The Bulletin” is published eleven times annually by the Silicon Valley Chapter MOAA

P.O. BOX 2 Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035

Volume I Issue No. 5 Editor, LTC Neil J. Miles December 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A  CALENDAR  OF  EVENTS,  PRESIDENT’S  PERSPECTIVE,  EDITOR’S  NOTES  

SECTION B OFFICERS,  BOARD  and  CHAIRS,  DIRECTORS,  COMMITTEE  CHAIRS,  SVC  MEMEBERSHIP  REPORT,  LOCAL  

VETERAN  AFFAIRS,  AND  CALENDAR  OF  EVENTS  SECTION C

LEGISLATIVE  NOTES  SECTION D

CHAPTER  ACTIVITIES    (to  include  involvement  with  our  local  communities)  SECTION E

LUNCHEON  SPEAKERS  (present  and  past  month)  SECTION F

THE  IN  BOX    (letters  from  members  and  other  organizations)  SECTION G

PERSONAL  AFFAIRS    (info  that  would  be  helpful  to  our  members)  SECTION H

MEMBERSHIP  FORM,  LUNCHEON  FORM,  ADVERTS  AND  EXTRA  

Silicon Valley Chapter The Bulletin

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

6 December Board Meeting 10:00 AM 20 December Luncheon 11:00 AM 3 January Board Meeting 10:00 AM 17 January Luncheon 11:00 AM

LUNCHEON PROGRAM 20 December2012

Social Hour: 11:00 AM Luncheon: 11:45 AM COL Keith Giles with his European Travelogue

For more information see Section E

NAME BADGE ORDERS The chapter plans to place an order for member name badges on or about March 1, 2013.  

For more information see this Section Page 4

Renew!    Renew!    Renew!  On the Membership Application and Renewal Form (Section H), note 2 new items. Check if you are

a National MOAA member and give us a guess as to when you joined SVC/PROC.

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section A December 2012

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PRESIDENT”S PERSPECTIVE

Communication to and from our members is vital to the health and viability of our chapter. There are nominally 200 of us who receive this monthly report and about 20% who gather at our monthly lunch meetings. Seems the 80/20 rule is overcome by providing this document

Thanks to the SVC Bulletin editor, Keith Giles, and the eBulletin editor Neil Miles for their exemplary service in keeping us informed and aware of what this organization is doing and how we are serving members, auxiliaries and veterans. The two bulletins are similar and share some content but distinct in style: the eBulletin doesn’t have the same space limitations and focuses on that part of our membership which willingly accesses information on the “screen,” perhaps using a mobile device, linking to other internet resources mentioned in the articles. From its inception during the second half of 2012, eBulletin readers saw these articles: MOAA National President VADM Ryan’s visit and his meeting with SVC officers on October 12, SVC board members recap their “lessons learned” at the mid September Western Region MOAA Symposium, support for the veterans now attending San Jose State University, a web accessible list of vital “Personal Affairs” publications and a solicitation for help with veterans outreach. For print bulletin readers, you have been provided material developed from our Board Meetings; recently there were articles on why we don’t need a nominating committee for 2013 but do need some more willing hands to help with chapter activities (note that you don’t have to attend board meetings but can work on a task on your schedule). Also there was a forward looking 2013 planning discussion based on board minutes. For members who have Internet access, BOTH print and eBulletins are posted on the www at siliconvalleymoaa.org.

We seek input from chapter members for topics in the bulletins; if you have an article meriting publication please submit it for consideration by the editors.

Communication needs to be two way for this organization to flourish; PLEASE take a minute to

contact either the editors, my self or any board member with what you feel could improve our communication to benefit you and others in the chapter. Paul

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section A December 2012

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EDITOR’S COMMENTS It was brought up at the board meeting that there have been hundreds of hits to this eBulletin on our web site, which we are very pleased about. Also please see this eBulletin evaluation received by SVC Webmaster and 1st Vice President Mike Sampognaro from SVC member Bob French, Moffett Retired Affairs Office: Hi Mike, LOVE the new online version!! Happy to receive it instead of a paper copy. As I told Warren one day in the Commissary, I read every Bulletin cover to cover. I'm remiss in not providing feedback, but I gain from the info provided. I read it not only because that's my nature and I enjoy it, but also in connection with my volunteer position at the RAO. On more than one occasion I have picked up useful info to pass on to other retirees In re the new version: -Great Format; outstanding organization of contents/articles; Table of Contents (with stars); Sections; "oversize" print and choice of font -Very newsworthy: Legislative Analysis; "Wake-Up Call"; proceedings of the Chapter leaders in Las Vegas; VADM Ryan's remarks; listing of notable MOAA articles -Noteworthy: Always enjoy write-ups of previous and future luncheon speakers; MOAA notes, (occasional "quips" are fun, too) -Past articles: Iran adventures of one of our auxillary members; other personal experiences of members, etc Remarks: I was especially pleased to learn that wounded warriors have been housed at Moffett housing: Terrific! Is that still going on? If you are interested, I will take an inventory of applicable MOAA pamphlets we have on hand at RAO and give you a list. (I think it's much more important that you have listed them and recommended members order them, but if we have ones that are not outdated, we are happy to share. They are leftovers from our previous RAO Retiree Seminars given to us by MOAA) In summary: WELL DONE!!! Bob Along with Bob it would be encouraging to hear from the rest of our readers so that we may smoothly progress to an ever better eBulletin. So if you have the time and the notion, provide us your comments and constructive feedback. Please forward your comments to the undersigned.  LTC Neil J. Miles (eBulletin Editor) njmelm@gmail.com

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section A December 2012

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NAME BADGE ORDER   The plastic badges are plastic, 2 X 3 inches, 3 lines of blue text, the MOAA shield centered, with a white background. They feature a clip ($7.00) or magnetic ($9.50) fastener. The vendor is Omega Engraving, Grants Pass, Oregon.

    Members who would like to order a badge are encouraged to send title/rank (i.e. CDR, Mr. or Mrs. or Ms), name to appear on badge (i.e. William Harris or Suzie Harris) and service (i.e. USN, AUX for auxiliary, not applicable for spouse) to COL Warren Enos, AUS (RET), 1073 Helena Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, telephone 1-408-245-2217, along with a check made out to SVC MOAA for $7.00 if a clip fastener is preferred or $9.50 for the magnetic fastener.  _____________________  SOURCE: Board Minutes        

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section B December 2012

OFFICERS, BOARD, AND CHAIRS PRESIDENT: CAPT Paul Barrish USN 408-356-7531 1st VP: LTC Mike Sampognaro USAF 408-779-7389 2nd VP: LTC Jay Craddock USAF 650-968-0446 Secretary: COL Warren Enos AUS 408-245-2217 Treasurer: CAPT Lloyd McBeth USN 408-241-3514 Past President: LTC Jay Craddock USAF 650-968-0446

DIRECTORS CWO4 Pat Clark USA 408-267-0135 CDR V.A. Eagye USN 408-733-3177 COL Keith Giles USAF 408-244-9401 CDR Ralph Hunt USN 650-967-8467 LTC Neil J. Miles USAF 408-929-1142 CDR Al Mouns USN 408-257-5629

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Auxiliary Liaison Mrs Patricia Pogue Auxiliary 650-948-4303 Chaplain Fred Tittle USMC 650-961-2019 Commissary/Exchange Advisory CDR Ralph Hunt USN 650-967-8467 Mrs Patricia Pogue Auxiliary 650-948-4303 Friends-in-Need (FIN) Program CDR Al Mouns USN 408-257-5629 Programs LTC Jesse Craddock USAF 650-968-0446 ROTC CWO4 Patrick Clark USA 408-267-0135 CALMOAA Liason CAPT Paul Barrish USN 408-245-2217 ROA Liaison COL Warren B. Enos AUS 408-245-2217 Membership/Recruitment COL Warren B. Enos AUS 408-245-2217 Scholarship CAPT Paul Barrish USN 408-356-7531 Travel (Space-A Advisory) CDR V.A. Eagye USN 408-733-3177 Web Master LTC Mike Sampognaro USAF 408-779-7389 Sergeant-at-Arms LTC Neil J. Miles USAF 408-929-1142

VETERAN AFFAIRS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FOR December 2012 Tuesday, December 18: Creating Collaborative Communities Conference 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: San Jose Service for Brain Injury, 60 Daggett Dr., San Jose, CA 95134 RSVP Contact: Mary Ellen Salzano, mailto:maryellen_salzano@yahoo.com

Wednesday, 19 December: San Francisco Veterans Town Hall/Collaborative, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Location: War Memorial Building, 401 Van Ness, Rm 207, San Francisco, CA 94102 Contact: Mary Ellen Salzano, mailto:maryellen_salzano@yahoo.com Tuesday, 25 December: Christmas Day

