MOAA Clearwater Chapter Volume XV, Issue 11 Military Off icers Associat ion of Amer ica, Inc.

November 2017

• President’s Message 1

• Luncheon Speaker 2

• Board Meeting Minutes 3

• Pearl Harbor Day 4

• Surviving Spouses 5

• MOAA News 6

• Chapter Photos 7

DRUMBEAT

Board Meeting Nov 8, 2017

Lunch Meeting Nov 15, 2017

Board Meeting Dec 13, 2017

Lunch Meeting * Dec 7, 2017

Board Meeting Jan 10, 2018

Luncheon Meeting Jun 13

Lunch Meeting Jan17, 2018

Board Meeting Feb 14, 2018

Board Meeting Feb 21, 2018

Clearwater Chapter

MOAA Membership

Total Members

Regular 73

Spouses 28

Surviving Spouses 22

Total 123

.

Thanks to the nearly 50 members and guests who attended our Spring Season

Ending BBQ

lunch event on May 24th. Your continued loyal participation makes it possible to

lineup engaging and enlightening speakers. A big thanks to Navy Captain (Ret)

Jim Facinelli, Senior Naval Science Instructor, Dunedin HS JROTC and Cadet Law-

rence Judd for their in-depth presentation of their award-winning program. Also,

thanks to one of our own, Monty Stokes, who provided a mission overview of the

Veterans Affairs Inspector General’s Office located at Bay Pines Medical Center

and answered questions from the membership.

Reminder: Our luncheon program will restart on September 28th. Be on the look-

out in our August Drumbeat for speaker and event information.

The chapter held its annual Charity Golf Event on May 19th at Eastlake Woodlands

Country Club. We had 39 players from all over the local area including the chap-

ter, the Clearwater Coast Guard Air Station, Vietnam Veterans of America, and

Eastlake Woodlands Country Club. A great day was had by ALL and approximately

$2400 was raised for our charitable fund that supports both Clearwater and Dun-

edin HS JROTC programs, Honor Flight, and the Clearwater Veterans Mall. Thanks

to Jim Patrick for leading this effort, and Norm Belson, Bob Behm, Shirley Apt and

new member, Howard McLymont for volunteering to support this important event.

Also, a BIG THANKS to those who contributed funds, though they could not play.

For those members departing the area over the summer, we wish you safe travels

and look forward to your return this fall. The board will continue to meet monthly

over the summer and we will continue to produce the Drumbeat as well as update

our website with important information for all.

Again, thanks to ALL of you who continue to SERVE our VETERANS and the COM-

MUNITIES where we live, and in MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE for November 2017 Drumbeat

• Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE for November 2017 Drumbeat

Shirley and I hope everyone had a memorable Veterans

Day, and a quick reminder that our luncheon this month is

on November 15th, a week early to deconflict with

Thanksgiving week.

A big thanks to the close to 50 members who attended our October luncheon which

featured Tom Mudano, Executive Director of AMSKILLS (American Manufacturing

Skills Initiative) as our guest speaker. Our November speakers will include our own

MAJ (Ret) Howard McLymont and Mr. Brian Brenneman, VP, Franklin Templeton

Investments and will focus on securing your financial future for you and your family.

Keith and the search committee have done a tremendous job filling our open board

positions for 2018, and we are happy to report that members unanimously ap-

proved MAJ (Ret) Howard McLymont as our incoming 1st Vice President and Dr.

Stuart Brooks as our incoming Chapter Secretary at our October luncheon. The

search continues for an incoming Chapter President.

Preparations continue on this year’s Pearl Harbor Remembrance event; please see

the flyer in this month’s Drumbeat. Our guest speaker is Dr. Jack Tunstall, USF

History Faculty, Author and Lecturer. Please plan on joining us for this annual

event with our sister St. Pete MOAA chapter and the Clearwater MOWW chapter.

Lastly, the Florida Council of Chapters Leadership Forum is scheduled for January

12-13. Jim Souders emailed the schedule of events and registration information.

Shirley and I have attended the last two years and have found them to be highly

informative and entertaining. Highly recommend attending since the event will be

held at the Rosen Centre in Orlando.

Again, thanks to ALL of you who continue to SERVE our VETERANS and the COM-

MUNITIES where we live, and in MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Dave

Members in our Prayers: Sara Shirley Blan who

passed away recently. She was the wife of Kennith

Blan Col. USAF Ret. Please keep our MOAA Clear-

water Chapter members and their family in our

thoughts and prayers during their time of grief.

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November Speaker (s)

Our own Howard McLymont, Major USA Ret will team with Brian

Brenneman vice president and senior advisor Franklin

Templeton Central Florida.

