LOOKING AT LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR 2010

By LCDR Artie Meek, MSC USN (RET), Santa Cruz Chapter

What does Congress have in store for us in 2010? Rod Powers, who writes about military affairs in About.com, answered that rhetorical question by saying, “Not Very Much!”

For active duty personnel, the Obama administration recommended a 2.9% across-the-board increase in military basic pay. The Senate went one better, making the raise 3.4%. For the rest of us, however, military retirees, social security recipients, veterans, and federal employees, there is another story. There will be no cost of living increase this year.

The good news is there will be no decrease in our monetary benefits though we will start out October 1 this year with the base number about two percent in the negative territory. And if inflation does not increase astronomically, as it did in the summer of 2008, any cost-of-living increase this year, our contribution to Part B of Medicare by law can not be increased. continue reading

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HOW I SEE IT - THE HEALTH CARE ISSUE

By Artie Meek, LCDR MSC USN (RET)

Ellen Goodman, a colunnist, satirically referred to a speaker who said no one ever hears the inquiry, “Is there an insurance executive in the house?” when someone is in distress. Recently at 35,000 feet on a Trans-Atlantic flight that was not the call when the pilot collapsed. It was, “Is there a doctor on board?” Thanks to rhetoric of Harry and Louise, that infamous fictional couple of the 90s, an attempt to provide universal health care back then during the Clinton administration was swift-boated. While the insurance industry has not moved into “hands-on” care, their control over what doctors can do seem tantamount to Goodman’s rhetorical question as anyone seeking care will soon meet an insurance person, even before seeing the doctor.

For a while it seemed Harry and Louise might have joined the ranks of the unemployed and became part of the almost 50 million of uninsured Americans. Louise recently resurfaced saying she was all for universal health care. Then Steve Forbes stepped up to the plate and wrote in his magazine about those in the Harry and Louise category now “supping with D.C. devils.” Rather than insurance companies getting “religion,” most likely self-interest is the motivation. Forbes went on to say “Do your part” to stop government-run health care by “Letting our representative know what you think.” Spurred on more perhaps by talk-radio hosts than Forbes, people did let our representatives know at town-hall meetings across the nation what they thought, often voicing fear of outrageous claims of death panels and the “R” word, rationing. continue reading

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Shasta County September Sentinel Newsletter

Immediate Past President’s Message
By LCdr Barry Bratton, USN (Ret.)

Provides an excellent dissertation on the above subject.

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Programs VP/Newsletter editor

Capt Fred Wagner, USAF (retired)

fhwagner4@hotmail.com

for the The Western Centurion

Golden West Chapter MOAA

Had this to say in his August 2009 Edition

Sometimes a Google search can be ‘circular’ - I searched on CDR Jeff

Taylor USN, and the top reference was to our very own chapter newsletter’s June edition, posted on the CAL-MOAA web site.—Chapter members, if you want to be visible on the internet, getting some material into this newsletter is definitely on easy way to do it!

Also in the August 2009 Edition I noted this —-

Tax planning Note of some importance! As part of the national

economic stimulus package, last April, by Presidential Directive, the

FITW—income tax withholding, from paychecks was reduced. The

amount of tax due on the income was not changed— but since less

has been withheld, we will OWE more taxes come April 2010 when

we fill out our 1040’s—the POTUS felt that it would really help the

economy if more money got spent immediately, to help keep local

businesses afloat. He was very likely correct, and most of us have

spent a bit more than we might have otherwise.

Just remember—if you usually get a big refund in April, it won’t

be nearly as big as usual. And if you usually pay Uncle Sam some tax

in April, you’ll be paying more than usual. If you pay Estimated Tax

quarterly, you can compensate by paying a bit more for the next couple

of quarters. This alert courtesy of CPT Tim Richards, USA(ret)

You may note Tim came up with POTUS which I thought had to be a new synonym. But following Fred’s lead I googled it and sure enough it legit.

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TRAINING SERVICE DOGS HELPS TO HEAL PSYCHOLOGICAL SCARS

A young soldier recovering from a devastating combat injury sat dejected and depressed on the floor against the wall of his Palo Alto-Menlo Park Veterans Medical Center hospital room with his future unclear. The pain, extending well beyond his physical problems, was evident in his eyes.

He was approached by a very beautiful golden retriever dog and it was love at first sight. It was the beginning of a new and very positive chapter in the young man’s life. He was about to be offered a chance to serve other soldiers by training a service dog that will be partnered to assist comrades with physical injuries.

The chapter’s June speaker was Rick Yount, Director, Paws for Purple Hearts Program, a part of Bergin University of Canine Studies, Santa Rosa, California. There are active programs underway at both the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. Yount has been involved with assistance dog training for many years.

The Paws for Purple Hearts program helps heal returning servicemen by teaching those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to train service dogs for veterans with physical disabilities. continue reading

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MARIN CHAPTER MEMBERS TELL PREFERENCES

The Board asked for your opinion and you responded enthusiastically. Thirty seven Chapter members took the time to complete the Member Survey we distributed in the January edition of the Gleanings and we are ready to share the results with you.

Where you told us not to change we will not change, and where you want us to adapt our ways, adapt we will.

Although a few expressed support for holding our bimonthly luncheon meetings on different days or times, the overwhelming majority of the responses favored the current Wednesday luncheons. We will not change.

Only one responder indicated that they would attend more often if they had a Rides program. While this is not enough to start a formal program, if a member would like to attend a Chapter event but needs a ride, call a Board member. We will be happy to find another member to pick you up – we are all in this together. continue reading

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AIR FORCE JROTC PROGRAM FACES POSSIBLE CLOSURE

The Novato High School Air Force JROTC program currently faces possible program closure due to the severe California state educational budget cuts.

The program has been officially notified by the Novato Unified School District (NUSD) that the JROTC program may close this July. We expect a final decision about the future of the JROTC program in mid-May after the state budget revision.

Until then, the JROTC staff, parents, boosters, and cadets will convey our concerns and recommendations to the school district.

The JROTC staff and cadets would like to express our deepest appreciation to Mrs. Jean Bird and Lt Col Howard Pierson for making a generous donation to our JROTC program on behalf of the Marin County Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Mrs. Bird and Lt Col Pierson provided the donation after the cadets performed a color guard during the memorial service for Lt Col Grant Bird.

Their generous donation will be used to help save the program from California State educational budget cuts as well as create a world-class leadership education program. continue reading

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MAJOR JROTC SUPPORT NOTE

Please Support AB 223 and 351. Instructors, Parents, Cadets, and Supporters of JROTC Programs.

Assembly-members Fiona Ma/Ted Lieu/Paul Cook sponsored legislation, AB223, to insure JROTC programs throughout California are given PE equivalency for JROTC Training.

Vital to keep JROTC alive in our schools, PE equivalency is big recruiting element in getting kids to join program.

Bill also calls for reinstatement of JROTC by San Francisco Unified School District’s Board of Education. continue reading

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