Volume 47 Issue # 1 Navy Personnel Command January - March 2002 Plans for a National Veterans Museum were unveiled Nov. 8 at a reception in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs. “Our nation’s veterans have made tre- mendous contributions to our country and its history,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “This new museum will tell that story to generations of Americans, both born and not yet born.” The National Veterans Museum, to be located at VA headquarters at 810 Vermont Ave. N.W., in Washington, will tell a story of homecoming, the universal experience shared by all soldiers and sailors as they return to family, friends and community. Exhibits will The Newsletter for Navy Retirees Colors Shift VA unveils plans for national museum discuss the impact on U.S. society of such events as the Bonus Army of 1932 and the GI Bill of 1944. In remarks at the reception, attended by members of Congress and leaders of America’s veterans service organizations, Principi said he hoped the new museum would be “world-class” in scope and design. He vowed to create an institution where veterans and their families can feel at home while in the nation’s capital, and where they can reconnect with old friends and comrades. Principi also plans to link the museum with the capital’s other veterans memorials, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Women in Military Service to America Memorial, and the World War II Memorial now under construction. No timetable has been set for construction or completion of the museum. Related Site of Interest: www.va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs Web site. In the Connections Center, visitors will use multimedia computer terminals with Internet access, and interactive audio-visual exhibits. Postcards and Snapshots will be an advanced format object theater presentation with high-definition video footage projected onto a series of wrap-around, suspended or retractable screens.
Transcript
Volume 47 Issue # 1 Navy Personnel Command January - March 2002
Plans for a National Veterans Museumwere unveiled Nov. 8 at a reception inWashington, D.C., hosted by the Departmentof Veterans Affairs.
“Our nation’s veterans have made tre-mendous contributions to our country and itshistory,” said Secretary of Veterans AffairsAnthony J. Principi. “This new museum willtell that story to generations of Americans,both born and not yet born.”
The National Veterans Museum, to belocated at VA headquarters at 810 VermontAve. N.W., in Washington, will tell a story ofhomecoming, the universal experience sharedby all soldiers and sailors as they return tofamily, friends and community. Exhibits will
The Newsletter for Navy Retirees
ColorsShift
VA unveils plans for national museum
discuss the impact on U.S. society of suchevents as the Bonus Army of 1932 and theGI Bill of 1944.
In remarks at the reception, attended bymembers of Congress and leaders ofAmerica’s veterans service organizations,Principi said he hoped the new museum wouldbe “world-class” in scope and design. Hevowed to create an institution where veteransand their families can feel at home while inthe nation’s capital, and where they canreconnect with old friends and comrades.
Principi also plans to link the museum withthe capital’s other veterans memorials,including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, theKorean War Veterans Memorial, the Womenin Military Service to America Memorial, andthe World War II Memorial now underconstruction.
No timetable has been set for constructionor completion of the museum.
Related Site of Interest: www.va.govDepartment of Veterans Affairs Web site.
In the Connections Center, visitors will use multimedia computerterminals with Internet access, and interactive audio-visual exhibits.
Postcards and Snapshots will be an advanced format object theaterpresentation with high-definition video footage projected onto a seriesof wrap-around, suspended or retractable screens.
2 Shift Colors January-March
Shift ColorsVADM Norbert R. Ryan, Jr.Chief of Naval Personnel
RADM Gerald L. HoewingCommander, Navy Personnel Command
LCDR Daren R. PelkiePublic Affairs Officer
JO3 Jeffrey G. NicholsEditor Shift Colors
YN3(SW) LeKishona JonesAdministrative Assistant
Dear Fellow Retirees,
There have been numerous changes in our lives as a result of thehorrific events of Sept. 11, 2001. These changes include, but are notlimited to, the way we travel, our outlook on life (how precious it is) andconcerns heretofore never dreamed. But through all of the loss of lifeand destruction we remain united and indivisible and our pride in beingAmericans has not been altered. Current events have brought a higherappreciation for those who serve, such as police, fire fighters, ourmilitary and its leadership. We need to include these heroes in ourprayers.
There has been much action in Washington of interest to the retireecommunity. Our legislators have tabled any revision to the SurvivorBenefit Plan (SBP) for FY02. The Secretary of the Navy’s RetireeCouncil (SECNAV RC) and military fraternal groups will certainlyincrease their efforts for equitable revisions in SBP to be included inthe FY03 National Defense Authorization Act. Changes in the law thatgoverns the Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Actcontinue to be reviewed. The Full Concurrent Receipt issue hassupport from both the House and Senate and is in committee as thisissue goes to print. The legislators are now confronted with a fundingissue. Hopefully, when you read this you’ll say, “That’s old news.”
On the brighter side, TRICARE for Life (TFL) and the TRICARESenior Pharmacy Program are moving well, with the exception of asmall glitch. The problem (which affected a small but important group)should be corrected with only a minor inconvenience to that group.
Our October – December 2001 edition of Shift Colors highlightedour Retired Activities Office (RAO) volunteers. We retirees have gotto be proud of the men and women who provide assistance to ourshipmates. RAOs receive no compensation for their efforts and areour unsung heroes.