SVC MEMBERSHIP REPORT As of November 2012 Regular Member 171 Give Me Ten Count 7 Auxiliary Members 48 MAJ Jason Cullinane, USA, Mt. View, March 3rd  Total 219 Capt Hung Nguyen, ANG, Milpitas, February 6th Capt Daniel Drag, ANG, Sunnyvale, February 6th  New SVC Members 15   Capt Brandon Pablo, ANG, San Jose, February 6th COL Steven J Butow, USAF, San Jose Cadet Ryan Vega, AFROTC, Fremont, February 17th CAPT Anthony J Megna, USN Santa Clara Capt Jimmy Weidman, ANG, Daly City, February 6th

CDR Denman P Glanzman, USN, San Jose LT Aldo Zilli, USAR, Davis, February 9th LTC Robert P Shepard, USA, Los Altos 2LT Jonathan P Roth, USNG, Burlingame LTC Richard J Wendt, USAF, San Jose CAPT Peter L Molinari, USA, San Jose

CDR William E. Sasser, Jr., San Francisco LCDR Tom Winant, USN, Los Altos LTC Kenneth R. Mork, USA, San Jose MAJ Angela M. Rooker, ANG, San Jose 1LT David H. Stanley, USA, Woodside LTC Jack S. Friedman, USAF, Saratoga LTC. Donald L. Hickey, USAF, Mt. View COL Robert (Bob) C. Mali, Jr., USAF, San Jose

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section C December 2012

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES As I See It - Fiscal Cliff-Diving

November 14, 2012 By Col. Steve Strobridge, USAF (Ret) We kicked the can. We slipped the piper an IOU. We waited until after the election. And now we wonder how, between now and Christmas, the lame-duck Congress can be force-fed all the thorny issues our politicians have refused to compromise on for the past year and more. It won’t come as any surprise if they find one more way to shift responsibility for addressing the country’s very real deficit problems to the new 113th Congress that will convene next year. But sooner or later (and almost certainly sooner rather than later), some adults are going to get involved. The problems are just too dire to keep putting off. And when the progress comes, it will be painful. The process of progress is likely to take several years of increasingly painful actions — if only because the ultimate solutions are just too harmful to absorb all at once. And nobody will escape the pain. Just taxing the rich guys doesn’t generate nearly enough revenue. Just cutting nondefense spending doesn’t generate nearly enough savings. It doesn’t matter if your primary goal is to protect Social Security or Medicare, or TRICARE, or military retirement, or military pay raises, or low tax rates, or VA budgets, or anything else. Every segment is going to have to give. Whoever gets cut in year one is going to gang up in subsequent years on whoever is seen as having escaped. And that cycle will continue until most voters are satisfied the pain has been distributed about equally. That’s the way democracy works. (cont. on the next page)

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section C December 2012

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES As I See It - Fiscal Cliff-Diving (cont.) What does that mean to each of us, as a practical matter? It means getting away from the “you can’t touch my rice bowl” mentality and starting to look at the issues from the standpoint of, “If I don’t like the things that are about to be imposed on my group, what alternatives are there that would be less objectionable?” Does that mean giving up and offering up some kind of “surrender options list”? No. It means you can’t be prepared to negotiate if you haven’t at least thought about alternatives. What are the things you hold most dear? What are the cuts that, in the big picture, would be least painful? As a practical matter, most cuts likely are to come through budget resolutions or a sequestration process that mandates cutting spending on defense and other categories by some specified amount. Usually, that amount is driven by an assumption the cuts will be made in a certain way. As we’re learning in the current sequestration process, you can’t solve that situation by simply saying, “I oppose that.” When mandatory cuts are imposed, and you don’t like the ones recommended, the onus is on you to come up with a less-objectionable alternative that saves the same amount of money. That’s exactly how MOAA and The Military Coalition have tried to work with House leaders to stop a dramatic increase in TRICARE pharmacy copayments. Under congressional budget rules, the pharmacy funding line already had been changed. So we came up with the less objectionable alternative of generating equal savings by requiring a one-year test of maintenance medication mail-order refills for TRICARE For Life-eligibles. Is that something we liked or would have supported in years past? Absolutely not. It simply was less evil than dramatically higher copayments. That’s the kind of increasingly difficult choice virtually every segment of America will be facing in the years ahead. Liberals who say, “No cuts to Social Security or Medicare, just raise taxes instead”; conservatives who say, “No tax hikes for anybody, cut social programs instead”; or those who say, “No cuts in military or VA benefits, cut nondefense programs instead” are going to end up getting steamrolled if they can’t come up with any alternatives. Why? Because almost every spending category will have to be cut and a lot of revenue will have to be generated to get the deficit under control. The military and veterans community has a special argument to make in terms of current and past contributions of sacrifice for America, and we’ll work hard to ensure a fair accounting of that. But it’s no good pretending our community — or any other community of Americans, rich or poor —will be able to escape additional sacrifices as we collectively go fiscal cliff-diving in the years ahead. __________________________________________________________________________ SOURCE: Copyright Military Officers Association of America. All rights reserved.

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section C December 2012

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES CALIFORNIA LEGISLATION The California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC) and Pete Conaty & Associates announced that the California State Legislature adjourned August 31 and indicated that all bills that made it through the legislative process (passed all of the policy and fiscal hearings and full floor votes of both houses) advanced to the Governor’s desk. Of the 996 bills sent to the Governor, 767 were sent to him in the month of September alone. Silicon Valley Chapter is a member of the MOAA California Council of Chapters (CALMOAA) which in turn is affiliated with the California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC), a statewide 23 member organization Veterans coalition. Pete Conaty, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and long-time legislative professional, is the advocate for CSCVC and will move bills through the legislative process. If and when appropriate a grass roots effort might be initiated locally, that is if a chapter member has an idea for a bill which might make a difference to Veterans, Conaty will prepare and work hard for passage of the legislation. The CSCVC’s Legislative Committee Chairman, LCDR Art Curtis, USCG (RET), and Mr. Conaty worked closely together on legislation that helped veterans and their families. In 2012 the CSCVC supported 70 bills and watched 5 others. The amount of Veterans legislation generated by the Legislature has doubled over previous years. If a bill has been designated as “chaptered,” it means the Governor signed the bill, and the bill will become “Chaptered” into law. Most bills take effect January 1st unless otherwise specified. Here is an example of a chaptered bill: CA AB 1550

If a bill has been designated as “sponsored” this means CALMOAA was the bill’s sponsor, or one of the sponsors. It is the organization, the entity, that brought the bill forward, found a legislator willing to carry it, wrote the bill language, gathered support, and actually herded the bill through the entire process, including lobbying the Governor to sign it. Here is an example of a sponsored bill: (cont. on the next page)

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section C December 2012

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES CALIFORNIA LEGISLATION (cont.) CA AB 184

If a bill is supported or opposed it means the MOAA organization supported or opposed the bill. Letters of support were submitted, members testified in committee hearings, providing expert testimony, and sometimes helped craft improved language for the bill on the organization’s behalf during the legislative process. Here is an example of a supported bill: CA AB 1904

If a bill is “watched” it is in a subject area that is of interest to MOAA and it is monitored for amendments that may warrant a support or oppose position. None of the watched bills were included in the final report. One major problem which persists is the difficulty identifying issues which at some point might result in passage of legislation. Informal surveys indicate that MOAA members on balance are interested in legislation which is likely to have a direct and immediate impact on their well-being personally. For example, in 2008 efforts were made in California to pass legislation which would eliminate or reduce state income taxes on retired pay, a situation common in other states. However, the initiative failed and for reasons of the state’s vast budget shortfall. MOAA members throughout California would do well to identify issues which ultimately could help Veterans and their families, especially MOAA families, and thereby making a significant difference. ___________________________________________ SOURCE: CSCVC October 2012 Legislative Report

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section C December 2012

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES

Job Fairs Continue Governorʼs Initiative of Matching Veterans with Employers and Jobs

New online tool to help vets navigate benefits launched SACRAMENTO – Governor Brown continued the Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet (HAH-HAV) initiative with a job and resource fair in San Diego and Los Angeles today that brought together veterans seeking jobs, employers with openings to fill, and resource agencies offering a wide range of employment services.

More than 60 employers with jobs were on hand to talk to the 500-plus veterans who showed up at the Valley View Casino in San Diego and more than 90 employers with jobs were on hand to talk to the more than 500 veterans who showed up at the Proud Bird Convention Center in Los Angeles.

Peter J. Gravett, Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), said of the events: “One of the best ways to honor our veterans for their selfless service and sacrifice is to help them find meaningful careers in civilian life.”

“The Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet job fairs are springboards for our brave veterans who are coming home from serving overseas and seeking new lives as productive, employed members of society,” said Pam Harris, Director of the California Employment Development Department (EDD). “These exceptional men and women put their lives on the line for our freedoms. We owe it to them to help them transition from military life to civilian life. We are committed to matching these talented veterans with jobs that will open the way to a bright future.”

Now in its fifth year, the 2012 HAH-HAV fairs were held at 10 locations throughout the state. The fairs offer veterans one-stop access to career, training and education opportunities. Current data shows young veterans are particularly in need of assistance.