Howard and Brian will present timely information regarding:

Emotions, Expectations and Economics:

• How emotions affect investment decisions

• General market expectations for three types of investors

• Lessons from the past 82 years of U.S. economic history

• Investment tools and strategies to help fine-tune your financial strategy

Please note: that this is an educational presentation with Q&A only, and no solicitation

Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon Speaker

DR. GRAYDON A. TUNSTALL

Department of History University of South Florida

4202 East Fowler Ave SOC107, Tampa FL 33620-8100

Email: tunstall@usf.edu

EDUCATION

Ph.D., M.A. Modern European History, Rutgers University,

New Brunswick, NJ (1974)

TEACHING & PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS

2000-present Senior Lecturer, Military History & World Wars

University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

1994-present Executive Director, Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society

MILITARY SERVICE

1963-1965 U.S. Army, Lieutenant, 4/7 Cav, 2nd Infantry Division, 1st Air Cav

PUBLICATIONS - BOOKS

Written in Blood: The Battles for Fortress Przemyśl in the First World War (IN, Indiana University Press, 2016)

The Austro-Hungarian Army in World War I (UK, Cambridge University Press, 2017)

The Historian, Editor, Special Issue commemorating the Centennial of World War I, vol. 76 no. 3, Wiley-Blackwell (Fall 2014).

The Historian, Editor, Special Issue commemorating the Centennial of World War I, vol. 77 no. 1, Wiley-Blackwell (Spring

2015).

The Historian, Editor, Special Issue commemorating the Centennial of World War I, vol. 77 no. 1, Wiley-Blackwell (Spring

2016).

World War I and its Effects on World History (MA, Wiley Blackwell Publishers, 2018)

Essays on World War I, Editor (NY, Columbia University Press, 2012)

Blood on the Snow: The Carpathian Winter War 1915 (KS, University Press of Kansas, 2010)

Planning for War Against Russia and Serbia: Austro-Hungarian and German Military Strategies, 1871-1914 (NY: Columbia

University Press, 1993)

3

CLEARWATER CHAPTER MOAA/Board Meeting-October 11, 2017 Secretaries Minutes

1000AM-Attending Jim Patrick (who chaired this meeting), Jim Souders, Norm Belson, Keith Kurber, Tom Cuba, Jane Bel-

son, Pat Hughes, Violet Smith, Bob Behm

August Board Secretaries Minutes distributed and accepted as written

The Treasurers report shows: $17,211.50 in operating budget and $10,267.89 in Charitable Budget, for a total of

$27,479.39

The membership report was submitted by Rob Risberg; showing: Voting members=122, regular members=73 (60%) sur-

viving spouse members= 21 (17%) and spouse members=28 (23%).

The programs report is covered in the web report

There was no scholarship report with Steve on vacation.

The Drumbeat report (Jim Souders) showed all copies distributed and an effort is still to cut down on mailed copies. Tom

Cuba reports a lack of interest at this time in developing a new type of charitable event.

Violet ask for consideration for a coffee in March for spouses. A Motion passed to allow up to $200.00 for this event.

There are no members in distress.

November luncheon speakers: Major USA Retired Howard McLymont and Brian Benneman, Franklin Templeton.

Keith will give update on Search Committee at October Luncheon, per By-Laws

Speaker Certificate prepared for October speaker.

LUNCHEON NEWS

Please Note that luncheon costs to increase to $20 effective with the Sept. luncheon!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon will be held at the Clearwater Country Club on December 7th, make your plans to attend.

Try our new online reservation system: On-Line Reservation Link

Wednesday November 15, 2017 MOAA Monthly Luncheon Join us for Lunch at the Clearwater Country Club; 525 N Betty Lane, Clearwater. Directions: from Drew Street turn

North it’ll be the last right turn before the railroad tracks, from Palmetto Street turn South it’ll be the first left

after the tracks. CCC phone: (727) 446-9501. Luncheon check-in starts 11:15, program at noon. Please have

check ready before arrival! $20.00 per person payable to Clearwater Chapter MOAA.

Menu

Hot: House Salad, Beef Burgundy Tips, Egg Noodles, Grilled Vegetables, Chef's Choice of Dessert

Salad: Soup Du Jour, Clearwater Country Club Salad, Seasoned Grilled Chicken, over Mixed Greens w/Walnuts, Man-

darin Oranges & Dried Cranberries, Served w/Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing, Chef's Choice of Dessert

4

https://www.paljoeyspizza.com/

Show your military

ID card and receive

a 20% discount on

a facial. Support

Drumbeat Honorable Mention

2003

Drumbeat 2nd Runner Up 2007

Drumbeat 2nd Runner Up 2009

Outstanding Chapter

1992

Five Star Chapter

2005

Please join the Clearwater and St. Pete Chapters of MOAA & MOWW in Remembrance of PEARL HARBOR DAY, Dec. 7, 2017 at the

Clearwater Country Club, 525 N Betty Lane, Clearwater. Phone: (727) 446-9501.