Please… if the opportunity arises and you are in the neighborhoodwhere an RAO is located, stop in and thank them for their deeds.They would appreciate hearing from you.
Finally, the response from our community to the retiree decal in thelast newsletter has been overwhelming. Many have asked where toget additional decals. We are investigating the most feasible action tomake this happen.
I will keep you apprised of our progress.The Retired Activities staff wish you and your loved ones a Happy,
Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
In Your Service,Dennis Mills
Straight from the source
Contents
VA Newspages 4-6
Seminarspage 7
Tricare Newspage 8
Useful Phone Numberspage 9
Reunionspage 10-13, 16
DFASpage 15
S h i f t C o l o r s, t h e N e w s l e t t e rf o r N a v y R e t i r e e s ( N AV P E R S1 5 8 8 6 ) , i s p u b l i s h e d q u a r t e r l yi n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h D e p a r t m e n to f t h e N a v y P u b l i c a t i o n a n dPr in t ing Regu la t ions . The Secre -ta ry o f the Navy has de te rminedthat th is pub l ica t ion is necessaryi n t h e t r a n s a c t i o n o f b u s i n e s srequired by law of the Departmentof the Navy. Send correspondencet o :
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVYNAVY PERSONNEL COMMANDSHIFT COLORS (PERS-05)5720 INTEGRITY DRIVEMILLINGTON, TN 38055-0500
PersonnelWelcome to 2002, and all the optimism and challenges we
face with the beginning of this year. Many of you know too wellwhat it’s like to begin a new year while the country is at war. We thank you for the lessons you have taught usabout service, vigilance and sacrifice.
As we watched our Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines respond to their call-to-arms after September11th, and their focus on the mission throughout the holiday season, there was one holiday that never seemed toend — Veteran’s Day. Though war was never far from anyone’s mind over the traditional season of hope, asense of patriotism and unity remained ever present. Many of the World War II veterans I speak with continueto tell me that the patriotic spirit prevalent in our society today is the same spirit last seen during their conflict.
Supporting this patriotic spirit, I’ve received an overwhelmingly positive response to the “Retired Navy”decals that were inserted in the last issue of Shift Colors. The process of getting them to you was severalmonths in the making, but they could not have arrived in your mailboxes at a better time. Americans in searchof heroes have to look no further than the location you choose to display your symbol of Pride, Tradition andService. The Navy you built and the Sailors you trained owe much to your example.
Those Sailors continue to make valuable contributions in our nation’s war on terrorism, and we are doingwhatever it takes to improve their quality of service. The new year will bring them the largest pay raise since1981, and for the first time ever, the chance to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (401K Plan). Retention inour force continues to soar. We ended FY01 with the highest first-term reenlistment rates of any service and wecontinue to improve on those tremendous efforts. Please continue to thank them for their service; your words ofencouragement mean a lot to them.
As we continue our war on terrorism, I want to assure you that we in the personnel business are alsofocused on improving, not just preserving, retiree benefits. Despite much progress in some areas, I am disap-pointed that we did not achieve a few of our key objectives for veterans. However, like each of you, we remaindetermined to keep making our case until we gain sufficient support to succeed.
Please continue to contact me with your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected]. Also, Mr.Michael Wardlaw, Director, Casualty Assistance and Retired Activities Division, and his staff welcome yourinput. Contact them at (800) 255-8950, or via e-mail at [email protected], or through regular mail at NavyPersonnel Command (PERS-62R, 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38055-6220.
All the best!
NORB RYAN JR.Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy
4 Shift Colors January-March
VA expediting oldest benefit applications
Department of Veterans Affairs News
Secretary of Veterans AffairsAnthony J. Principi took a criticalstep recently in fulfilling his —and President Bush’s — promise toveterans and their families to reducebacklogs in applications for benefitswhen he officially accepted thereport of a blue-ribbon panel study-ing the issue.
“The president and I promiseda top-to-bottom review of ourclaims process,” said Principi. “Thatpromise has been kept, and now isthe time to get to work to fix thisproblem so that veterans get thebenefits they earned through theirservice to this nation.”
The 12-person Claims Process-ing Task Force, created in May andheaded by retired Vice Adm. DanielCooper, examined a wide range ofissues affecting the speedy process-ing of claims, from medical exami-nations and information technology,to efforts to shrink the backlog andincrease the accuracy of decisions.
The task force gave Principi 34recommendations, more than half ofwhich can be accomplished withinsix months. The goal is to reducethe claims backlog and processingtimes by 50 percent during the nexttwo years.
The task force identified waysto allow VA’s employees to spendmore time on processing claims, toimprove the basic claims process, toenhance accountability at all levels,and to emphasize and encourage allVA offices to attack this problem.
“The task force has been hon-ored to participate in this extremely
important endeavor,” said ChairmanCooper. “It is my hope that ourreport will serve as a catalyst tofurther the secretary’s goals to haveconsistent, equitable and timelyanswers to veterans claims.”
During a 120-day period, thetask force reviewed past studiesand recommendations, visited VAregional offices, examined training,records and data processing centers,and held numerous open hearingswith both the general public and pri-vate sector organizations.