The 2011 California unemployment rate for veterans in the 20-24 year-old age group was 37.1 percent, which is more than double the 17.6 percent unemployment rate in the same age group who were not veterans.

The veterans’ fairs also saw the public launch of a new website for veterans called “Vets 101,” (www.Vets101.org) an interactive site of tools to help veterans understand and utilize the variety of benefits and supports available to them. The Employment tab provides veterans quick access to many job-related programs and benefits, along with tools they need for decision-making and achieving financial and professional success after their military service.

The new online tool will be used by veterans and their families, veteran service providers, EDD’s veterans’ services representatives and other One-Stop partners, and will be made available at future HAH-HAV job fairs. Vets 101 is operated by the World Institute on Disability and is supported and sponsored by the Governor’s Interagency Council on Veterans, including the CalVet, EDD, California Department of Rehabilitation, and the California Health Incentives, Improvement Project.

(cont. on the next page)

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section C December 2012

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LEGISLATIVE NOTES Job Fairs Continue Governorʼs Initiative (cont.)

In its first four years, the Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet job fairs have linked 15,000 veterans with hundreds of employers and employment resource agencies. The fairs, funded this year by a $250,000 grant, provide public agencies and private companies not only the opportunity to demonstrate their support of the veterans’ community, but also to address their business needs by having access to a large pool of job-ready candidates.

The multi-agency initiative brings together CalVet, EDD, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Apprenticeship Standards, and California Community Colleges. An energetic outreach through television, radio, newspapers and social media has helped to double and even triple the participation in these fairs by employers, schools, apprenticeship programs and other providers.

California is home to nearly two million veterans, the largest number in the nation. The EDD Workforce Services Offices play a key role in providing veterans with on-going job search services and case management. Veterans bring with them unique work skills and character traits valued by employers. Ninety-five percent of California veterans have high school diplomas and almost half have associate degrees or higher. Many of them have mastered high-tech skills in the military.

___________________________________________________ SOURCE: CALVET California Department of Veterans Affairs

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION D December 2012

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CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

VETERANS DAY PARADE

When San Jose Veterans Day parade planners asked for volunteer WWII participants, chapter member Lt. Col. Jay Craddock, USAF-Ret was quick to attend and represent Silicon Valley Chapter at the Sunday, 11:00 am, November 11th, 2012 event. The 94th annual parade was sponsored by the United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County.       “There were four or five WWII veterans on hand,” Jay said, “but there were others present from the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and the other Middle East conflicts.” Hundreds of people lined the parade route to honor veterans and armed forces personnel currently serving the country.       “A number of us reported to the downtown Hilton Hotel where we were provided a very nice continental breakfast, which offered a time to get acquainted, recall some stories out of the past, and share memories of good and in some cases desperate times,” Jay continued.       Group members were soon escorted a short distance to the parade reviewing stand where they had an opportunity to introduce themselves to spectators, listen to presentations by legislators and community leaders, and even have quiet conversations with some of the dignitaries. U.S. Rep Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, parade marshal VADM Paul Zukunft, USCG, and Colonel Steven J. Butow, ANG, Commanding Officer, Air National Guard 129th Rescue Wing, and others all were nearby.       Participants were then taken by bus to the parade starting point, Market Street at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, where there was a memorial ceremony in honor of the 1918 Armistice commemorating the end of WWI. Jay described the scene, “I was assigned to ride in a beautifully restored Ford Model T coupe with a driver who was a veteran of the Vietnam era, with my name and grade emblazoned on the side of the car. There were great crowds along many parts of the parade route, people who were shouting, cheering, and just demonstrating respect for so many who fought in America’s wars. It was an uplifting experience.”       A huge number of participants marched the one-mile parade route down Santa Clara Street and elsewhere in the downtown area, riding apparently in a car club’s restored vehicles as well as old police cars, fire trucks, a school bus, and even military combat vehicles.       “Later, at the reviewing stand,” Jay continued, “I met LCDR Katz, an officer about my age who entered the service at age 17, ultimately entered Navy flight training, was sent early in the war to the Pacific for carrier duty, flew the Hellcat, and was shot down at least once, certainly qualifying this survivor as a member of the Greatest Generation.”       Jay heard that the Air Guard had arranged a C-130 flyover, but with all the commercial air traffic headed into San Jose International Airport he missed it. It was quite a day, though—the weather was perfect and the people lining the streets were gracious, friendly, supportive, in some cases waving the U.S. flag, and clearly in a mood to celebrate and offer veterans their heartfelt thanks for service to the country.  ____________________________________  SOURCE: Lt. Col. Jay Craddock, USAF-Ret

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION D December 2012

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CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

CHAPLAIN SERVICES A recent newsletter item stated that Chaplain Fred Tittle who is a Clinical Chaplain at Palo Alto VA would be willing to provide certain clergy services to members upon invitation. But just exactly what does that mean? What are some of the services? In general, chaplain duties include the following: --Providing advice in matters pertaining to religion, morals and morale; --Overseeing a full program of religious ministries, including workshops, counseling sessions, religious education and special events; --Officiate at official ceremonies such as military functions, funerals and memorials; --Provide religious ministry to a variety of armed service personnel and civilians from the U.S., foreign nations and agencies; Fred Tittle indicates he will assist families in times of need by providing spiritual counseling, identifying available resources, making home and hospital visitations, conducting memorial services, and in general providing comfort and hope. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and received his Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. He also received additional supervised Clinical Chaplain training at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in New Jersey and Palo Alto VA/Stanford Medical Centers. He is a licensed and ordained minister, and has provided special services for chapter members in the past. One of Chaplain Tittle’s major concerns now is to help insure support and for the three hundred (300) plus families who reside in military housing at Moffett and other active military personnel within the area as well as military retirees. The chapel has been closed because of the lack of support from Ft Hunter Liggett, the Army Command responsible for the chapel. He is working closely with the chaplain from the Air National Guard 129th Rescue Wing and other organizations and groups to reopen the chapel and perhaps provide a Sunday service and a full range of spiritual support at the Moffett location. Chaplain Tittle’s contact information is telephone (650) 961-2019 and e-mail fredtittle@earthlink.net. _____________________ SOURCE: The Chaplain

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION D December 2012

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CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

Military Officers Association of America Silicon Valley Chapter

P.O. Box 2 Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035

November 9, 2012

Dear Basim: Re: Mt Umunhum Members of the chapter’s board of directors voted unanimously to express their gratitude for your efforts to save the Mt. Umunhum radar tower and other infrastructure as a memorial to veterans who served there during the time of the Cold War. We are delighted that the tower will remain in place for at least the next five years. Board members were impressed with your leadership resulting in the design, development, and implementation of an action plan, as well as your skill in forming coalitions which ultimately help guarantee success. Your contributions to the general and military communities are most significant; you made a real difference. Thank you for your offer to keep in touch, provide periodic updates, and keep our members informed as you continue the effort. If there is anything the chapter can do to assist you within the context of our available resources, please let us know. Thank you. Sincerely, WARREN B. ENOS, COL, AUS (RET) Secretary, MOAA Silicon Valley Chapter    

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION D December 2012

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CHAPTER ACTIVITIES NATIONAL HONORS Chapter member COL Thomas T. Sakamoto, USA (RET) will be featured in the Faces of MOAA/Kudos section of an early 2013 issue of Military Officer Magazine as follows: Col. Thomas T. Sakamoto, USA-Ret. (Member since 1970): A highly decorated Japanese American with 28 years of service, language school graduate, military intelligence specialist, and Silicon Valley Chapter member, Col. Sakamoto witnessed the Japanese surrender aboard USS Missouri, landed at Atsugi, Japan with General MacArthur, and in 1961 served as a language interpreter for General Eisenhower on Okinawa. On November 2, 2011, he was present in Washington D.C. and received the Congressional Gold medal on behalf of his old unit. He has been a major force in the establishment of the language museum now being readied at the Presidio of San Francisco. COL Sakamoto was the chapter’s luncheon speaker in February 2011 at which time he described his early life growing up as a Japanese American in California as well as his WWII experiences. He has been an inspiration to many people, including our chapter members, during his long and honorable career in the military and banking industry. _______________________________________ SOURCE: MOAA Council and Chapter Affairs

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION E December 2012

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LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

