membership Dir.

The Volusia Officer’s Call Vol 28, No. 6, February, 2020 Page 3

reported after today’s deposits and expenses a balance of $ 3,378.84. MAJ Gonzalez asked for a motion to ap-prove the report. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Treasurers report. A vote of approval was unanimous. Secretary’s Report: LtCol Twila Davis stated she sent a get-well card to CW04 Robert “Pops” Roberson, a thinking of you card to CW03 Phil Loranger and also a sympathy card on the passing of Pops. She also asked members to please let her know of anyone who is ill. Directors and Committee Reports: LTC Corley –2nd VP – nothing to report MAJ Wade Lester- Legislative News: Wade stated he forwarded the MOAA news letter to members via email. If members have not received it please see him or Twila and we will correct the problem. MAJ Voelbel –Chief of Staff and Community Rela-tions- Curt stated the Salvation Army is our monthly chari-ty for donations. We also collect for the Humane Society in May and December. COL Jack Burtnett-Director- nothing to report LTC Bill Johnson-Director- nothing to report. MAJ Mick Cotten-Director- Excused MAJ Mick Cotten-Editor- Excused MAJ Curt Voelbel- Membership Chair- Curt thanked Jack and Shirley Burtnett for recruiting two new members and stated they would receive free lunches. Curt empha-sized the importance of continuing to bring guests to the meetings and recruiting new members. He explained an individual does not have to be a member of MOAA Na-tional to belong to the MOCVC. If a member decides to become a Board Member of the MOCVC then member-ship in MOAA National is required. OLD BUSINESS: FCOC Leadership Conference in Orlando Jan 10-12, 2020 at the Rosen Center Hotel. Raul asked the Board Members to please stay for a few minutes after to discuss traveling to the conference. President Gonzalez stated with the approval of the Board he would like to pursue a full-page ad in the Bea-con to build awareness of our organization and to get more members. He explained MOAA is a non-partisan organization which defends veteran benefits. One they recently helped to pass is removing the widow’s tax. NEW BUSINESS: Next Board of Directors meeting will be 15 JAN 2020 1000 hours at Woodland Towers. Next Luncheon will be 12 FEB 2020 1100 hours at Grand Villa of DeLand. The date was changed at the re-quest of the Grand Villa. Guest Speaker for February 2020 meeting will be LTC Marc Oliveri from MOAA National. FCOC Convention May 28-31, 2020 Palm Beach, registration is now open. Upcoming event will be the Spring Fling in May. Good of the Order: Chaplain Long mentioned the Mission Act under the Veterans Administration (VA) which allows VA patients to go to local urgent care facili-ties. He also mentioned the local Military Museum will

Legislative Matters - - Sorry, but Nothing This Month - - My fault - -

Editor

accept any military artifact members may wish to donate. MAJ Curt Voelbel mentioned there are changes to IRA rules and suggested members check with their finan-cial advisors on the new rules. CW04 Jackson asked if there are organizations that he could donate suits and ties to. Suggestions were Our Father’s Closet, and Heroes Mile. Chuck Molenda announced the Veterans with VA dis-abilities are now allowed to shop at the commissary and the PX. MAJ Lewis Long gave the closing benediction. CW04 Kenneth Shanley won the free lunch for the 12 FEB 2020 meeting/luncheon. Meeting adjourned at 1308 hours. . Respectfully Submitted, LtCol Twila Davis, USAF, RET, Secretary

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER (Cont’d From Page 1 - - ) out of his ears, deal with his sex drive, belch, and sleep at night. Nobody preaches about Jesus belching. The facts of his body are rarely the focus of our devotion. Which is a shame, and maybe a heresy in this world where getting your bodily needs fully met is a privilege reserved for the few. A disembodied Jesus can’t credibly condemn crimes against the body. An un-needy Jesus offers little to people whose suffering bodies need constant care. Censoring talk of his bodily particulars reinforces the shame many people feel about their own. Downplaying his physical needs un-der-values bodily life and over-values spiritual life. We don’t have spiritual lives. We have embodied lives. The women with Jesus get this. So while his body breathes, they care for it. And when he dies, they go with spices to the grave. Prayer: Blessed be your body, O Jesus, and all its needs. May we provide for them by providing for each oth-er. Amen ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Luti is a long time semi-nary educator and pastor, author of “Teresa of Avila’s Way” and numerous articles, and founding member of The Daughters of Abraham, a national network of interfaith women’s book groups. Pause, among other titles. Her blog is Faith and Water.

Chaplain Lewis Long III, USAF(Ret) NOTE: The above is from the United Church of Christ’s “Daily Devo-tional” - - used with permission per Chaplain Long. Editor

Never Stop Serving!

The Volusia Officer’s Call Vol 28, No. 5, January, 2020 Page 8

The Volusia Officer’s Call Military Officers Club of Volusia County

An Affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America

MAJ MICK COTTEN, USMC (RET), EDITOR 2072 ALAMEDA DR - - DELTONA, FL 32738-4874

What’s Inside - - Club Leadership…….. ................................. …….Page 1 The Prez Sez ........................................................... Page 1 The Chaplain’s Corner .......................................... Page 1 Community Relations ............................................. Page 2 Next Meeting Scoop ............................................... Page 2 Membership ............................................................ Page 2 Last Meeting Minutes ............................................ Page 2 Legislative Matters ................................................. Page 3 I’m Wondering ....................................................... Page 8

I’m Wondering - - Same as the last four months. Got this issue in the can. Still working on what else there is to wonder about.

Mick