“It’s important to remember thisproblem was caused by ineffectiveprocesses, not people,” addedPrincipi. “The men and women ofVA who process claims haveworked diligently to help America’sveterans.”
Overall, VA has about 668,000
claims of all types awaiting aninitial decision or an appeal. Thatincludes 355,000 cases in VA re-gional offices on disability claims forservice-connected compensation.
Nearly 2.7 million veterans re-ceive compensation for disabilitiesincurred in service or pensions forwartime veterans who becometotally disabled in civilian life. Inaddition, more than a half millionwidows, children and parents ofdeceased veterans are paid survi-vor compensation or death pensions.
“Providing benefits to veterans isa core mission of VA. It is thefoundation upon which VA rests,”said Principi. “We can — and will— do better.”
For more information, visit www.va.gov/whatsnew/ under “ClaimsProcessing Task Force Report” site.
Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., visits with CDR Ervin Rice(USN Ret.) at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine, where CDR Rice has loggedmore than 10,000 volunteer hours in the Retired Activities Office since 1981.
January-March Shift Colors 5
by Veteran’s Affairs Public AffairsIn support of President Bush’s
initiative to unite schools withAmerica’s veterans, the Departmentof Veterans Affairs (VA) hasstarted a Web site, “The Veterans’Experience.”
The new VA Web site willprovide information to help teachersand veterans inform students aboutcontributions veterans have made tothe American way of life.
The online educational materialsare designed to help the President’snew campaign, “America’s Lessonsin Liberty,” which strives to bring aveteran to every school for VeteransDay, and as often as possible duringthe year.
The new site, which is hosted on
‘Veteran’s Experience’ to educate students
Department of Veterans Affairs News
VA’s main site at ww.va.gov/veteranedu, will link to sitesoperated by veterans’ serviceorganizations, civic educationorganizations and the VA’s ownVeterans Day section.
“No one can tell the story ofour nation’s struggles against thefoes of freedom better than ourveterans,” said Secretary ofVeterans Affairs Anthony J.Principi. He added that veteran
We have all heard the horror stories associatedwith the theft of one’s identity. Most of us havenot been touched by the anxiety associated withthis type of event whether by luck or by vigilanceto keep private information out of unauthorizedhands.
Recently, it was brought to the attention of thePERS-62 staff that, allegedly, an unscrupulousindividual was using information available on aretiree’s DD214 that was registered at a localcourthouse to assume the members’ identity forfraudulent reasons.
With the exception of certain documents closedby the courts, records at courthouses throughoutthe United States are readily available to thegeneral public. Those of you that have recordedyour DD214 with the local courthouse should be
Veterans warned about DD214 scam
organizations already encouragemembers to reach out to schoolswith stories about military exper-iences, and the VA’s new Web sitewill support educational programs.
Principi emphasized that thePresident’s call to veterans to offerthemselves as guest speakers atschools goes beyond Veterans Dayand is a call also to students torecognize America’s veterans.
The Web site will includeexamples of sacrifices by well-known veterans, information on thecountry’s freedoms and explana-tions of popular American symbolsof patriotism.
For more information on theDepartment of Veterans Affairsvisit www.va.gov.
aware that your documents are not fully secure andare available to anyone who wishes to scrutinizethem.
Although the incidents of identification fraud arerare, you may want to consider other methodsof securing an additional DD214. For example,placing one in a safe deposit box, at familymembers’ homes, with the Department of Veter-ans Affairs (VA), or your military fraternal group(American Legion, Fleet Reserve Association andThe Retired Officers Association).
In any case, inform your family members ofwhere the extra copies may be found. If you wouldlike to obtain more information on ID fraud, visitwww.consumer.gov/idtheft or call the FederalTrade Commissions Identity Theft Hotline toll-freeat 1-877-438-4338.
6 Shift Colors January-March
Department of Veterans Affairs News
A majority of the veteranswho carried military life insuranceinto their civilian lives and havemaintained coverage through theVeterans’ Group Life Insurance(VGLI) program will enjoy $15million in premium reductionsduring the next 12 months.
The Department of VeteransAffairs (VA) is cutting premiumrates for VGLI policyholdersbetween the ages of 30 and 59.This affects more than a quarter-million veterans and includes about70 percent of those who maintainpolicies through the regular paymentof premiums.
“This decrease is part of ourcontinuing effort to provide veter-ans with insurance coverage thatprovides financial security at areasonable price in today’s market,”said Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Premium cut to save vets $15 million per yearAnthony J. Principi.
VA’s experience with the costsof the program enable periodicadjustments to keep the premiumsaffordable while ensuring VGLI isself-sustaining. The new premiumsalso keep VGLI competitive withprivate insurance companies.
Depending upon the age ofpolicyholders, premium rates willdecrease from five percent to 24percent. For example, policy-holders with $100,000 in coveragebetween the ages of 55 and 59 willsee a $4 drop in their monthlypremiums to $84, while the groupfrom 45 to 49 years of age will havea $10 monthly reduction to $32, a$120 yearly savings.