DECEMBER SPEAKER

COL. Keith Giles, USAF, Ret

  The chapter’s December speaker will be Col. Keith Giles, USAF-Ret, who will present a traditional holiday season illustrated travelogue, this time beginning in central Slovenia, moving briefly into northeastern Italy, passing into Austria, and terminating near Munich, Germany. He traveled with a group for part of the trip and extended his cycling adventure into Germany alone. The meeting will be a time to celebrate the Christmas season with camaraderie, perhaps some great conversation, good cheer, and of course a wonderful buffet luncheon followed by a popular speaker. And as per custom, the chapter has invited the officers and members of Reserve Officers Association (ROA) Chapter #63, San Jose, to join in the festivities. The starting point for this cycling adventure was in Ljubljana, Slovenia. It is the capital city and the country’s only center of international importance. It is located in the center of the country in the Ljubljana Basin, and with approximately 272,000 inhabitants it classifies as the only Slovenian large town. Throughout its history, it has been influenced by its geographic position at the crossroads of the Slavic world with the Germanic and Latin cultures. Slovenia is one of the youngest European countries, becoming an independent state in 1991, after the collapse of the Yugoslav federation. The country is bounded on the west by Italy, Austria to the north, Hungary to the east, and Croatia to the south and in the southwest corner is the Adriatic Sea. At the onset of World War II, German and Italian forces invaded the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and Slovenia was split amongst the occupying powers. Although the Italians granted Slovenia cultural autonomy, the Nazis waged a violent administration sending more than 63,000 Slovenes to concentration camps. (cont. on next page)      

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION E December 2012

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LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

DECEMBER SPEAKER (CONT.) In Slovenia, there are different historical eras at every turn. Truly old items are preserved primarily in museums, but archaeological finds can also be seen in their natural setting. Slovenia's natural diversity further emphasizes the attraction of important buildings. Slovenian castles are amazing, and the many rural hilltop churches are charming. Cultural-historical monuments and architectural masterpieces can be found in most Slovenian towns. Today, agricultural industries are a significant economic factor, and its large freight port in Koper, on the Adriatic Sea is an important gateway into Central Europe. Keith then made a quick in-and-out of Italy ending in southern Austria. The region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of Italy’s smallest, and yet also one of the country’s most complex. Its history involves lots of back and forth with neighboring countries, and there’s not just a local dialect but a distinct language separate from Italian. Despite its proximity to Venice, one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, Friuli-Venezia Giulia remains largely off the tourist path, making it even more enjoyable to the intrepid traveler. Carinthia is the southernmost Austrian state. Situated within the Eastern Alps it is chiefly noted for its mountains and lakes. The main language is German. Its regional dialects belong to the Southern Austro-Bavarian group. Carinthia's main industries are tourism, electronics, engineering, forestry and agriculture. The multinational corporations Philips and Siemens have large operations there. Carinthians are rooted and proud, but also have a reputation for being more warm-hearted than the rest of Austrians. At this point, Keith left his cycling group and went solo, heading through Austria with an eventual ending near Munich, Germany. Austria is today one of the continent's most influential countries in both economic and political issues, and over the last fifty years it has transformed itself into a major tourism destination. The biography of Austria includes the Viennese Waltz, Vienna Boys Choir and dancing Lipizzaner horses, and when combined with an abundance of natural beauty, cosmopolitan and historic cities, the Danube River Valley, classical music festivals, and of course - world class Alpine skiing and resorts, Austria paints a very pleasant picture, indeed. And chapter members will see some gorgeous photos as Keith provides a detailed narrative of this extraordinary cycling trip. ______________________ Source: December Speaker

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION E December 2012

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LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

NOVEMBER SPEAKERS The  chapter’s  November  speaker  was  Col  Keith  Giles,  USAF-­‐Ret,  who  provided  an  illustrated  presentation  on  Berlin  in  August  1989,  a  timeframe  just  a  few  months  before  destruction  of  the  Berlin  Wall,  and  he  did  it  with  just  a  few  hours’  notice  after  the  scheduled  speaker  cancelled  less  than  24  hours  earlier.    Airship  Ventures  of  Moffett  Field,  owner  and  operator  of  the  zeppelin  “Eureka”  and  provider  of  the  speaker,  announced  it  was  suspending  operations  immediately  (see  Page  4).              Keith  had  an  opportunity  while  in  Europe  visiting  friends  and  family  to  ride  the  last  military  flight  to  and  Berlin  using  Tempelhof  Airport,  site  of  the  Berlin  Airlift.    He  made  his  way  around  the  area  in  part  using  the  trains  and  one  of  his  first  images  was  that  of  a  quaint  suburban  rail  station.              The  Berlin  Wall  was  a  barrier  constructed  by  the  German  Democratic  Republic/East  Germany  starting  on  13  August  1961,  completely  cutting  off  West  Berlin  by  land  from  surrounding  East  Germany  and  East  Berlin,  and  Keith  provided  photos  from  a  number  of  locations.    The  barrier  included  guard  towers  placed  along  large  concrete  walls  which  circumscribed  an  area  later  known  as  the  “death  strip”  that  contained  anti-­‐vehicle  trenches  and  other  defenses.    The  wall  prevented  the  massive  emigration  and  defection  that  marked  Germany  and  the  communist  Eastern  Bloc  during  the  post-­‐World  War  II  period.              In  time,  Keith  departed  Checkpoint  Charlie,  “Leaving  American  Sector,”  the  name  given  by  the  Western  Allies  to  the  best-­‐known  Berlin  Wall  crossing  point  between  East  Berlin  and  West  Berlin  throughout  the  Cold  War.    He  provided  photos  of  the  wall,  the  Brandenburg  Gate,  a  former  city  gate,  rebuilt  in  the  late  18th  century  as  a  neoclassical  triumphal  arch,  and  now  one  of  the  most  well-­‐known  landmarks  of  Berlin  and  Germany,  a  Soviet  cemetery,  the  grand  boulevard,  the  U-­‐bahn  subway  system,  and  a  horse  and  carriage  used  in  a  wedding  procession.    And  there  for  everyone  to  see,  and  perhaps  to  promote  environmental  causes,  was  a  sign  depicting  an  animal  atop  a  large  pile  and  stating,  “Twenty  tons  of  dog  crap  per  day.”    Keith  really  got  around  once  he  visited  a  local  army  base  and  signed  on  for  a  local  tour.              In  1989,  a  series  of  radical  political  changes  occurred  in  the  Eastern  Bloc,  associated  with  the  liberalization  of  the  Eastern  Bloc's  authoritarian  systems  and  the  erosion  of  political  power  in  the  pro-­‐Soviet  governments  in  nearby  Poland  and  Hungary.  After  several  weeks  of  civil  unrest,  the  East  German  government  announced  on  9  November  1989  that  all  GDR  citizens  could  visit  West  Germany  and  West  Berlin.  Crowds  of  East  Germans  crossed  and  climbed  onto  the  wall,  joined  by  West  Germans  on  the  other  side  in  a  celebratory  atmosphere.  Over  the  next  few  weeks,  a  euphoric  public  and  souvenir  hunters  chipped  away  parts  of  the  wall;  the  governments  later  used  industrial  equipment  to  remove  most  of  the  rest.  The  physical  Wall  itself  was  primarily  destroyed  in  1990.  The  fall  of  the  Berlin  Wall  paved  the  way  for  German  reunification,  which  was  formally  concluded  on  3  October  1990.              While  on  tour  Keith  took  quite  a  number  of  historic  and  personal  never  published  photos  such  as  the  changing  of  the  guard,  a  huge  and  very  quaint  East  Berlin  square  with  a  clock  stand  showing  times  at  various  locations  around  the  world,  a  bombed  out  museum,  the  Oder-­‐Spree  Canal  which  links  the  Dahme  River  with  the  River  Oder  providing  access  to  Poland,  a  music  festival,  a  zoo,  new  apartments  versus  the  old,  and  ultimately  the  train  back  to  Frankfurt.    What  a  treasure  trove  of  memories!  ________________________________________________  SOURCE:  Luncheon  Speaker    SOURCE:  Luncheon  Speaker        SOURCE: Luncheon Speaker

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION E December 2012

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LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

