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April 2015
Volume 40, Issue 8
In This Issue:
Presidents Message 1
Auxiliary Report 2
Pictures 2-3
Birthdays/Anniversaries 3
April Dinner Information 3
Auxiliary Lunch Information 3
Chair Reports 4-5
Auxiliary Programs 5
For Your Information 6-8
Membership Application 10
Dinner Reservations 11
This newsletter is published monthly September - May.
The Superstition Mountain Chapter, Military Officers
Association of America Inc., is a non-profit organization, IRS tax
ID# 23-7430856
http://www.smcmoaa.org/
Please remember to share the newsletter with your spouse!
Presidents Comments
Our spring picnic at the Tempe Kiwanis Park on Saturday March 21st was interesting and different. For the first time in many years, the parking lot was full and several of our members had to park several blocks away. Even with that problem, we still had a good crowd. Our chef, Tom Ralph, was assisted by John Scott; and the brats and burgers were great. The baked beans and potato salad and all of the other food and dessert hit the spot. Greg and Meredith worked tirelessly to pull this off. During the picnic we talked about
catering this event. These picnics are very time consuming and hard work for a few people. What about having a picnic at the Rustlers Roost near South Mountain??? Very little work, no left over food and just pay the bill. They have a nice picnic area over-looking the valley. Just a thought..
My biggest challenge is to increase our membership. All of us need to continue to keep looking for new members for MOAA SMC. Perspective members can be found at other military organizations, social clubs, or even at church. You should always have a few extra copies of our SMC tri-fold brochure. The main thing is to INVITE them to one of our functions.
Please keep in mind our 2nd annual MOAA-DBACKS game will be on Sept 13th vs the LA
Dodgers. Our color guard will present the colors again along with the flags of all nine AZ MOAA
chapters. We will be seated in section 217. The second level seating is a restricted area. If
you dont have a ticket for the second level you cant get in. ALL of our tickets will only be
$20.00. So plan on bringing your family and friends. Even though we dont need the money
until August 15, please let us know if you want to attend and how many people will be in your
party. SAVE THE DATE.
Ed Mangan, Capt USAF (fmr); [email protected], President, Superstition Mountain Chapter, MOAA 4537 E. Shomi St, Phoenix, AZ 85044; (602) 501-0128
2015 OFFICERS
President, Cpt Ed Mangan 602-501-0128 [email protected]
1st VP, Lt Gregory Moore 480-814-0580 [email protected]
2nd VP, Ms. Ann Schminke 480 893-8263 [email protected]
VP Auxiliary, Mrs. Ann Ferguson
Secretary, Mrs. Peggy Allen
Treasurer, Maj Austin Foote
Past President, CW4 Arlan Allen
2015 COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Programs Lt Gregory Moore
Membership Ms. Ann Schminke
Personal Affairs CW4 Arlan Allen
Legislative Lt Col Ed Fox
JROTC/Scholarship Col Karl Pfitzer
Newsletter Mrs. Marlene Fox
Website Mrs. Ann Ferguson
Transition Coordinator LtC James Austin
Director Col Thomas Ralph
Director Maj Gen Dave Rataczak Director Mrs. Jackie Oddo
Director Capt George Meegan
Director CW4 Bob Delker
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AUXILIARY NEWS: from Ann Ferguson
The next meeting of the Auxiliary will be Friday,
April 10, 2015 at Dobson's Restaurant, 2155 S.
Dobson Rd, Mesa. We will meet at 11am to
pack boxes for Packages from Home and have lunch off the
menu at 11:30am. All Auxiliary members, spouses and their
guests are encouraged to attend.
We have packed and sent 43 boxes to Packages from Home
so far this year and hope to exceed our total of 135 boxes
sent last year. We continue to need donations of hygiene and
snack items to fill these boxes. You can bring your donations
to any of our meetings. In fact if each of you would bring just
one can of food or hygiene item such as a bar of soap to each
meeting you attend it would really help. Thank you for all your
past donations to this very worthy endeavor. I am sure the
troops who received them Thank You as well.