Policyholders will see the pre-mium reductions and additionaldiscounts reflected in their firstpremium bill after July 9.
Coinciding with the reduction arenew premium discounts that will beoffered to those who make pay-ments quarterly or semi-annually.Currently, only a discount for annualpayments is offered.
Just two years ago, in the springof 1999, VA reduced premium ratesan average of 30 percent for veter-ans who were under age 50. Sincethat time, enrollment in VGLI hasincreased. VA officials hope theJuly decrease will continue thattrend.
VGLI allows former militarypersonnel to convert theirServicemembers’ Group Life Insur-ance coverage to lifetime renew-able, five-year term life insurance.
About 392,300 veterans arecovered under VGLI policies witha total face value of about $37.4billion.
Veterans who currently makecopayments for outpatient healthcare provided by the Department ofVeterans Affairs (VA) will havelower bills, and in some cases, nobills at all, under rules published inthe Federal Register.
Secretary of Veterans AffairsAnthony J. Principi is lowering the$50.80 copayment some veteransnow pay for outpatient care. Thisdecrease is part of an evaluation ofcopayments — outpatient, medica-tion and long-term care — by VA.
The new regulation sets up a
three-tier copayment system foroutpatient care. The first tier will befor preventive care visits and willcost veterans nothing. This care in-cludes flu shots, laboratory tests,certain radiology services, hepatitisC screenings and numerous otherpreventive services. Primary careoutpatient visits comprise the sec-ond tier and will require acopayment of $15. The last tierincludes specialty outpatient care,like outpatient surgery, audiologyand optometry and will cost $50.
The copayments do not apply for
the treatment of medical problemsthat are officially recognized as “ser-vice connected.” For nonservice-connected conditions, the outpatientcopayments apply primarily to vet-erans enrolled in Priority Group 7.
Every dollar collected from out-patient and medication copaymentsis returned to the VA facility wherethe veteran received medical care.The copayment collections areused to improve medical care forveterans.
The medication copayment regu-lation will be effective Feb. 4, 2002.
AtsugiApril 13, 2002Joint with RAO YokosukaPOC: Joe Babb0467-78-5015/ext 264-4190(011-81-6160-64-4190 fm US)[email protected]@atsugi.navy.mil
GulfportSpring 2002at the Smith TheatreCBC Gulfport(8 a.m. - Noon)(228) 871-3000 Ext [email protected]
EverettMay 18, 2002 (8 a.m.- 1 p.m.)Support Complex (SmokeyPoint) in Fleet & Family SupportCenter and Totem Rec Center(425) 304-3775(800) 531-1787 (ask for RAO)[email protected]
YokosukaApril 13, 2002Joint with RAO AtsugiPOC: Scott Keehn0468-21-1910/ext 243-9626(011-81-6160-43-9626 fm US)[email protected]
MillingtonMay 5, 2002(901) [email protected]* no hyphen in e-mail address
8 Shift Colors January-March
By Sgt. 1st Class Kathleen Rhem, USAAmerican Forces Press Service
TRICARE for Life kicked offon schedule Oct. 1, adding 1.5million new beneficiaries to themilitary’s healthcare system.
“This benefit ... is helping torestore trust in our government,”said David Chu, undersecretaryof defense for personnel andreadiness, in a ceremony at theTRICARE Management Activityin Washington, D.C. “The intro-duction of this benefittoday reaffirms thedetermination ofCongress and thecommitment of theDepartment of De-fense to servicemembers of todayand of yesterday.”
Officials believe there may beglitches but that they’ll be fixed assoon as they’re identified. “I amanticipating an electronic bumphere and there,” said Dr. J. JarrettClinton, acting assistant secretaryfor health affairs. “But I know nowwe have people who take care ofelectronic bumps.”
That TRICARE for Life beganon schedule in spite of the nationaltragedies of Sept. 11 speaks highlyof the people who work forTRICARE, Chu said.
“This is a new day for the entiremilitary health system and a great
one, and I salute each of you,”he said to the TRICARE employ-ees at the ceremony.
It also makes the Americanpeople realize how much theydepend on their military services.“This last month has made usrealize the sacrifices that ourmilitary members and (DoD) civil-ians make toward maintaining ademocracy,” Clinton said.
Of f ic ia lsbelieve the
TRICARE for Life program willsend a message that will helprecruiting and retention as well.
“This is a magnificent benefit,and we believe it will do a great dealto both recruit and ... retain thosepeople who we so desperatelyneed and rely upon to maintain thisnation of democracy and freedom,”Clinton said.
TRICARE for Life extendsTRICARE benefits to militaryretirees who are over age 65 andMedicare-eligible.
The fiscal 2001 defense authori-zation act extended coverage to this
previously ineligible group.For eligible retirees and their
spouses who are over age 65 andenrolled in Medicare Part B,TRICARE will become a secondpayer to Medicare starting Oct. 1.This will end their need to pay manyout-of-pocket expenses, and mostwill probably conclude they nolonger need to buy “Medigap”supplemental insurance, TRICARE
officials said. The only requirementsfor beneficiaries are thatthey ensure the accuracyof their enrollment informa-
tion in the Defense EligibilityEnrollment Reporting System
and that they be enrolled inMedicare Part B.