NOVEMBER SPEAKERS (cont.) AIRSHIP VENTURES       Airship Ventures, operators of the world’s largest passenger airship, the Zeppelin Eureka, announced November 14, 2012, that despite history-making successes and a stellar performance and safety record, they will be ceasing operations immediately. Sponsors making flights possible were no longer available.     “Operating this unique aircraft has been an inspiring experience and it is with a very heavy heart that we’ve come to this point requiring us to cease operations and ground Eureka,” commented Airship Ventures CEO Brian Hall. “Our team is the best at what they do and their dedication to Eureka, our passengers and our dream of flying a Zeppelin in the USA has been remarkable. I’m beyond sad to disband their talents and leave Moffett Field, our friends and fans without an active airship.”       Blending the romance of the "golden age of aviation" with the latest in high-technology, Airship Ventures, founded in 2007, brought a Zeppelin NT ("New Technology") airship to the USA for flightseeing, science missions, media and advertising operations.       Passenger flights began in 2008 in the Bay Area (Silicon Valley, Oakland and San Francisco) and Long Beach, and most recently expanded to California’s beautiful wine country. 2012 saw the addition of behind-the-scenes educational ground tours of the airship. In addition to passenger flights and advertising, the Eureka had performed a wide variety of special missions for government, science and research groups, including recent expansion into airship design, research and development.       Since its founding, the company had faced challenges including the economic recession that impacted regular passenger numbers and demanded the need for a regular sponsorship partner for the company to remain viable. Adding to this, a world helium shortage increased the company’s operating costs and pressure for a long-term sponsor that had not materialized.       However, even in the face of these challenges, Airship Ventures marked more than a few distinguished milestones:  • Created the first large scale passenger airship operation in the US since the 1930s. • Welcomed the 20,000th passenger during a flightseeing tour over San Francisco in 2012. • Celebrated four years of passenger operations in 2012. • Completed a history-making, six-month coast to coast cross country tour in 2011. • Covered 459.3 miles and broke the standing Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) airship distance record in 2010. • Provided aerial coverage for the Rose Bowl Game, ESPN’s College Game Day, the Farmer’s Insurance Open, Zurich Classic, US Open of Surfing, Dew Tour, and Red Bull Flugtag • Partnered with NASA and SETI on meteorite seeking missions over Sacramento and Sonoma, California, and with SETI on the study of extremophiles in the bay area salt ponds. • Acted as a training vessel for the U.S. Air Force’s test pilots. • Hired and trained both the first female Zeppelin pilot and first American female Zeppelin pilot • Certified and demonstrated the use of Raymarine Radar and FLIR Systems infrared systems for use in the roles of Maritime Patrol and Search and Rescue with the airship. • Did the first skydive over downtown Los Angeles from an airship in support of a major media event, and the first wing-suit jump from an airship over downtown San Francisco during a major technology conference • Launched a social media campaign displaying the world’s largest Twitter hash tag as a decal on the airship.       This action was taken less than 24 hours prior to the chapter’s November luncheon meeting featuring a speaker from Airship Ventures.  _______________________________  SOURCE: Airship Ventures Press Release

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION E December 2012

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LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

NOVEMBER SPEAKERS (cont.)    ELECTRONIC BULLETIN Beginning April 2012 the chapter offered an on-line newsletter designed in part to attract the technology savvy new generation officer and to publish chapter and general news, special features, photos, and graphics not published in the chapter’s print newsletter, The Bulletin, mainly because there is much more space available on-line. Because the November speaker was unable to make his scheduled presentation, e-Bulletin editor, Lt. Col. Neil Miles, USAF-Ret, took time to provide luncheon attendees with a detailed briefing of both process and content. The November issue was displayed on a large screen, making viewing of articles and photos easy. The front page provides the luncheon meeting announcement along with a calendar of coming events. There is a table of contents; members who choose to visit a special page simply need to click on an available link. Section A features the President’s Perspective and Editor’s Notes, which includes local, state, and national news of special interest and value. The president’s November focus was a summary of service opportunities, encouragement to wear the uniform on Veterans Day, the importance of contacting legislators on the issues, and a notice that an order for member badges will be placed early in 2013. Section B lists chapter leaders and contact information, membership numbers and a listing of new members, plus a Veteran’s Affairs calendar of events. Section C offers late information on federal and California legislation important to members and their families. Section D is news on chapter activities, and in November items included reports on a Chapter Presidents Symposium and a recent visit by MOAA national president VADM Norbert Ryan, Jr., as well as a Veterans Eat and Greet event in San Jose. Section E presents descriptions of the next month luncheon speaker topic and a report on the prior month speaker presentation. Section F In the Box is a place where member articles or communications are posted as well as special items of value. In the November issue there are stories about the chaplain and his recent trip to Washington, D.C., chapter actions to help save the infrastructure upon Mt. Umunhum, a member book review, and the Auxiliary Corner, where special guidance is provided chapter auxiliaries. Section G has information on Personal Affairs including employment opportunities, medical and pharmacy, reporting deaths, and available resources. Section H provides a membership application, luncheon reservation form, and advertisement. About half of chapter members are now taking advantage of the e-Bulletin resulting in a print newsletter cost savings to the chapter. ____________________ SOURCE: Neil J. Miles    

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION E December 2012

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LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

OCTOBER SPEAKER

LT Christian Polyak, USCG

    The chapter’s October luncheon meeting speaker was LT Christian Polyak, USCG, a young flight officer who has been serving out of Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco since 2010. “Since a lot of people don’t know much about the Coast Guard, I would like to give you some general information and then specifics about Bay Area operations,” he said.       A very impressive officer, perhaps just the skilled leader one would want when one’s life is in peril, LT Polyak offered information about his early development and experiences. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, earned a BSME degree, and went directly to flight school NAS Whiting Field, completing 100 hours each in the T34C trainer and TH57/AB helicopter. His initial assignment was at Air Station Port Angeles, Washington, where he performed as an MH65 helicopter aircraft commander, logistics officer, and weapons trainer. In 2010 he began service at Air Station San Francisco, again flying the MH65 on search and rescue missions, serving as a flight examiner, and today as Assistant Engineering Officer. LT Polyak offered the kinds of speech and body language signals which would lead one to believe that the American people are in good hands, safe and secure, knowing that highly competent leaders are in command.       Describing the Coast Guard as one of the armed services and since 1790 the oldest sea-going service, LT Polyak provided a brief historical sketch indicating that today the organization is part of Homeland Security but in wartime often becomes a part of the Department of the Navy. It has a unique maritime law enforcement mission. The 42,000 active duty, 7,500 reserves, 30,000 auxiliaries, and 7,700 civilians subscribe to the core values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty and live by the motto Semper Paratus or “Always Ready.”    (cont. on next page) one seasick. The Coast Guard’s air assets, both fixed and rotary wing, were listed with the HC 130 Hercules and newer versions plus the HC144 Ocean Sentry, the MH60J/T Jayhawk and MH65C/D helicopters were mentioned in some detail. (cont. on next page)  

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter SECTION E December 2012

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LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

OCTOBER SPEAKER (CONT.)    A Coast Guard Medal of Honor recipient, Douglas A. Munro, a signalman first class of the United States Coast Guard, died heroically on Guadalcanal September 27, 1942, after succeeding in his assignment, for which he had volunteered, to evacuate a detachment of Marines from a point where enemy opposition developed beyond anticipated dimensions. Munro's final words were "Did they get off?"       LT Polyak listed the 11 Non-Homeland Security and Homeland Security missions of the force, described the officer and enlisted personnel who are attracted to the service as well as their training and development. He then gave the characteristics and showed photos of the surface assets, the greater than 65 foot cutters and the smaller boats, with an emphasis on the relatively new National Security Cutter of which there are currently three with all based at Coast Guard Island, Alameda, CA. The photos of the 47-foot motor lifeboat operating in heavy ocean surf were enough to make one seasick. The Coast Guard’s air assets, both fixed and rotary wing, were listed with the HC 130 Hercules and newer versions plus the HC144 Ocean Sentry, the MH60J/T Jayhawk and MH65C/D helicopters were mentioned in some detail.       There was a briefing on Coast Guard organization structure with emphasis on the Pacific Region and Coast Guard District 11 which covers CA/NV/UT/AZ, with 10,000 Search and Rescue cases, 1300 lives saved, and 5,000 hazardous spills managed. The Coast Guard sees funding, aging assets, and mission creep as serious future challenges. A history of Air Station San Francisco with its current 22 officers and 87 enlisted personnel, 4 MH65C/D Dolphin helicopters, and other assets, was provided. In FY 2012 the organization had 2,600 flight hours, 400 Search and Rescue hours, with 59 lives saved. A description of the Dolphin helicopter and its capabilities was particularly interesting.       Chapter members asked a number of questions including, Does the Coast Guard cooperate with the Air Guard 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Field? (yes); What’s happening with the trash floating on coastal waters? (not familiar with that); What is the Coast Guard doing about drug smugglers using submarines off Southern California? (a lot; one Cutter operating off Columbia and Panama encountered a submarine running 2 feet below the surface and interdicted the craft).  ________________________  SOURCE: Luncheon Speaker    

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ December 2012

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THE IN BOX

LT. Polyak Dear Colonel Enos, Good morning Sir. I just received your letter of appreciation regarding LT Polyak's participating at your recent event. Thank you so very much for taking the time to pass your kind comments along. I will be sure that LT Polyak is recognized at our next all-hands event. I am very fortunate to have this talented officer in my wardroom. With Kind Regards, ws CDR William E. Sasser, Jr. Commanding Officer Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco

Military Officers Association of America Silicon Valley Chapter

P.O. Box 2 Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035

November 7, 2012

CDR William E. Sasser, Jr., USCG USCG Air Station San Francisco SFO International Airport Dear Commander Sasser: Re: LT Christian T. Polyak Thank you for making it possible for LT Polyak to visit our chapter on 18 October 2012 and make the luncheon presentation. He was very well received, and he made a significant contribution to the general and military communities. He has our gratitude for designing, developing, and implementing a very impressive illustrated presentation about Air Station San Francisco, its people, mission, activities, and resources. He met chapter member expectations and more. Enclosed is a copy of the chapter’s October newsletter, The Bulletin, which on page 2 alerts our membership to the presentation. A follow-up, a kind of after-action report, can be seen in the November issue of the chapter’s e-Bulletin posted to the website here—click at the left margin-- http://www.siliconvalleymoaa.org/ and more specifically in Section E which can be viewed here: http://www.siliconvalleymoaa.org/eBulletin/EBNov12.pdf. A number of our members, particularly those who have seen some of your aircraft above the Santa Clara Valley, expressed their appreciation for learning more about your organization. Again, thank you for allowing LT Polyak to be with us in October. Sincerely, WARREN B. ENOS, COL, AUS (RET) Secretary, MOAA Silicon Valley Chapter

