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Military Officers Association of America -- One Powerful Voice --

For every officer at every stage of life and career

************

Heartland of America Chapter ***** August 2015 *****

Share a Great Meal and a Storm Chasers’ Ball Game at our Annual Night Out at Werner Ball Park!

--Thursday, August 27th

-- (see inside back cover for details)

Check out our website at

www. HeartlandMOAA. us or call (402)339-7888

Welcome MOAA

http://www.heartlandmoaa.us/

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The Bulletin Board Is the Newsletter of the Heartland of America Chapter

of the Military Officers Association of America. Content is from members, MOAA internet mail, MOAA’s Affiliate, and other military-oriented sources. Material used is

public domain or attributed as to source and copyright.

**********************

Lt Colonel Patrick L. Jones, USAF (Ret) Editor & Webmaster

Volume XXIX Number 8 August 2015

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Our July meeting speaker was Major General Richard

Evans, Mobilization Assistant to the Deputy Commander,

US Strategic Command, at Offutt AFB. A life member of

MOAA and a member of our Chapter, he is the principal

adviser on reserve component matters related to the

command’s diverse missions. His excellent and interesting

presentation included his reasons for deciding to join the

Nebraska Guard rather than an active duty career. Early in

his career, Gen Evans was working for a major Omaha

business when a co-worker and chapter member, David

Heer, advised him how he could continue his civilian career

and have a career in the National Guard. Gen Evans

recognized David and Ruth Heer, frequent attendees at our meetings and present

for this one. I particularly enjoyed the early part of the presentation that focused

on Nebraska’s legacy in supporting our national defense. While many of us knew

that B-24s and B-29s were built at the Martin Bomber plant during World War II,

many of us were not aware that there were some ten bases in our State that

accommodated Army Air Force flying training in B-17s, B-24s, B-29s, and P-39s.

There were also major munitions plants during

the War. In fact the Hastings, Nebraska plant

provided 40 % of the US Navy’s World War II

munitions. In addition, there were six base POW

plants that housed 12,000 German and Italian

prisoners. Many worked on Nebraska farms.

Finally, I had crewed with pilots who had been

stationed at Lincoln AFB in the early days of the

Cold War. I had not realized how large that base

was—two large wings, over 100 B-47s, and

almost as many KC-97s. There were also

several Atlas missile sites in the early days of

the Cold War surrounding Omaha and today many MG Evans with David and Ruth Heer

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of the Minuteman missile silos assigned to Francis E. Warren AFB are located in

Northwest Nebraska.

Gen Evans then discussed the missions of STRATCOM. Possessing the command

authority of Global Strike Command, the primary mission is to deter a strategic

attack. He noted the increasing age, and the need for replacing and upgrading

the components of the nuclear Triad—the Navy’s ballistic missile submarines and

the Air Force’s nuclear bombers and missiles.

Gen Evans described the three elements of the

TRIAD as being “interdependent and not

exclusive.” The importance of STRATCOM’s

missions is clear as the general stated “The

world is not getting safer.”

General Evans’s career with the Nebraska Guard

included the aircraft transition in Lincoln from

the RF-4 to the KC-135, commander of the 170th

Group at Offutt, commander of the 155th

Refueling Wing, senior positions at the

National Guard Bureau and of Director of Mobility in NATO and Air Mobility

Command Liaison to NATO. General Evans superb presentation concluded on his

vision that that there will be an increasing role in the future for our Reserve and

Guard components.

While we meet for our dinner gatherings ten times a year at Anthony’s

Steakhouse, we went to the Omaha Community Playhouse for our June meeting.

Our other gathering outside Anthony’s is August 27th, a picnic buffet (hamburgers

and hotdogs) and a Omaha Storm Chaser baseball game at Werner Park.

This year our choice of a play was Spamalot, a

musical and as the program states “lovingly

ripped off from the film ‘Monty Python and the

Holy Grail.’” As those of us who saw either the

film or the British television series “Monty

Python’s Flying Circus,” Spamalot is noted for its

very British and irreverent humor. Our group’s

host was Playhouse Sales & Community

Relations Manager, Jana Coburn. Many of us

remembered Jana who had hosted our group last

year. About half our group opted to take the

backstage tour where we saw some scenery and props that we would see again

in the play. We then went upstairs for our buffet. Our new caterer did a fine job

BG Don Bacon with Linda & Mark Olsen

Frank & Shirley Hartranft with Pat Holtmann

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as there was plenty of food and it was very tasty. We saw Jana again at curtain

time as she welcomed the audience to Spamalot. It was a most enjoyable

evening. Special thanks to Ken McClure for handling all the arrangements.