All but about 70,000of the 1.5 million retirees
eligible for TRICARE for Lifeare enrolled in Medicare Part B,said Steve Lillie, TRICARE’sdirector of over-65 benefits.Medicare’s next general enrollmentperiod is January through March2002.
Beneficiaries with questionsshould call the newly expandedTRICARE for Life center toll-free at 1-888-DOD-LIFE (1-888-363-5433) or visit the TRICAREWeb site at www.tricare.osd.mil.
TRICARE for Life adds 1.5 millionbeneficiaries to begin new fiscal year
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
January-March Shift Colors 9
Ready Reference Phone Numbers
Air Force Retired Affairs
Arlington NationalCemetary
Army Retired Affairs
Awards Information(Washington, D.C.)
Coast Guard RetiredAffairs
DEERS Verification
Defense Finance andAccounting ServiceCleveland, Active Duty
DFAS Cleveland, RetiredPay Customer Service
DFAS Denver, AnnuitySection
Dept. of JusticeRadiation CompensationProgram
I.D. Cards, Benefits andEligibility
Internal RevenueService
Marine Corps RetiredAffairs
National PersonnelRecords Center
Naval Reserve PersonnelCenter (Records)
Navy Worldwide Locator
Navy Lodge ReservationService
Navy Retired ActivitiesOffice
Navy Uniform Shop
Reserve Component SBPSection (Code 416)
Servicemembers� GroupLife Insurance (SGLI)
Shift Colors Magazine
Social SecurityAdministration (SSA)
Ships Historian(Washington, D.C.)
TRICARE Headquarters
TRICARE SeniorPharmacy Program
U.S. Naval Home
U.S. Soldiers� andAirmen�s Home
VA National Service LifeInsurance (NSL)
VA Regional Office
VA Service DepartmentBurial Benefits
Veteran�s Group LifeInsurance (VGLI)
(800) 531-7502
(703) 695-3250 or(703) 695-3255
(800) 336-4909
(202) 685-1770
(800) 772-8724
(800) 538-9552
(800) 346-3374
(800) 321-1080
(800) 435-3396
(800) 729-7327
(800) 443-9297 or(901) 874-3360
(800) 829-1040
(800) 336-4649
(314) 538-4141
(800) 535-2699
(901) 874-3388
(800) 628-9466
(800) 255-8950
(800) 368-4088
(800) 535-2699
(800) 419-1473
(901) 874-3154
(800) 772-1213
(202) 433-3643
(303) 676-3526
(877) 363-6337
(800) 332-3527
(800) 422-9988
(800) 669-8477
(800) 827-1000
(800) 697-6947
(800) 419-1473
10 Shift Colors January-March
USS AMPHION (AR 13)San Antonio, TX; May 16-19, 2002Contact Henry Miller1214 Langstonshire LaneMorrisville, NC 27560(919) [email protected]
USS ARCADIA (AD 23)San Antonio, TX; May 16-19, 2002Contact Andrew Malone38 Croyden LaneHicksville, NY 11801(516) [email protected]
USS BADOENG STRAIT (CVE 116)Jacksonville, FL; May 2-5, 2002Contact Henry Trotter106 Sage DriveUniversal City, TX 78148(210) [email protected]
USS BATAAN (CVL 29)Branson, MO; May 15-19, 2002Contact Clayton Wright1413 Easthill Square N.E.Canton, OH 44714(330) 497-7842
USS BLAKELY (FF 1072)Charleston, SC; July 18-21, 2002Contact Merle HoukP.O. Box 52Volant, PA 16156(724) [email protected]
USS BUSHNELL (AS 15)Key West, FL; Apr. 18-22, 2002Contact Ben Supowitz9106 Springview RoadPhiladelphia, PA [email protected]
USS CADMUS (AR 14)San Antonio, TX; May 16-19, 2002Contact Robert E Baschmann11231 Bullis RoadMarilla, NY 14102(716) [email protected]
USS CAMBRIA (APA 36)Charleston, SC; Apr. 25-May 1, 2002Contact David Stoll508 West Pearl StreetWapakoneta, OH 45895(419) [email protected]
USS CAVALLA(SS/SSK/AGS 244/SSN 684)Galveston, TX; Apr. 16-17, 2002Contact Zeke Zellmer665 Grant CourtSatellite Beach, FL 32973(321) [email protected]
USS CHARLES R. WARE (DD 865)Charleston, SC; May 2003Contact Thomas Alvarez27 Francis StreetMechanicville, NY 12118(518) [email protected]
USS CHICAGO (CA 14/29/136/CG 11/SSN 721)Oklahoma City, OK; May 8-12, 2002Contact Stuart Stewart1705 S 227th PlaceSeattle, WA 98198-7639(206) [email protected]
USS C. K. BRONSON (DD 668)Jacksonville, FL; May 15-19, 2002Contact Chuck Bowman32745 Fallhaven CircleNorth Ridgeville, OH 44039(440) [email protected]