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ December 2012

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THE IN BOX

AUXILIARY CORNER/Tricare Home Delivery       The TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, serviced by Express Scripts, is a cost-saver for TRICARE. For the beneficiary it is convenient, efficient, and cost-saving and offers peace of mind that medications will arrive on time. But the program is used by less than 10% of TRICARE beneficiaries, making it an underused health care benefit.       MOAA surveyed 7,700 Legislative Update subscribers representing a cross-section of military beneficiaries. The sample showed a far higher participation in the home delivery program than the TRICARE beneficiary population as a whole. Of the survey participants, 64 percent had tried the program, 45 percent used it for maintenance medications, and 69 percent were very satisfied. What did they like about the service? They liked the convenience of home delivery, easy prescription management by phone or online, copayment savings of 67 percent versus retail pharmacies, automatic refill notifications, and ease of having TRICARE call their doctors for prescription renewals. Sixty eight percent found nothing to dislike about the program.       Enrollment is easy. Call (877) 363-1303, or visit www.express-scripts.com/tricare. You must send Express Scripts written prescriptions from your physician to begin enrollment.       Currently, a 30-day supply of a brand-name medication at a local pharmacy includes a $12 copayment. But the same medication, in a 90-day supply, can be ordered through home delivery for a $9 copayment. Most generic medications have no copayments for a 90-day supply. And through home delivery, non-formulary medications have a $25 copayment for a 90-day supply. You will be notified by phone or email when your prescriptions will ship. There are no shipping charges, and if you’re traveling, TRICARE can arrange to have your prescriptions shipped to a temporary address.       Medications requiring refrigeration, though shipped in cold packs, cannot be left in the heat for long periods. If you will not be home, arrange for a friend or neighbor to pick them up for you.       Beneficiaries can set up automatic renewals every 90 days for all medications except controlled substances. When a prescription needs an annual renewal, you can mail the new prescription to Express Scripts or have them contact your physician. In the case of a military treatment facility (MTF), you must take in the prescription.       Problems like ordering too early, out-of-stock medications, holiday facility closures, or changes in hours of operation that can happen with an MTF are eliminated by using home delivery.       Give it a try. I think you will really like it.  ____________________  SOURCE: The Affiliate

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ December 2012

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THE IN BOX

CENTRAL COAST CEMETERY

Central Coast Veterans Cemetery

The Central Coast Veterans Cemetery to be located off the Fort Ord Parker Flat Road near Monterey has experienced some minor delays but the development process continues. Artist renderings of the cemetery grounds, an endowment fund opportunity parcel, and adjacent wildlife habitat area, give evidence that once completed the site will be very beautiful.       The goal is to provide dignified, environmentally site-sensitive burial accommodations and infrastructure which support cemetery activities while honoring and respecting Veterans.       As such, the Master Plan identifies a 78.7 acre cemetery footprint which provides for 100 years of burial needs. The plan creates a true monument to the service and sacrifice of our Veterans through the design of facilities and features which honor Vets, support burial function, and create a hub for Vet activities on the Central Coast.       The plan respects and works with the natural features of the site and capitalizes its topographic features. The design incorporates native oak woodland to create landscape buffers and to separate burial sections. The plan also utilizes native plant species and drought tolerant cemetery design to minimize water usage.       The plan outlines a phased approach to cemetery construction with the first phase meeting the requirements for the State Cemetery Grant Program. Phase I provides for 20 years of burial needs, representing approximately 13,800 burials. Functional design reflects current trends in cemetery use, calling for 70% cremation and 30% full casket burials. The first phase also provides backbone infrastructure and administration, public information and maintenance facilities.       Silicon Valley Chapter would like to send a financial gift to cemetery planners to assist with maintenance and enhancement costs. Chapter members willing and able to make a donation are urged to send a check made out to SVC-MOAA, designated Central Coast Cemetery, to the chapter’s treasurer, CAPT Lloyd McBeth, 498 Bancroft Street, Santa Clara, CA 95051.  __________________  Source: Cemetery Foundation      

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ December 2012

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THE IN BOX BATAAN DEATH MARCH Lieutenant Colonel John Tao, USA, Chair and Professor of Military Science, Santa Clara University, announced in early October that a number of Bronco Battalion ROTC cadets will travel to New Mexico and participate in the 24th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March during the period March 15-17, 2013. Chapter members made generous donations and helped finance the 2012 trip. The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of White Sands Missile Range, conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and, in many cases, their very lives. It attracts participants from around the world. These brave soldiers were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines. The conditions they encountered and the aftermath of the battle were unique. They fought in a malaria-infested region, surviving on half or quarter rations with little or no medical help. They fought with outdated equipment and virtually no air power. On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces. The Americans were Army, Army Air Corps, Navy and Marines, and among those seized were members of the 200th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard. They were marched for days in the scorching heat through the Philippine jungles. Thousands died. Those who survived faced the hardships of a prisoner of war camp. Others were wounded or killed when unmarked enemy ships transporting prisoners of war to Japan were sunk by U.S. air and naval forces. Cadets have a choice between two routes: The Green (full) route is the full 26.2-mile Bataan Memorial Death March. Awards are presented to the top two finishers in each category. Those marching the 26.2 miles will be able to experience, in part, what Soldiers endured during their long forced trek through the Philippines. The Blue (honorary) route is 14.2 miles in length. This shorter march is designed for participants who would like to memorialize Bataan but do not wish to march the full 26.2-mile route. There are no awards given for this shorter march. Santa Clara University went two teams last year, a light and a heavy team. Each team was made up of five cadets who marched the 26.2 miles, with the heavy team carrying rucksacks weighing 35 pounds. Cadets placed 2nd in the light category and 7th in the heavy category. In most cases cadets undergo an extraordinary field experience which helps build character, strengthens mental agility, challenges physical condition, and in short offers the kinds of experiences which can help develop a solid leadership capability. Some cadets find it difficult to meet trip expenses; Colonel Tao says, “A donation in any amount is truly appreciated.” Chapter members who would like to contribute a donation to the Bronco Battalion cadets are encouraged to send a check made out to Silicon Valley Chapter and designated for Bataan Death March to CAPT Lloyd D. McBeth, USN (RET), Treasurer, 498 Bancroft Street, Santa Clara, CA 95051, telephone 1-408-241-3514, e-mail macndona@mindspring.com. _____________________ SOURCE: LTC John Tao

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ December 2012

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THE IN BOX

Student Veterans in need of a Veteran Center

As a Friend of Spartan Veterans, I am part of an effort working to get SJSU to provide a veterans center for our returning veterans, who are studying and working hard to make a change in their lives. This is why I wish to share with you this article from the SPARTAN DAILY. If you would be interested in supporting our cause please contact me at mailto:njmlem@gmail.com. ___________ Neil J. Miles

Student Veterans in need of a Veteran Center

When Julie Kelemen, a student veteran, first came to SJSU, she said it took her hours to find the G.I. Bill office and months to find other veterans to talk to on campus.

“A veterans’ center would have made a whole world of difference,” said Kelemen, a freshman public relations major. “I think it’s important for veterans to have a place, so they feel welcome and safe.”

There is a Veterans’ Student Organization, which currently has about 35 to 40 members with 12 active members, and Kelemen hopes they will get space in the new Student Union as on official veterans affairs center.

If it cannot achieve space in the Student Union they would be happy with another space on campus, according to Damian Bramlett, the veteran’s coordinator for SJSU.

“Having a place where vets can go to seek out answers is key to their academic and interpersonal success,” Bramlett said.

Bramlett said a veterans’ center would have been helpful when several student veterans dropped out a few semesters ago because their G.I. Bill benefits were tapped out.  They didn’t realize there were other options for continuing their education while still having the government pay the bill, according to Bramlett.

“A centralized veteran center would have created a space and opportunity for these vets to speak with professionals on what options were available in such a situation,” Bramlett said.

The organization currently holds its meetings once a month in Clark Hall, access center room 240A, which is a shared space with other students, according to David Richardson, president of the organization and senior linguistics major.  

 “The whole point of a veterans’ center is for vets to be by themselves, so they can relax and not

necessarily have to worry about things that at times put veterans on edge,” Richardson said. “Normal students don’t know all the intricacies of things these guys and girls might have like PTSD. It is not something that goes well with people yelling and screaming and carrying on like typical college students do at times.” (cont. on the next page)    

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ December 2012

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THE IN BOX

Student Veterans in need of a Veteran Center (cont.)

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs website, PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) occurs “in about 11-20 percent of Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars (Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom), or in 11-20 veterans out of 100.”