We are continuing to ship books to deployed troops and those
serving stateside as well as VA hospitals thru Operation
Paperback. So far this year we have mailed out 5 boxes
containing 101 paperback books plus donated hardback
books received to the Phoenix VAMC. So yes, we still need
and want your book donations as well. I will be happy to
come and pick up your book donations if you are unable to
bring them to a meeting.
If you have questions about the Auxiliary, donations for our Packages from Home/Operation Paperback projects, or need to schedule a donation pickup - please call me at 480-961-9634 or email me at [email protected]
March Picnic at Kawanis Park
Our turn out was good, the weather was good and the food was great!
Greg and Meredith Moore did a great job setting this up.
Our Cooks, Tom Ralph and John Scott did a great job!
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Thank you Ann Schminke for hosting our 50/50 raffle. The $42.00 pot was won by Marlene Fox and donated back to Packages from Home.
We need volunteers to host our monthly raffles. If you would like to host one of the months or donate an item for the raffle,
please contact Greg Moore 480-814-0580 [email protected]. We need 5 or 6 items, each worth at least $20.00. If you are
willing to host, we will try and help you get the items.
April Congratulations
MEMBER BIRTHDAY SPOUSE BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARIES
Barbara Austin 11 Melba Shafer 3 John & Sharon Follet 7
Shirley Bohn 16 Mary Woods 21 George & Jo Meegan 22
Mead Long 27 Roddyy & Rebecca Schmidt-Charton 30
Larry Pucci 1 Joseph & Lori Sottile 27 Tom Ralph 15 Eugene Shafer 30 Richard Spickerman 8
Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA
Auxiliary Luncheon at Dobson's Restaurant
Friday, April 10, 2015
Pack books and Packages from Home boxes at
11:00am -- Lunch at 11:30am
Order lunch off the menu
Reservations to Ann Ferguson
480-961-9634 or email [email protected]
Please come join us for lunch!
Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA
Dinner Meeting
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Dobsons Restaurant 2155 S Dobson Rd, Mesa
4:00 Social Hour 5:00 Dinner
Menu Choices Top Sirloin, Chicken Fettuccini or Fish and Chips,
Dinner Salad, and Rolls Vegetable, and Chefs Dessert
$25.00 per person
Reservations to Greg Moore
480-814-0580 [email protected]
1581 W. Corona Dr. Chandler, AZ 85224-8558
Reservations by Thursday, April 16th
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A message from
1st Vice President Greg Moore
On behalf of the SMC Board of Directors, we hope that those of you who attended the picnic had an enjoying and "fulfilling" time. Thanks to (chef) Col Tom Ralph (assisted by Gen John Scott) for their grill mastery.
Tom has been our picnic chef for several years. Thanks Tom and John we really appreciate your doing this for us.
For our April 19th dinner meeting Social will be at 1600 (4pm) with dinner served at 1700 (5pm). The cost is $25.00. We will have a choice of Top Sirloin, Chicken Fettuccini or Fish and Chips. Reservations to me not later than Thursday, April 16th.
Our dinner speaker is scheduled to be a representative from the Arizona Corporation Commission to discuss their regulatory role and tips on how to avoid being scammed out of your hard earned money. Some of you may even have your own stories to tell.
CHAIRMAN REPORTS
2st Vice President Ann Schminke Membership
How many of us have life memberships?
All of us do, in a human way. We are here
to celebrate the good life, the United
States of America way. Lets not forget
that our human membership takes many routes and
guess where it might passthe MOAA Superstition
Mountain Chapter route. A route filled with flowing
histories, experiencing world-wide adventures. Lets
enjoy the route which will probably encourage more to join
our chapter
Legislative Ed Fox
MOAA News Release March 27, 2015
(As edited by Ed Fox)
MOAA testified beside several other military advocacy
groups concerning recent recommendations by
the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization
Commission (MCRMC). Panelists split over proposals
that would dramatically alter retirement benefits We
are very concerned that the new system lacks the drawing
power to sustain service members to 20 years of service,
Hayden stated. Under the MCRMCs retirement proposal,
service members will receive a 20 percent reduction in
military retired pay, in addition to matching government
contributions in the federal Thrift Savings Plan.