USS DASHIELL (DD 659)Frankenmuth, MI; June 9-13, 2002Contact Bill ButlerP.O. Box 427Metamora, MI 48455(810) 678-2184
USS DEKALB COUNTY (LST 715)Mobile, AL; May 6-9, 2002Contact Roy Caves76 Redbud LaneMadison, MS 39110(601) 856-8672Fax (601) [email protected]
USS ELMER MONTGOMERY(FF 1082)Mayport, FL; Apr. 26-28, 2002Contact Bill Salter23218 Palomar PlaceLand O’Lakes, FL 34639(813) [email protected]
USS ENGLAND (DLG/CG 22)San Diego, CA; June 12-15, 2003Contact Dennis O’Brien909 E Yorba Linda Blvd H218Placentia, CA 92870(714) [email protected]
USS FARGO (CL 106)Newport, RI; September 2002Contact Fred Huntington4608 Valley Forge LaneVirginia Beach, VA 23462-2208(757) [email protected]
Upcoming Reunions
January-March Shift Colors 11
USS FORREST SHERMAN(DD 931)Ocean City, MD; Apr. 21-24, 2002Contact Kurt Wagemann720 Reedy CircleBel Air, MD 21014(410) [email protected]
USS FRANCIS HAMMOND(DE/FF 1067)Norfolk, VA; May 2002Contact Tim Williams191 W Log Bridge RoadCoventry, RI 02816-4517(401) [email protected]
USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT(CVB/CVA/CV 42)Frederick, MD; May 15-19, 2002Contact Ronald Reese17536 Frederick RoadMt. Airy, MD 21771(800) 437-0869
USS GENERAL W. A. MANN(AP 112)Portland, OR; May 3-6, 2002Contact J. Anthony19 Springmeadow DriveDowningtown, PA 19335(610) [email protected]
USS HALFBEAK (SS 352)Groton, CT; June 28-30, 2002Contact Billy J. ReevesP.O. Box 199Winchester, KY 40392-0199(859) [email protected]
USS HANCOCK (CV/CVA 19)New Orleans, LA; May 23-27, 2002Contact Joe BizetP.O. Box 8034Shrevport, LA 71148(318) [email protected]
USS KEMPER COUNTY (LST 854)Washington, D.C.; May 16-19, 2002Contact James Simonson2931 Cooper Avenue SouthSt. Cloud, MN 56301(320) [email protected]
USS KENNETH D. BAILEY(DD/DDR 713)Mobile, AL; Apr. 25-28, 2002Contact Robert Levine439 Weld StreetWest Roxbury, MA 02132-1109(617) [email protected]
USS KENNETH WHITING (AV 14)Daytona Beach, FL; May 6-10, 2002Contact John Hart11661 SW 137th LoopDunellon, FL 34432(352) [email protected]
USS KEPPLER (DD/DDE 765)Milwaukee, WI; May 30-June 2, 2002Contact Willard Darrell23 Kenneth LaneNorth Babylon, NY 11703(631) [email protected]
USS KING (DLG 10/DDG 41)San Diego, CA; June 20-23, 2002Contact Terry Forsyth685 Spring Street 157Friday Harbor, WA 98250(360) [email protected]
USS KISKA (AE 35)Chicago, IL; July 11-14, 2002Contact Mark Anderson1019 Glenwood AvenueWaukegan, IL 60085(847) [email protected]
USS LANG (DD 399)Galveston, TX; Apr. 5-13, 2002Contact Al Weber826 GreenbeltHouston, TX 77079-4501(281) [email protected]
USS L. MENDEL RIVERS(SSN 686)North Charleston, SC; May 9-12, 2002Contact Luis del Prado4501 Ironstone CircleOrlando, FL 32812(407) [email protected]
USS LST 533Norfolk, VA; Apr. 26-29, 2002Contact Bob Saveland(252) 633-3831
USS LST 610Tucson, AZ; May 5-8, 2002Contact Curt Kuebler3930 Northstar DriveLake Havasu City, AZ 86406(928) 680-5838, [email protected] Gordon Wahlberg6510 N Tierra De Las Catalinas #7Tucson, AZ 85718(520) 577-3251, [email protected]
USS MACDONOUGH(DLG 8/DDG 39)Bahamas Cruise; May 5-9, 2002Contact Walter Carroll1549 Fieldcrest CircleRock Hill, SC 29732(803) 366-2016
Upcoming Reunions
12 Shift Colors January-March
USS MARIAS (AO 57)San Antonio, TX; May 16-19, 2002Contact Ray Bower3471 Blackjack CourtLake Wales, FL 33853(863) [email protected]
USS MULIPHEN (AKA 61)Arlington, VA; Apr. 25-28, 2002Contact Ronald Waint105 Sonant DriveNewark, DE 19973(302) [email protected]
USS NANTAHALA (AO 60)San Antonio, TX; May 16-19, 2002Contact Jack Gibbs40695 Newport DrivePlymouth, MI 48170-4742(734) [email protected]
USS NELSON (DD 623)Valley Forge, PA; May 2-4, 2002Contact Joseph Bobby411 Oak StreetPort Carbon, PA 17965-1708(570) [email protected]
USS NEW ORLEANS (CA 32)Lowell, MA; May 23-26, 2002Contact Henry Wristen15 Wason RoadHudson, NH 03051-5036(603) [email protected]