Check-in & Social Hour: 1115 HRS, Luncheon at 1200 HRS. Cash bar available.

Memorial Program will include Dunedin HS JROTC Honor Guard, FDR Day of Infamy Speech, and Speaker, Dr. Jack Tunstall, Dept. of

History, USF. Reservations for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day will be accepted at our November 15th luncheon.

Name (s): _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Your choice of:

Petit Filet, Caesar salad, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans/carrots, dessert

Grilled Citrus Salmon, Caesar salad, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans/carrots, dessert

COST: $30 per person. Please mail check payable to Clearwater Chapter MOAA and meal selection to Jane Belson: 1824 Northwood

Drive, Clearwater, FL, 33764 NLT 12/1/2017. Cancellations must be in NLT 12/4/2017.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOWW AND OTHER CHAPTERS UNDER SEPARATE COVER

Phone No. Changed

to:: 727-470-5710

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FRANKIE’S PATRIOT BBQ In Honor of CPL Frank R. Gross

Ad sponsored by Toni and Craig

Gross in memory of their son,

CPL Frank R. “Frankie” Gross,

who lost his life in Afghanistan,

7/16/2011.

http://frankiespatriotbbq.com/

CHAPTER NEWS

All members who currently receive a hard copy (snail mail) of the Drumbeat, please review your need to receive it in that

format rather than by email. We currently have a number of people who have an email address, but chose to receive a hard

copy. This costs the Chapter for both printing and mailing as well as time and effort by the Drumbeat Editor. Please

consider receiving your copy by email.

Surviving Spouse Corner: Hiring Professional Advisors for Estate Planning

By Micki Costello

No one ever wants to talk about death and dying, but it is a conversation that at some point everyone should have with their

loved ones. Estate planning should start early and be reviewed periodically to make sure it accurately reflects one’s wishes

and needs.

Lawyers, financial planners, and certified public accountants (CPAs) should be a considered part of estate planning. All have

distinct functions, some of which overlap, and depending on the situation, you might need one or all of them. Lawyers pro-

vide the necessary legal paperwork — wills, trusts, etcetera — in estate planning and, if necessary, can assist in probating

an estate. Everyone should have a will; without one, the state decides what is done with your assets after death.

If you don’t already have one, getting a reliable, trusted, and ethical certified financial planner (CFP) should be a priority,

particularly in the aftermath of the death of a supporting spouse. Often, widows become the inheritors of an initial seeming

windfall of cash due to the payout of insurance policies, combining IRAs, annuities, etcetera, and without careful planning, it

can easily slip away. A CFP can make recommendations on how best to invest or grow the money, but it is imperative a cli-

ent’s best interests are the priority.

As the saying goes, the only sure things are “death and taxes.” A CPA can assist in making sure taxes are computed correct-

ly and paid on time. While computer programs are available to accomplish much the same thing, it often is beneficial to hire

a competent CPA to assist with the computations and filings at least in the first year after a death.

The bottom line: When considering who to hire when dealing with finances, it is important to ensure these professionals are

licensed and adhere to fiduciary rules.

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MOAA NEWS

Senate Proposes to Fund DoD Programs on the Backs of Beneficiaries

What is the reward beneficiaries receive for a career of service and sacrifice? They get to pay more for their health benefit

while also funding DoD's other programs! Sounds unbelievable, but sadly it is true - if the Senate gains traction with its pro-

posed defense authorization bill.

The Senate, unlike the House, has proposed legislation to raise all TRICARE beneficiaries' health care fees and intends to use

the funds to pay for other legislative fixes, such as the continuation of the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance.

The practice of finding offsets by taxing beneficiaries to subsidize other budgetary items has become a familiar behavior by

Congress. For example, a provision in the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) raised TRICARE pharmacy co-

payments to fund lump-sum retirement payments for future entrants under the military's new retirement system.

Increasing the retail generic copayment for military beneficiaries to $10 results in beneficiaries paying more than twice as

much as civilians without health insurance pay for generic drugs at Walmart.

What does all this mean for beneficiaries? The Senate Armed Services Committee's draft bill telegraphs its intentions to con-

tinue to extract more money from you. This money would come directly through the repeal of the grandfathering of TRICARE

fees for currently serving troops and through exorbitant increases in pharmacy fees.

Historically, DoD and some in Congress continue to assert TRICARE fee increases are needed based on concerns about po-

tential health care cost growth and a desire to shift a greater share of DoD health care costs to beneficiaries.

MOAA believes the FY 2018 budget-proposed reversal of the TRICARE fee grandfathering and the additional pharmacy in-

crease provisions in the FY 2018 NDAA are inappropriate for many reasons.

One of the main reasons is DoD health costs are declining, not rising. The Pentagon's own data from its annual reports to

Congress show health care cost areas of the DoD budget continue to decline from past levels. Both TRICARE For Life and pur-

chased care costs continue to decline.