Recent estimates suggest current or former military represent 20 percent of all known suicides in the US and the rate of suicides among veterans utilizing Veterans Health Administration services is estimated to be higher than the general population, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Dustin Delzell, an organization member and sophomore global studies major, said he feels there is a divide between student veterans and other students.

“It turns you into a different but better person,” Delzell said. “Only we (veterans) can relate to each other. The other students don’t know what we’ve been through and how bad it was. They only know school.”  Bramlett said he didn’t feel welcomed when he first attended the school in 2008, especially when a student in classes said that, "soldiers are all soulless killers." .

“It made me feel very unwelcome and frustrated,” Bramlett said. “Here I am trying to get through school, I've served my country, and I'm still having to deal with ignorance and the assumption that I'm this 'soulless killer' because I served my country.”

Although veterans might feel a slight divide between themselves and other students, Anne Demers, chair of the Veterans Advisory Committee, said it’s important for other students to see that there are veterans on the campus so that there isn’t a divide.

MOSAIC, a cross cultural student organization which is inclusive of all student groups, shows

support for student veterans and wants to make sure they feel welcomed as well.

Hyon Chu Yi-Baker, director of the MOSAIC, said they have partnered with veterans' groups on a couple different programs.

Bramlett said he feels welcomed by the MOSAIC.

He said they reached out and hosted a symposium of the G.I. Bill last year in April and invited them to their Tunnel of Oppression event in April of this year.  

 Art King, the associate vice president for Student Affairs who oversees the Veteran Advisory

Committee, said that he is pushing for the university to be one of the most veteran-friendly campuses students can find in this region.

Between 425 and 450 veterans are on campus including their immediate families, according to

King. (cont. on the next page)

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ December 2012

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THE IN BOX

Student Veterans in need of a Veteran Center (cont.)

He said the Veteran Advisory Committee, the Veterans' Student Organization, and the veterans coordinator that is provided through the Vital Initiative Grant from the Veterans Administration, are all ways in which the university has become more veteran-friendly.

The committee works to put together a needs assessment survey for student veterans in order to evaluate their urgent needs, according to King.

“We just want to make sure we have a comprehensive view of what the needs are of our veteran students before we can move forward with talking about whether a veteran’s center comes first,” King said.

The survey should be coming out shortly, according to King.

“If that (the need for a veterans’ center) comes back as an urgent need then that’s something we really need to take a look at,” King said.

Bramlett said he believes that the university has put in efforts to become more veteran-friendly but says work can still be done. (cont. on the next page) “I believe the best way the university can help vets at this point is by finding space on campus for a proper veteran center,” Bramlett said.

Richardson said many of the veterans want a veteran’s center in the new Student Union but Cathy Busalacchi, the executive director of the Student Union, said there is no guarantee that they will get a space in the Student Union since the plans began years ago.

According to Busalacchi, consultants created an impartial feasibility study around 2004 which was given to students to ask what they wanted to see in the new Student Union.  

 A business plan was created in January of 2008 and talked about laying out what they wanted to

see, which ultimately came from students, according to Busalacchi.

Demers said that years ago there was hardly any talk about a veterans' on-campus and faculty and students didn’t realize that there were so many veterans on campus.

“When the planning for the Student Union was developing, the Veteran’s Advisory Committee was only a task force and not even an official committee, Demers said. “We hadn’t even talked about having a veteran’s center yet.”

Mark Pinto, vice president of Veterans' Student Organization, said that times have changed and the organization's needs have changed. (cont. on the next page)

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section F ______________ December 2012

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THE IN BOX

Student Veterans in need of a Veteran Center (cont.)

Pinto said he thinks they can’t reach the other veterans on campus because they don’t have a common meeting place to gather.

“The growing awareness of veteran’s issues is coming front and center,” Pinto said. “In the past we didn’t have much of a footprint and now I think we not only have a footprint but the need.”

Bramlett said there are more vets on campus in general due to the winding down of both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Richardson said that he wants the faculty of SJSU to follow through with their claims of having a veteran-friendly campus and to create a veteran center, because that’s what most veterans want.

He visited the Community College of San Francisco over the summer, and said it had an amazing veterans' center.  Pinto said he thinks they can’t reach the other veterans on campus because they don’t have a common meeting place to gather.

“The growing awareness of veteran’s issues is coming front and center,” Pinto said. “In the past we didn’t have much of a footprint and now I think we not only have a footprint but the need.”

Bramlett said there are more vets on campus in general due to the winding down of both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Richardson said that he wants the faculty of SJSU to follow through with their claims of having a veteran-friendly campus and to create a veteran center, because that’s what most veterans want.

He visited the Community College of San Francisco over the summer, and said it had an amazing veterans' center.  

 “The biggest thing that I found amazing about their vet center was that everything there was

donated,” Richardson said. “Instead of talking about doing something for vets, someone (a coach at the Community College of San Francisco) actually went and made it happen.”

He wishes SJSU wouldn’t get so caught up with how to fund the veteran center because there are realistic alternatives.

“The school apparently has money to waste to beautify the campus (i.e. remove and then replace trees all over campus, new marquee in front of the theater, etc),” Richardson said. “But no money to support vets on campus that put their lives on hold to serve their countries. This is absolutely preposterous.”

Kelemen said many other schools have veteran centers, and it’s important for SJSU to have one because it would get a lot of use from veterans.

“The student veterans deserve to have a home on campus for the same reason that we want to call ourselves a 'veteran friendly' campus: as a symbol of appreciation,” Kelemen said.  

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section G December 2012

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PERSONAL AFFAIRS EMPLOYMENT

For those seeking employment there are job listings posted on the CALMOAA website on line at http://www.calmoaa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=15&Itemid=36 . For additional employment assistance there are sites on our LINKS site at http://siliconvalleymoaa.org/link.html

The San Jose Police Department is looking to hire veterans at this site

http://www.sjpd.org/joinsjpdblue/Veterans.html H2H-Jobs for Members of the Reserve Component and Military Spouses https://h2h.jobs/ California Department of Veterans Affairs http://www.calvet.ca.gov/ DORS is a centralized job listing and placement system accessed through the department’s

human resources website http://www.donhr.navy.mil/

TOPS/ Latest good info on Job Networking see pages 2 and 3 MEDICAL AND PHARMACY For information on medical and pharmacy information refer to our LINKS site at http://siliconvalleymoaa.org/medpharm.html ID CARD CHANGE    

The Moffett Field ID card office is currently located in the U.S. Army Reserve Center, 230 RT Jones Road, Mt. View, CA 94043-1809. The office can be reached by making the left hand turn from the 4-way stop immediately prior to the Moffett Field main gate. The building is one half mile down the road on the left.                      It will be necessary to make an advance appointment for entry to the building and obtaining the new card. Appointments can be made at (650) 526-9517 or (650) 526-9616 or on-line click on “Moffett Appointment” at this location http://siliconvalleymoaa.org/iddecal.html  

REPORTING DEATHS Members can report the death of a retiree locally through the Retiree Activity Office (RAO). The phone number is 650- 603-8047. You can also notify a MOAA member’s death to: MOAA: Attn: MSC, 201 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314-2539. Or call 1-800-234-6622 Or: E-mail: mailto:msc@moaa.org. Notify SVC-MOAA by phoning the Membership Chair – see listing in Section B of The Bulletin.  

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section G December 2012

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PERSONAL AFFAIRS TOPS/ Latest good info on Job Networking How to Approach Job Search After the Military <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h973a5xj-3p/ava/182628753/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=33Tk6uvfmbUBs1> LinkedIn Founder Reid Hoffman Explains How to Achieve Your Dream <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h973a5xj-3p/ava/182525928/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=1wTucG9qGbUBs1> Next battle for veterans: finding a job <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h973a5xj-3p/ava/182453023/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=2CJVa3gXabUBs1> 5 Reasons Leaders Hire Veterans - Forbes <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h973a5xj-3p/ava/182446993/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=1mfk0DbJCbUBs1> Next battle for veterans: finding a job <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h98ib9pr-4f/vai/4058911/182453023/member/ eml-anet_dig-b_pd-ttl-cn/?hs=false&tok=2f5hmEE8AvW5s1> Lifting the Curtain on Hiring Process <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h98ib9pr-4f/ava/183134508/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=01l48rsoEvW5s1> How Personality Tests for Job Seekers Work <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h98ib9pr-4f/ava/183132726/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=2eVbWoUjcvW5s1> LinkedIn Networking 101: What Not to Do <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h98ib9pr-4f/ava/183041069/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=1mFrPH22EvW5s1> How to Ask an Employer for a Job Opening <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h98ib9pr-4f/ava/182930297/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=2w3i1tQe0vW5s1> USVM -Top 100 Veteran-Friendly Companies-2012 <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h98ib9pr-4f/ava/182899410/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=3O1esI8xAvW5s1> (cont. on the next page)