USS NOBLE (APA 218)Fredericksburg, TX; Apr. 10-13, 2002Contact Vincent Clarke508 Ninth StreetNew Cumberland, PA 17070(717) [email protected] site www.ussnoble.com
USS OSTARA (AKA 33)Mitchell, KY; Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2002Contact George Swarts6044 Hazel DriveFlorence, KY 41042(859) [email protected]
USS PALAU (CVE 122)Lancaster, PA; May 1-5, 2002Contact Harry Weldy45 W Cheery StreetP.O. Box 122Rising Sun, MD 21005(410) [email protected]
USS PAWCATUCK (AO 108)Phoenix, AZ; June 19-23, 2002Contact David Willis15807 Cimarron DriveSurprise, AZ 85374(623) [email protected]
USS POMPON (SSR 267)North Charleston, SC; Apr. 26-28, 2002Contact John Lookabill2501 Bengal RoadNorth Charleston, SC 29406(843) [email protected]
USS PURDY (DD 734)Norfolk, VA; May 2-5, 2002Contact Larry DiPasquale3744 Surrey DriveAllentown, PA 18103-5329(610) [email protected]
USS PYRO (AE 1/24)Jacksonville, LF; Apr. 24-27, 2002Contact Bob Hauge10460 Sandpiper AvenueBrooksville, FL 34614-0900(352) 596-0701, [email protected] Gary Golay14746 Maple Trail SEPrior Lake, MN 55372-1465(952) 447-6449, [email protected] site www.usspyro.com
USS RALEIGH (CL 7)New Orleans, LA; March 27-31 2002Contact Sam Feldt1111 Herman Drive # 8FHouston, TX 77004-6929(713) 521-2070(713) 521-0249
USS RICHMOND K. TURNERCharleston, SC; Fall 2003Contact Phil Habib7914 Holgate RdPensacola, FL 32514-6723(850) [email protected]
USS SCHOFIELD (DEG/FFG 3)St. Louis, MO; May 30-June 2, 2002Contact Richard CohaganP.O. Box 223Duluth, GA 30096(770) [email protected]
USS SEA DEVIL(SS 400/SSN664)Norfolk, VA; March 22-23, 2003Contact Michael MartinRR1 Box 2875Palmyra, VA 22963(434) 589-8298
USS TANGIER (AV 8)Arlington Heights, IL; May 15-19, 2002Contact Irv Svoboda249 Greenbriar StreetElk Grove Village, IL 60007(847) 437-1068
Upcoming Reunions
January-March Shift Colors 13
USS TARAWA(CV/CVA/CVS 40/LHA 1)St. Louis, MO; Apr. 18-21, 2002Contact Frank Grosey14430 Amethyst RoadVictorville, CA 92392(760) [email protected]
USS THOMAS E. FRASER (DM 24)Biloxi, MS; May 20-22, 2002Contact Bill SturgillP.O. Box 332Grass Lake, MI 49240(517) [email protected]
USS THORNBACK (SS 418)Charleston, SC; May 3-5, 2002Contact James Barnes60358 County Road 11Elkhart, IN 46517-8719(219) 875-4683
USS TICONDEROGA(CV/CVA/CVS 14/CG 47)Albuquerque, NM; May 16-19, 2002Contact Frank McDonald180 Country Club GardenSanta Fe, NM 87505-2888(505) 438-3015
USS TOLOVANA (AO 64)Biloxi, MS; April 2002Contact Joseph Baer126 Westfiled DriveHolliston, MA 01746-1257(508) [email protected]
USS UMPQUA (ATA 209)Charleston, SC; Apr. 21-24, 2002Contact Jerry Bitzel2801 Mt. Carmel RoadUpperco, MD 21155(410) [email protected]
USS VICKSBURG (CL 86)Philadelphia, PA; May 16-19, 2002Contac George Shaffer32 Valley RoadColonia, NJ 07067(732) [email protected]
USS WABASH (AOR 5)Dallas, TX; June 2002Contact Dennis Schrock123 South Ohio StreetAtoka, OK 74525-2429(580) [email protected]
USS WADDELL (DDG 24)San Diego, CA; June 27-30, 2002Contact Bill Brewer13070 Triadelphia RoadEllicott City, MD 21042(410) [email protected]
USS WILLARD KEITH (DD 775)Braintree, MA; May 15-18, 2002Contact Ed or Bev Raney42 Brown StreetBrockton, MA 02301-1006(508) [email protected]
USS ZANE (DMS 14/DD 337),USS PALMER (DMS 5)Virginia Beach, VA; May 15-19, 2002Contact Colie Gruber5115 Gateway DriveTampa, FL 33615-4622(813) [email protected]
USS ZEAL (AM 131)Virginia Beach, VA; Apr. 25-28, 2002Contact Frederick Rufe1126 Pearl StreetPhillipsburg, NJ 08865-3619(908) [email protected]
Retirees may wear the uniform corresponding to the rank or rating indicated on the retired list. The groomingstandards presently in effect for active duty personnel apply, and the uniform must conform to Uniform ofthe Day or the uniform occasion.