The proposal also stops government contributions for
those who serve more than 20 years of service. For troops
who choose to stay on past the 20-year mark, the lifetime
loss in retirement value could be dramatic.
Treasurer
Austin Foote Our chapter dues are for January through December. Dues reminder letters will be going out in April to those who are not current. If you
dont get a reminder letter from our chapter secretary your dues are paid through December 2015.
Personal Affairs Arlan Allen
I find it difficult to write an article for the
Personal Affairs section of the
Newsletter. The services that I may assist with become most
valuable during a traumatic time in ones life, so we tend to
avoid these issues. But, its very important to review certain
documents on an annual basis. These may include, but not
be limited to; your trust, will or beneficiary deed. In addition
to these type of items, make sure your survivors have the
location of life insurance and policy numbers, your MyPay
login and password and any items you may have password
protected. As well as, the location of your DD Form 214, and
your C Number from the VA, if applicable. This review only
takes a few minutes once a year to verify everything is current
and correct.
Sadly, I have experience assisting survivors through the DoD,
Social Security and VA process. If you find yourself in need
of assistance, Im available at your convenience to assist.
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Transition Coordinator James Austin
Need A Job? Job Fairs in the greater Phoenix Metroplex and surrounding areas are announced
monthly on Wednesdays and Sundays in the Arizona Republic newspaper and on line in their Economic/Business Section. For example, the Prescott Job Fair was held from 1000-1400 hours March 27th at the Yavapai College Gym, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott, AZ. [email protected] routinely posts listings of jobs focusing on career interest to veterans and their dependents. Dont overlook such valuable resources.
Thought for the day: A part time job can often lead to full time
employment..check it out!
.
Auxiliary Sponsored ProgramsAuxiliary Sponsored ProgramsAuxiliary Sponsored ProgramsAuxiliary Sponsored Programs
Cell Phones for Soldiers /Cell Phones for Soldiers /Cell Phones for Soldiers /Cell Phones for Soldiers / Helping Heroes HomeHelping Heroes HomeHelping Heroes HomeHelping Heroes Home
Ann SchminkeAnn SchminkeAnn SchminkeAnn Schminke
When you upgrade your phone, dont throw those old phones away. Bring them to us. Well send them in to get phone time for our troops overseas. The phones dont need to work. Monetary donations are great too! $5.00 is equal to 2.5 hours of family talk-time for one deployed.
For more information contact: Ann Schminke 480-893-8263 - [email protected]
Since 2011 over 345 phones have been sent! Thanks for your donations!
Operation Paperback BooksOperation Paperback BooksOperation Paperback BooksOperation Paperback Books
Ann FergusonAnn FergusonAnn FergusonAnn Ferguson
We send paperbacks to the troops and hard
cover books are taken to the VA Hospital.
Requested books: action (includes westerns), bestsellers,
biographies and memoirs, fantasy, history, horror, mysteries,
science-fiction and true crime. We are also sending books to
the families of deployed troops. You can now include
children's books in your donations as well as more women's
literature. For more information contact Ann Ferguson 480-961-9634 or email [email protected]
5 Boxes mailed in 2015 (over 108 books)
Since 2012, Over 880 books taken to the VA Hospital!
Packages from HomePackages from HomePackages from HomePackages from Home
Ann FergusonAnn FergusonAnn FergusonAnn Ferguson
Bring your donations to any chapter function.