Please join us for our annual trip to Werner Park on Thursday, August 27th

. We

will return to Anthony’s on September16th. We are finalizing plans for our

speaker. We will have a cybersecurity expert speak to us in either September or

October on the topic of “cybersecurity and people approaching, or in, retirement.”

Col Dan Donovan --- d.donovan1@cox.net -- 402-339-7888

The Legislative Situation (by Paul Cohen, B/Gen USAF (Ret))

The following is a letter I received from Admiral Ryan, MOAA’s President. Please

read and seriously consider taking action to persuade our Senate to not take

action that significantly affect our military.

“Dear General Cohen, July 22, 2015

MOAA members are some of the most engaged citizens in the country. We’ve

dedicated our lives to service before self, and we know what it means to never

stop serving.

I’m proud of how much we’ve accomplished this year. We’ve helped pass several

important pieces of legislation to help veterans and military families. To date,

MOAA members have sent over 240,000 messages to their elected officials this

year. That’s more than any other military or veterans service organization on

Capitol Hill.

But we need your help.

Over the next two weeks, members of Congress may leave Washington without

having completed an annual defense bill. Members of the Armed Services

committees were confident they could complete their work before returning to

their home districts.

Some of the proposals up for debate in the defense bill are a bad deal for the

military community, including:

pay raises that fail to keep pace with the private sector;

dramatic pharmacy fee increases;

erosions to housing allowances; and

continued cuts to commissaries.

These shortsighted decisions will have a long-term effect on the future of

America’s military.

mailto:d.donovan1@cox.net

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Fortunately, House lawmakers passed a defense bill that rejected these cost-

cutting measures. But our friends in the Senate accepted them.

Some lawmakers operate under the faulty assumption that we need to cut

military pay and benefits to fund readiness programs. The fact is, we need both.

We have one last chance. It’s up to you to tell lawmakers we cannot afford to

erode the pay and benefits of the all-volunteer force.” – Adm Norb Ryan

Before Congress adjourns for the August recess, show your

support. Speak up and tell your elected officials you support

the House-passed provisions in this year’s defense bill.

Programs for remainder of 2015

(from Ken McClure, Maj USA (Ret))

On August 27th (a Thursday) we'll see the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Kansas City Royals'

Triple-A affiliate, as they face off against Pacific Coast League rivals, the Fresno

Grizzlies, at Werner Park. National champions for the past two seasons, the Storm

Chasers battle back on the base path to glory by hosting their Triple-A Pacific Coast

League rivals. The price of admission and an "all-you-can-eat" ball park lunch is $26 per

person.

Payment: In order to reserve your tickets and meals, you'll need to pay by check -- $26

per person -- before August 17. Allow time for mail delivery. Please list the names of all

guests in your party. Your check for the total amount should cover them all.

Make your check payable to "Heartland of America Chapter,

Military Officers Association of America" and send it to our

Chapter mailbox at P.O. Box 1756, Bellevue, NE 68005-1756,

to arrive not later than ten days prior to the game. Our

Treasurer will collect all payments and write one check on

the August 17 deadline.

Game Night: We'll pick up our tickets near the front (west)

entrance and have our ballpark lunch in the Lincoln tent,

located conveniently on the southwest corner of the

stadium to the right of the ticket windows. (Go through the

front gate and turnstiles and turn right to enter the tent. It's

a large tent offering overhead cover during a rain delay, and

its folding tables and chairs should offer a place to enjoy a relaxing, leisurely lunch

before the game begins.)

Lunch includes all the hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato chips and cookies you

can eat and all the lemonade and iced tea you can drink. While we can begin eating at

6:00 PM, we may want to finish by 7:00 PM in time for the first pitch at 7:05.

Our stadium seats face eastward toward third base, and at least two seats above each

section are reserved for people with mobility issues. This is a good location: it's close

to the entrance, not far from the Lincoln tent and faces away from the setting sun.

Ken McClure, Program Chair

click on box or type link into browser: http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/alert/?alertid=66956626

http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/alert/?alertid=66956626

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Lead offs, base stealing and pick offs are common between second and third base. And

there's the ever-present opportunity for players on either team to score ... or go out

trying ... between third base and home plate. It should be an exciting evening.

Directions to Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion: On Hwy 370 West of Papillion.

http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20110113&content_id=16431128&sid=t541&

vkey=team1

Park Map:

http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sidhttp://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sid=t541

&ymd=20101004&content_id=15409050&vkey=tickets=t541&ymd=20101004&content_id

=15409050&vkey=tickets

Prohibitions:

http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20110329&content_id=17179132&sid=t541&

vkey=team1

16 September's program is currently "under construction." We are planning to have a

cybersecurity expert. Very pertinent to you if you have a credit card, computer, use the

internet, or even a cell phone.