OCCASIONS FOR WHICH WEARING A UNIFORM MAY BE APPROPRIATE:- Memorial Services- Military Weddings- Military Funerals- Military Balls- Patriotic parades on national holidays or military
parades or ceremonies in which any active or reservemilitary unit is participating.
- Meetings or functions of associations formed formilitary purposes uniform may be worn to and from the
event, but travel must be completed on the day of the event.- The uniform may be worn when instructing a cadet corps or similar organization at an approved institution.
Retirees are eligible (if recalled) for a uniform clothing allowance, if member has been inactive for more thanthree months and has not received a uniform allowance within four years before recall.
WHEN UNIFORM IS NOT AUTHORIZED Wearing of the uniform is prohibited in connection with personal enterprises or activities of a business
nature. Also, when participating in any demonstration, assembly or activity whose purpose is furtherance ofpersonal or partisan views on political, social, economic or religious issues. Exception is when authorized forbonafide service or observance. Uniform is not required on AMC flights.
MILITARY TITLE USAGEMilitary retirees are allowed to use their military title subject to certain restrictions and good judgement.
The use should not discredit the Navy or Department of Defense. Such use in connection with commercialenterprises is prohibited -- with or without intent to give rise of any appearance of sponsorship or endorsementby the Navy or DoD.
MEDALS AND AWARDSInformation and guidance on personal decorations, campaign and service medals, and other awards are
contained in SECNAVINST 1650.1. For proper wearing of medals and badges, see Navy Uniform Regulations(NAVPERS 15665), which is available on the web at www.bupers.navy.mil, under the link to “Instructions.”“Requests for Verification and Issuance of Medals or Unit Awards” should be addressed:
If retired for more than six months:
National Personnel Records Center9700 Page BlvdSt Louis, Missouri 63132
The 1099-R forms for tax year2001 will be mailed to the homeaddress on file with the DefenseFinance and Accounting Service(DFAS) by Jan. 15, 2002 to allDepartment of Defense militaryretirees and annuitants.
Former spouses who receivepay as a result of a court-ordereddivision of community propertywill also be receiving 1099-Rs.
The 1099-R form has threecopies of the information on onepage with the form information onthe back of the recipient’s copy.
For example, box 1 (grossdistribution) does not contain grossincome, but is the total amount ofannuity received – or, the taxableamount – as shown in box 2a. Forretirees, this amount does not includenontaxable income such as SurvivorBenefit Plan (SBP) costs.
Because the 1099-R is also usedto report other types of income,the boxes that do not apply toretired members and annuitants willbe left blank or have not beenincluded in the form.
For example, boxes 2b and 9will be blank, and boxes 3, 5, 6 and8 have been removed from theseforms. The remaining boxescorrespond to IRS instructions for1040 and 1040A forms.
Retirees in a non-pay status,such as those receiving a full VAwaiver or a full Civil Service waiver,will not receive a 1099-R.
1099-R forms to be mailed by Jan. 15REISSUE REQUESTS
Retirees or annuitants who donot receive their 1099-Rs by January31, 2002, have questions about their1099-R forms or need to updatetheir mailing addresses may contact:Defense Finance and AccountingService at 1-800-321-1080,Monday through Friday, betweenthe hours of 7 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.Eastern Time.
When calling to request a reissueof your 2001 1099-R, press 1099when prompted and your call will beforwarded to the next available TaxCustomer Service Representative.Be prepared to provide your socialsecurity number, date of retirement,if you are a recent retiree and yourcurrent mailing address. DFASCleveland will begin processingreissues on Jan. 31, 2002.
You can expect to receive thereissued 1099-R approximatelyseven working days after your initialrequest.
Written or faxed requests shouldbe sent to one of the following:
Retirees and former spousesDefense Finance andAccounting Service – ClevelandCode PRRP.O. Box 99191Cleveland, OH 44199-1126
Phone: 1-800-321-1080FAX: 1-800-469-6559
Annuitants:Defense Finance andAccounting Service – DenverDFAS-DE/PRRB6760 E. Irvington PlaceDenver, CO 80279-6000
Phone:1-800-435-3396FAX: 1-800-982-8459
CORRECTED 1099-RsTo ensure the DFAS report of
income and taxes matches the1099-R you file with the IRS,requests for corrected 1099-Rsmust be made in writing. Thewritten request must include acomplete explanation and justi-fication as to why the 1099-Ramounts are in error.
Telephone, e-mail or internetrequests for corrected 1099-Rs willnot be honored. You can use theaddresses and fax numbers aboveto send or fax information forcorrections to your 1099-Rs.
If you don’t receive your 1099-R, or if it is incorrect, please alertDFAS at least seven working daysin advance of the April 15, 2002filing deadline. This will allowDFAS the opportunity to mail yourform in time for the tax-filingdeadline.