Data supplied by the Defense Health Agency (DHA), which oversees the TRICARE program, shows a more detailed view of how

health care costs continue to decrease. The DHA is a relatively new organization, which was established a few short years

ago and charged with consolidating duplicative functions within the three service medical departments.

Examples of these functions, termed enterprise-wide support activities (ESAs), include pharmacy programs, information tech-

nology, logistics, facilities, and research development and acquisition.

MOAA has strongly supported this consolidation for a number of years. By all accounts, DHA continues to succeed in increas-

ing efficiencies and driving the cost of health care down - well ahead of schedule. According to the data, the DHA's current

six-year plan will deliver an estimated $4.3 billion in cost savings and avoidance for DoD by 2019.

The pharmacy program is one of the largest cost centers in the military's health system. A deeper dive into DoD's pharmacy

program shows how military beneficiaries continue to do their part to drive pharmacy costs down.

Beneficiaries have directly contributed to these cost savings by 1) changing their prescriptions from the retail sector to TRI-

CARE's home delivery program 2) changing some prescriptions from brand-name to generic medications, and 3) paying high-

er copayments. Again, these savings have been achieved well beyond what had been forecasted.

The bottom line is this: Congressional intent in last year's NDAA legislation was to pave the way for sweeping changes to the

Military Health System and the TRICARE program. The reforms focused on improving the beneficiary experience, ranging from

access to care to streamlining TRICARE benefit options. Part of MOAA's accepting this package of improvements meant ac-

ceptance of some fee increases.

However, central to this package of sweeping TRICARE reforms was that all who had entered service prior to Jan. 1, 2018,

would be grandfathered into the existing pharmacy fee structures. New entrants into the services after that date would be

subject to higher fees in the future.

Now the Senate's proposed legislation wants to roll this back and have you pay not just more, but much more. Send your

elected officials a MOAA-suggested message to prevent these steep increases.

NOTE: The link to the suggested message is hot.

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Thanks Dave Mason

for taking our event

photos.

CHAPTER PHOTOS

October Luncheon

http://www.seasearidersdunedin.com/

Howard McLymont and Kerry Roberts Keith Kerber, Sandy Schwartz and Jack Stanton

Meredith and Bill Slavins Stuart Brooks and Skip Hartnett

Dave Apt pins the LIFE MEMBERSHIP pin on Heinz Bertram

Page 8

ADVERTISER TESTIMONIALS

Norm and Jane Belson

If you have not paid a visit to Pal Joey's you are missing a wonderful opportunity to eat some genuine Italian food! The price is

right and the portions are generous. You will not leave the restaurant hungry and will be asking for a "doggie bag". A strong

recommendation to give them a try!

Jim Patrick

A frequent customer of Sea Sea Riders

Sea Sea Riders Restaurant in Dunedin is a fabulous seafood place with great service in a clean, convenient location. The

Grouper, no matter how you have it prepared, is to die for. Check them out.

Norm Belson

Perkins is one of my favorite restaurants - great food, friendly staff, 20 % discount for Veterans and the owner is an Army

Veteran as well as an Honorary MOAA Member!

Anonymous MOAA Member

As a patron of Sydney & Company Salon I can tell you if you have not experienced a facial given there you have missed a little

"slice of heaven". If you show your Military I.D. card you will receive a 20% discount on your facial. The salon is a "full service

facility". Why not give them a try the next time you need a cut, mani, pedi or perm?

Dave Apt

Frankie’s Patriot BBQ:

Absolute favorite FAMILY/EATING establishment! Owner: Craig Gross is a TRUE PATRIOT, and along with his wife Toni, are a

great Army family. Tremendous BBQ (try the smoked clam chowder), great prices, and an unbelievable venue of military

service artifacts will keep you entranced while enjoying your food. You might even recognize a picture of one of our own

chapter members! If you find it, WRITE A REVIEW!

You are encouraged to patronize our advertisers and to be sure to mention you are an MOAA member.

Please bring a copy of the advertisement and show it to them manager. Also encourage your friends and

family to patronize them and to let them know you suggested it.

Please note ALL links (advertisers and others) are “Hot” and will take you to the website

when clicked on. Check them out.

https://stores.perkinsrestaurants.com/us/fl/clearwater/2626-gulf-to-bay-blvd.html

Ed Lechner, MOAA Clearwater Chapter member and

Perkins Restaurant Owner welcomes you to come

and enjoy a meal, open 24-7 Perkins Restaurant is

located in Clearwater, 2626 Gulf-to–Bay Blvd. Clear-

water, FL.727-799-2019. Stop by for breakfast,

lunch/ dinner, serving wine & beer.

9

www.clearwatermoaa.org

Military Officers of America (MOAA)

Clearwater Chapter

P. O. Box 15521

Clearwater, FL 33766-5521