21 October program is still pending.

18 November will be our meeting with the University ROTC cadets and cadre.

16 December will be our holiday meeting and we will have a musical program at 6:30

performed by the Sarpy Serenaders. Some of our members will sing with them.

Your suggestions for future programs are appreciated. Please contact me, Ken McClure,

at (402) 215-3944 or send email to kgmcclure@gmail.com

MOAA’s New Membership Model

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is a nonprofit,

nonpartisan organization working to support military officers and their

families at every stage of life. MOAA plays an active role with

Congress on behalf of the military community on issues affecting the

career force, the retired community, and veterans of the uniformed

services. In addition to representing your interests before Congress,

MOAA offers a wide range of personal and financial services exclusive

to MOAA member. Whatever the stage of a career, MOAA membership

delivers benefits geared specifically to you – and your family. From

active-duty service through retirement, MOAA can help you make the

most of your career as an officer. When you join MOAA, you become

part of the strongest advocate for our military’s personnel and their

families. The stronger our membership is, the stronger our voice

becomes. Consider joining today because every voice counts!

http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20110113&content_id=16431128&sid=t541&vkey=team1http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20110113&content_id=16431128&sid=t541&vkey=team1http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20110113&content_id=16431128&sid=t541&vkey=team1http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sidhttp://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sid=t541&ymd=20101004&content_id=15409050&vkey=tickets=t541&ymd=20101004&content_id=15409050&vkey=ticketshttp://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sidhttp://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sid=t541&ymd=20101004&content_id=15409050&vkey=tickets=t541&ymd=20101004&content_id=15409050&vkey=ticketshttp://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sidhttp://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sid=t541&ymd=20101004&content_id=15409050&vkey=tickets=t541&ymd=20101004&content_id=15409050&vkey=ticketshttp://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sidhttp://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sid=t541&ymd=20101004&content_id=15409050&vkey=tickets=t541&ymd=20101004&content_id=15409050&vkey=ticketshttp://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20110329&content_id=17179132&sid=t541&vkey=team1http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20110329&content_id=17179132&sid=t541&vkey=team1mailto:kgmcclure@gmail.com

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Selection of Membership

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Local Membership Form

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CHAPTER SPONSORS

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In Memory of

Ben F. Comstock

POW WWII 8 Dec 1941 ( taken prisoner at Wake Island )

Past National Director

AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR

2806 Nottingham Drive

Bellevue NE 68123

BEARDMORE

More and More…. It’s Beardmore

Brian Kucks Chevrolet Sales Manager Phone 402-734-2525 Toll Free 800-734-0271 Fax 402-738-7615 Email bkucks@beardmorechevy. com

418 Fort Crook Road North, Bellevue NE 68005 www. beardmorechevy. com�

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!!

Call Dick Doolittle at (402)557-6780

Protecting Your Future With Jay DiBacco

mailto:bkucks@beardmorechevy.comhttp://www.beardmorechevy.com/

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Reserved Parking NOW Available !!

(no one thought it would ever happen…). Though many of us need to park closer to the door because

of medical limitations, handicapped parking is very limited at Anthony’s. (and there is no assurance

that those limited number of spaces are really being used by authorized drivers; This editor has

personally twice seen young apparently healthy drivers park in those slots with no handicap display)

BUT, our erstwhile dinner planners have done it!!! WE NOW HAVE TWO SPACES !!!

Read & heed the info below – pj

We have two "reserved parking" signs we'll be using at Anthony's from now on. The reserved parking

spaces are for our mobility- limited members, on a first come, first served basis. Use of these spaces will

be on the honor system to help our members who need to park as close to the entrance as possible due to

medically-related conditions. The MOAA reserved parking space locations will vary from month to

month due to the other events hosted by Anthony's. We will attempt to find spaces as close to the

Anthony's main entrance as possible but members will need to look for our reserved spaces. The signs

are mounted on orange cones and will be placed at the entrance of the parking space. The driver or

passenger must move the sign to the far end to allow the car entry. Please bring the reserved sign in

with you and give to Ron & Sharon. That reduces the risk of thievery and misuse by

“others” . – Three cheers for Ron & Sharon Russell

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2015 Donations for Scholarships Donald J. Bacon, Robert Bailey, Mary E. Bezy, Larry R. Bradley, Wayne W.