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section G December 2012

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PERSONAL AFFAIRS TOPS/ Latest good info on Job Networking cont. The Best Interview Questions Ever <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h98ib9pr-4f/ava/182890337/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=3lTU9E-XUvW5s1> Cold Call Your Way to a New Job <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h98ib9pr-4f/ava/182867757/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=0khuKRAPAvW5s1> Career Test - Tips on Employment Tests and Questionnaires <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h98ib9pr-4f/ava/182866141/4058911/eml-ane t_dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=1LGg-zYAUvW5s1> Learn from those who have already gone through military transition <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h99xznf3-m/ava/183389074/4058911/eml-anet _dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=35hTIIsYf6Xls1> Reversing the Top 5 Mistakes Made by Veterans in Job Search -... <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h99xznf3-m/ava/183376909/4058911/eml-anet _dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=2hC0tmI1D6Xls1> Tips & Guide For A Successful Career - The 5 Small Steps to Take <http://www.linkedin.com/e/-a13g74-h99xmb56-20/ava/183248437/164686/eml-anet _dig-b_nd-pst_ttle-cn/?hs=false&tok=2n1vB6roWYXls1> ____________________________  Source: TOPS, Bud Lichtenstern  

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section G December 2012

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PERSONAL AFFAIRS PLANNING A TRIP?     Take a look at MOAA travel. It’s easy to save on every vacation! Sign up and gain access to amazing travel discounts. You can save on cruises, resorts, hotels, and more. All MOAA members are eligible and, best of all, the program is free. There are no booking fees and you earn reward points for every dollar you spend. When I signed up, I got a 5000 point bonus. That’s not small change when you figure it’s a point for every dollar spent on travel.       Go to www.MOAATravel.org and follow the prompts. There is a wealth of information which explains how you subscribe, member benefits, Frequently Asked Questions, etc. There is even a section that highlights a few future offerings—the 2013 MOAA Signature Cruise on the Rhine River from June 16-23, or “Norwegians Love the Weekend” (cruises from Miami to the Bahamas every Friday), or perhaps you’d rather stay close to home and “Get your feet Wet at Myrtle Beach” for $56/night. This just scratches the surface so take a look for yourself.       If you don’t have a computer, you can still take advantage of the program. Call 1-866-691-5109 and press Option #5. A Government Vacation Rewards Membership Services Agent will help you set up an account so you can access the system through them by phone. Even if you do have a computer, call this same number if you have any unanswered questions.      

Whenever and wherever you decide to go, have a happy trip! _________________________  SOURCE: CDR V.A. Eagye  

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section G December 2012

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PERSONAL AFFAIRS USEFUL PUBLICATIONS     The Military Officers Association of America offers Silicon Valley Chapter serving and retired members a wide variety of useful publications.       These are new publications for the serving officer:       --Military Entitlements: Benefits for the Guard and Reserve/Retirement pay; medical and non-medical benefits; survivor benefits.   --Survivor Benefit Plan: Security for Your Survivors/The plan; benefits; offsets; keeping pace with life’s changes.   --Family Matters: A Personal Inventory for Peace of Mind/record-keeping; financial information; insurance; wills and other arrangements.   --Seven Steps to a Better Military Retirement/Options; the job search; financial plan; protecting assets.   --Marketing Yourself for a Second Career: A Guide for a Successful Transition/Basic decisions; the resume; networking; expanding the job search; interviews & negotiation.   --Focus on You: A Career Handbook for Military Spouses/career decision-making; job search methodology; finding a mentor; making contact; dress for success; references; negotiating; strategic career options; federal employment.   --Guard/Reserve Retirement Checklist/Eligibility notification; SBP options, retirement physical; TRICARE options; dental plan; survivor’s ID card; statement of retirement points; DD 214 and other records.   --Security on Call: Survivor Benefits for Guard & Reserve/Survivor benefit plan; eligibility and enrollment; costs and benefits; commonly asked questions.       These publications should be of particular interest to the retired officer.       --Help Your Survivors Now: A Guide to Planning Ahead/Financial benefits; continuing entitlements; personal affairs workbook.   --Estate Planning: The Basics/Wills; powers of attorney; how assets transfer; trusts; federal estate taxes; special situations; gifting; life-stages checklist.   --Aging Into Medicare and TRICARE for Life/Program descriptions; eligibility; transition; pharmacy benefit; information resources and checklists.   --Turning the Corner: Surviving the Loss of a Loved One/grief; types of loss; states of grieving; a helping hand; signs you’re getting better; survivor’s checklist.       For information on these and other similar publications, call (800) 234-6622 or visit this website: www.moaa.org.  ____________________________  Source: MOAA Member Services    

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section H December 2012

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Membership Application and Renewal Form

Silicon Valley Chapter Military Officers Association of America Mail to: SVC-MOAA P.O. Box 2

Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035

Membership Application and Renewal Form Date________________ Enroll Me As: New Member_____Renewing Member_____Aux Member____ Annual Dues: $26.00 $__________ (Auxiliary – Dues are not charged, donations gratefully accepted) Donations to SVC Fund $__________ Donations to Scholarship Fund $__________ Donations to PAWS $__________ Donation to USO $__________ (All Donations are Tax Deductible) Total: $____________Make checks payable to SVC-MOAA and mail to above address. Please complete all applicable blanks Status: Active___Reserve____ Guard___Retired____Former Officer___ Widow(er)______ Name:__________________________________/__________________/_____/__________/_________ Last First MI Rank Service Address:_________________________________________/___________ Number Street (P.O. Box, etc.) Apt/Suite City____________________State_______Zip_________/______Spouse’s Name_____________

5 Digit 4 Digit

Phone (____)_________________________ E-mail ________________________________

SVC Dues are due 1 January and are separate from National MOAA Dues. SVC Dues support the Bulletin and Administrative functions. Luncheons are self-supporting. Dues are not prorated. Donations can be made to the Silicon Valley Chapter’s general fund and/or the various funds listed above. If you are a new chapter member, please advise us how you learned about this chapter. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For present members we are trying to update and enhance our records; so please provide the month

and year you joined the SVC. _______________

Are you a National MOAA Member? ________

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section H December 2012

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LUNCHEON

LOCATION – BILTMORE HOTEL – 2151 LAURELWOOD RD, SANTA CLARA, CA DIRECTIONS: Going North on Hwy 101: Exit at Montague/San Tomas, then Montague; then Right on Laurelwood. Going South on Hwy 101: Exit at Montague/San Tomas, then Montague, then Right on Laurelwood. --------------------------------------------------Cut Here-----------------------------------------------

****LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM**** Deadline to reach SVC no later than 14 December

If you have not sent in your reservation form by the above date and still wish to attend,

please call Jay Craddock, 650-968-0446 LUNCHEON PRICE - $24.00 Times: Social Hour 11:00 AM, Luncheon 11:45 AM Please reserve _______ places for the 20 December Luncheon A TOTAL of $__________________ including a donation of $_______ for (circle one) Scholarship, PAWS, USO, or undesignated donation Make checks payable to: PROGRAM CHAIR-SVC Mail to: LTC Jay Craddock 1448 Fallen Leaf Lane Los Altos, CA 94024-5809 RESERVE IN THE NAME OF: ____________________________ Telephone: ______________________________________________ MENU: Buffet - Two hot entrees with vegetables. Assorted breads and rolls. Desserts. Coffee and tea. NAMES OF PERSONS WHO ARE INCLUDED IN YOUR PAYMENT _______________________________________________________________________

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section H December 2012

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★ EXTRA ★ FROM THE SILICON VALLEY CHAPTER (SVC)

Members of the SVC are actively engaging in activities in support and assistance to our communities and veterans. Some of these activities are with the following: Assisting our veterans at theVA Health Care System in Palo Alto and

San Jose http://www.paloalto.va.gov/ and http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=5073

University and high school ROTCs San Jose State University (SJSU), where there are 400 plus veterans, who

can use our guidance, counsel and support http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/history/Resources/Fall_2011_TheSpartanSalute.pdf

Creating a local liaison for The Officer Placement Service (TOPS) http://www.moaa.org/main_article.aspx?id=1982, which will be of great benefit to those officers looking for a second career and our returning vets. Our chapter is also searching for National members, who may be interested in an opportunity to meet with other officers in the local area and attend our monthly luncheons, where we also have excellent speakers. For more information see our monthly bulletins at this site: http://svcmoaa.org/Bulletin/MBulletinList.html We are pleased to offer these outstanding opportunities to welcome members of our chapter and be of great value to our fellow officers, vets and the community. Take the challenge and call COL Warren Enos @ 408-245-2217 for chapter membership or if interested in local activities contact LTC Neil J. Miles @ 408-929-1142

★ EXTRA ★

MOAA, Silicon Valley Chapter Section H December 2012

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ADVERTISEMENTS

ATTENTION Our chapter is pleased to welcome and offer businesses in the area with a great opportunity to post your

advertisements in this eBulletin and the hardcopy bulletin. For just $100 one gets 365 days of advertising. Interested? Just contact Neil Miles at 408-929-1142 or email njmlem@gmail.com.