Requested items: hygiene items (baby wipes,
cotton swabs, tissues, tooth paste, deodorant, shampoo,
etc.), snack items (such as beef jerky, hard candy, and
gum), canned goods, peanut butter, Top Ramen, Cup of
Noodles, etc. We also need Sunday newspaper comics,
magazines about sports, world events, nature, etc. We
cannot send aerosol cans, chocolate, alcohol or sexually
oriented material. Monetary donations are always
appreciated. For more information contact: Ann Ferguson 480-961-9634 or email [email protected]
100 120 140 160 200 250650
8801300
26502765
0
1000
2000
3000
Ma
y
Jun
Jul
Au
g
Se
p
Oct
No
v
De
c
Jan
Fe
b
Ma
r
Ap
r
2014 - 2015 ROTC Award
Donations YTD
12 28 43
0
200
Jan Feb Mar AprMay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2015 Packages From Home
Mailed
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FOR YOUR INFORMATIONFOR YOUR INFORMATIONFOR YOUR INFORMATIONFOR YOUR INFORMATION Newly Declassified: Incredible WWII Normandy Beach Landing Photographs
Below are some of the pictures just released. Due to space constraints not all pictures are shown. You can view more pictures and a
slide show at: http://theolivebranchreport.com/newly-declassified-incredible-wwii-normandy-beach-landing-photographs/ .
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NEWSLETTER EDITORNEWSLETTER EDITORNEWSLETTER EDITORNEWSLETTER EDITOR
Marlene Fox
As the Newsletter Editor, I strive to minimize errors. There will be times that mistakes occur. If you notice any errors please let me know. I would appreciate any input on articles you might think would be appropriate for the newsletter. It would also be helpful if all address changes, corrections, or email changes were sent to me
so I can insure you receive the newsletter without delay. [email protected] - 1151 N Joshua Tree Lane, Gilbert, AZ 85234
HappyHappyHappyHappy EasterEasterEasterEaster
Remember to sign up for the State wide MOAA Group Arizona Diamondbacks game September13th. Call or email Ed Mangan with your reservation ASAP! Tickets are only $20.00. (602) 501-0128 - [email protected]
Heres a suggestion
How about bringing an item (maybe a can of food or hygiene item such as a bar of soap) to the next dinner meeting for Packages from Home. If everyone brings something it will help the Auxiliary ladies keep the program going.
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MOAAs Mission: The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is a non-profit veterans association dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and to preserving the earned entitlements of members of the uniformed services and their families and survivors.
MOAA National & Superstition Mountain Chapter Membership Application
Date __________________Member Name & Initial ___________________________________________________
Branch of Service__________________________ Rank__________________________________
Spouse First Name ____________________________ National MOAA Number ________________________
Street Address ___________________________________ __City _____________ State _____ZIP______-_________
Home Phone #__________________________Work or Cell#________________________________
Please Circle: ARMY--AIR FORCE-NAVY--MARINE CORPS- COAST GUARD--NOAA--PUBLIC HEALTH SVC
Circle All That Apply: REGULAR-RESERVE-NATIONAL GUARD-FORMER OFFICER-ACTIVE-RETIRED-
MALE___ FEMALE___ WIDOW-___ WIDOWER___
Member Date of Birth MM____/DD____/YYYY______ Spouse Date of Birth MM____/DD____/YYYY______
Anniversary Date ______________________E-mail Address _______________________________________
MOAA National membership for 2015 has 3 types to pick from. 1. Basicfree-electronic only. 2. Premium- $37.00 a year. 3. Life membership-fee is age dependent. As a BASIC Member you will receive electronic newsletters and have opportunities to participate in grassroots activism effort. You get Military Officer Magazine via our mobile app. Youll also have the opportunity to attend our career fairs, networking events, and classes and to take advantage of valuable discounts on products and services. As a PREMIUM Member you get full access to everything MOAA has to offer, including our full spectrum of our career resources (one-on-one career counseling, rsum reviews, and interviewing advice and critiques), countless discounts on products and travel, and access to all MOAA exclusive publications and news updates. Youll be able to tap into MOAAs staff of experts for financial and investment advice, college scholarships for dependents, and much more. Thats on top of all the benefits you receive at the BASIC Membership level.
Superstition Mountain Chapter membership fee is $25 per year. Spouses of current members may participate in Chapter Auxiliary
luncheons and activities with no fee. Chapter bylaws require Chapter members and Chapter Auxiliary members to be members of
MOAA National.