Brunz, Edward L. Burchfield, Richard C. Carver, Paul G. Cohen, Trudy

Conley, Richard P.Connell, Michael J. Cook, Charles W. Davis, Thomas E.

deShazo, Jr., Martha M. Didamo, Daniel J. Donovan, Richard N. Doolittle,

James P. Drake, Rene’ F. Dreiling, Mark Dreiling, Norris N. Erickson,

William H. Ernst, Douglas A. Frost, John S. Graham, Gloria A. Harvey, David

L. Heer, John L. Hinton, James E. Holland, Shirley A. Hoover, Benjamin C.

Hull, Terrance J. Hummel, Cynthia L. Keyes, Terri A.Lehigh, Roger P.

Lempke, Warren D. Lynn, Paula R. Muth, Sandra Wees Nieto, Owen L.

O’Saunders, E.Gordon Pahre, Dick L. Parcher, Sheree L. Patterson, Doran G.

Post, Clifford L. Pratt, Earl D. Rogers, Lamont E. Rousseau, Betty A.

Salistean, Rita J. Salucci, Francis Sewell, Mary M. Shaw, David Sidwell,

Beverly A. Snowden, Mark A. Spadaro, Ann Carolyn Standerwick, Lyle H.

Walker, Lewis M. Weigand, Everett A. Wrage, 1 Anonymous ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

May They Not Be Forgotten

The men and women who have answered the call and paid the ultimate price so that we and future generations could have the freedoms so cherished by human beings. We must ever be vigilant and prepared to defend our way of life against those who would deny it. Callous politicians, power hungry egoists, corrupt individuals, adversarial religions, and even our latest self-oriented generations pose grave threat to the preservation of what many take for granted. Every citizen should take a few moments from time to time and reflect on the benefits we have in our country. They should give thanks to those who have served and preserved our way of life.

Hopefully, they will also pledge to do their part to keep it so. – pj

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wandering Mind of An Old Retired Guy Did you know the government prints about 12 billion dollars every year? More than $10 million a day!

About two-thirds of printed money is $1 bills and they last about a year and a half.

The average bill exchanges hands 400 times in its lifetime.

It costs about 8 cents to print a new one.

Modern currency is printed on special paper, a blend of rag bond, cotton, and linen.

Our currency is printed 3 times, once on each side, and then with an overlay of green ink.

The dollar bill is 1/3 smaller now than it was in 1929.

Wonder why a dollar measures 2.61 inches by 6.14 inches?

Vital Stats: 233 bills will stack 1 inch high; 490 bills will weigh 1 pound; a million bills weigh almost a ton

TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE, SO ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.

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Heartland of America Chapter

Military Officers Association of America, MOAA

Dinner Meeting – 1800 Hours (6 pm for those retired a long time)

Thursday, August 27th, 2015 Werner Baseball Park

Hwy 370 & 126th

Cost is $26 per person and includes a ticket to the game and a meal that includes Omaha Steak Burgers, Grilled Hebrew National Hot

Dogs, Cowboy Beans, Homemade Seasoned Potato Chips, Gourmet Cookie tray, Lemonade and Iced Tea. If beer or cocktails are desired, the concessions are very close and easy to get to. We are in the Lincoln Tent picnic area behind home plate (this is different from the last two years). Our seats are in the shade on the third base line. Golf carts will provide transport from parking lot.

Make your check payable to "Heartland of America Chapter, Military

Officers Association of America" and send it to our Chapter mailbox

at P.O. Box 1756, Bellevue, NE 68005-1756, to arrive not later than

ten days prior to the game.

and our treasurer will pay with one check from our chapter.

Feel free to invite friends and family members.

Early sign-up enables us to create a list of ticket holders and you will be able to pick up your tickets at the our table near the will-call window the night of the game. Again, gates open at 5:45 pm, the meal will start at 6:00pm & run until 7:30pm but he game starts at 7:05pm so come early.

Program

August 27th, Thursday evening is MOAA’s Annual Day at the Ball Park. An evening for good camaraderie, good food, good socializing, and a good ball game, watching our exciting Storm Chasers as they near play-offs. They won it all last year

Could this be Rene Dreiling in

disguise? Hmm,m, maybe it’s the mustach?

file:///C:/Users/PAT JONES/

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Nonprofit Org Heartland of America Chapter, MOAA

P.O. Box 1756 Bellevue NE 68005

Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid

Omaha NE Permit No.1448

-- One Powerful Voice --PRESIDENT’S REPORTThe Legislative SituationPrograms for remainder of 2015MOAA’s New Membership ModelSelection of MembershipLocal Membership FormCHAPTER SPONSORSDinner Meeting – 1800 Hours (6 pm for those retired a long time)