Enclose check for: MOAA National $_________$25.00 For Chapter $_________$12.50 For Auxiliary________
Makes checks payable to: Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA
Mail Application and Check to: Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA, Austin Foote, Treasurer 3554 E. Camino Circle, Mesa, AZ 85213-7033 - Phone 480- 329-4806
For More Information Contact, Membership Committee Chairman Ann Schminke: 480-893-8263 - [email protected]
Name tags are available for $10.00 each. Name tags are durable hard plastic, white background with MOAA logo and your name engraved in black. To place your order, please fill out the form below and send your check made out to Superstition Mountain Chapter MOAA to the above address.
Print first and last name Select nametag type pin on or magnetic
1. ______________________________________________________ _____ _____
2. ______________________________________________________ _____ _____
3. ______________________________________________________ _____ _____
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CLIP AND MAIL
Chapter Community Grant Donation
Enclosed is our donation of $ _____________ for this program
The Chapter MAY___MAY NOT __ publish our names in the newsletter
Signed __________________________________________________
Please make check payable to Superstition Mountain Chapter, MOAA
Please check one ROTC____ Packages From Home____ Other________________________ Mail to: Austin L. Foote, Treasurer, 3554 E. Camino Circle, Mesa, AZ 85213-7033
Family Assistance Fund Donation
Enclosed is our tax-deductible donation of $ _____________
Signed __________________________________________________
Please make check payable to AZ National Guard Family Assistance Fund
Mail to: Austin L. Foote, Treasurer, 3554 E. Camino Circle, Mesa, AZ 85213-7033
2015 Chapter Dues Renewal Form
Annual Dues: $25 Regular Members $12.50 Auxiliary Members
Please make check payable to Superstition Mountain Chapter, MOAA - - - Write MOAA Chapter Dues on Memo line of the check
Mail to: Austin L. Foote, Treasurer 3554 E. Camino Circle Mesa, AZ 85213-7033
Check enclosed; renew my membership for 2015
Signed _____________________________ My national MOAA number_________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone number_____________________ Email ___________________________________________________ ____
April Dinner Meeting Reservation Sunday, April 19, 2015 - Dobsons Restaurant
Social Hour 4:00pm Dinner 5:00pm
Meal Choices: Top Sirloin_____ Chicken Fettuccini _____Fish and Chips_____ $25.00 per meal Name(s) _________________________________________________
Reservations must be in by Thursday, April 16th Make checks payable to: Superstition Mountain Chapter, MOAA
CLIP AND MAIL TO: GREG MOORE 1581 W. Corona Dr. Chandler, AZ 85224-8558
Or call 480-814-0580- email [email protected]
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Superstition Mountain Chapter Military Officers Association of America 1151 N Joshua Tree Lane Gilbert, AZ 85234
2015 Chapter Activity schedule - (Dates and times are subject to change)
Chapter Board Meetings Chapter Auxiliary Luncheons Chapter Dinner/Picnic Meetings
April 13th 9:00am April 10th 11:30am April 19th - 4:00pm social 5:00pm dinner
May 11th 9:00am May 8th 11:30am May 17th - 4:00pm social 5:00pm dinner
Summer Break Chapter Auxiliary Luncheons Chapter Summer Luncheons
No board meeting June 12th 11:30am June 21st 12noon social 1:00pm lunch
No board meeting July 10th 11:30am July 19th - 12noon social 1:00pm lunch
No board meeting August 14th 11:30am August 16th - 12noon social 1:00pm lunch
September 14th - 9:00am September 11th 11:30am September 20th - 4:00pm social 5:00pm dinner
October 12th - 9:00am October 9th - 11:30am October 17th Saturday Picnic 11:00am
November 9th -9:00am November 13th - 11:30am November 15th - 4:00pm social 5:00pm dinner
December 14th - 9:00am December 11th - 11:30am December 13th - 4:00pm social 5:00pm dinner