NEWS Naval Reserve Association Naval Reserve Association

NavalReserveAssociationNEWSDecember 2004,Volume 51, No. 12The Association Voice of the Naval Reserve

VISION OF THE NAVAL RESERVE ASSOCIATIONThe Premier Professional Organization for Naval Reservists,Committed to Supporting a Strong Navy and National Defense,While Providing Outstanding Service to Its Members.ContentsNRA NEWS, December 2004, Volume 51, No. 12FEATURE13 THE RESERVE CIVIL ENGINEER CORPS &THE SEABEES“The ‘modern era’ of Reserve/Active integration of Seabee and NavyCivil Engineer forces began with Operation Desert Storm (ODS). Theformal assimilation, however, occurred in 1992–– long before‘integration’ became trendy in the Navy at large. The NCF integratedto achieve and maintain important economies of scale, as well as topromote the alignment of messages, materials, training, and mindsetthat became essential to the successful evolution.”–– RADM James M. McGarrah, CEC, USNDEPARTMENTS4 From the Editor6 President’s Message7 Legislative Update8 Retirees’ Corner10 Professional Development11 Junior Officer CountryOTHERS24 Health Affairs25 Letters26 Info That You Can Use28 Reservists In Action30 In Memoriam5 Corporate Associates Program12 News Notes22 NRA’s Medical Corps Officers Virtual Chapter23 Junior Officer of the Year27 NRA Scholarship Program 2005-200631 Public Service Announcement – U.S. Navy MemorialON THE COVERThe CEC/Seabee Team is at work around the clock, around the block, and around the globe. Clockwisefrom top: (1) LTJG Christian Brumm, CEC, takes pictures of a landing site at Camp Lejeune during a drillwith the NMCB 23 Seabee Engineering Reconnaissance Team. (Navy photo by Chief Journalist Kevin Elliott,USNR.); (2) HM2 Kipe Hammond (left), CE2 Todd Grandstaff (prone), and HM2 Heath Jones from NMCB17 Det. 1417 move out against a simulated enemy at Salt Lake City’s Navy and Marine Corps ReserveCenter. (Navy photo by LTJG Julia Weidner, USNR.); (3) A combined Active/Reserve CEC/Seabee Teamshows its colors at Camp Saylayah, Qatar. Seabees pictured (L to R) Builder 2nd Class Garry Buffenbarger,USNR; LT Tom Blanchard, CEC, USN; LCDR Paul McComb, CEC, USN; LT David Culcasi, CEC, USN;Construction Electrician 1st Class Douglas Hamilton, USNR. (Navy file photo courtesy SEABEE Magazine.)Naval Reserve Association NEWS (ISSN 0162-2129), authorized under PSM, Section 132.22,published monthly by the Naval Reserve Association, is a magazine devoted to the professional interests of theOfficers of the United States Naval Reserve Association. Editorial and Executive Offices, 1619 King Street,Alexandria, VA 22314. Telephone (703) 548-5800. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, andother mailing offices. Articles and letters appearing the Naval Reserve Association News do not necessarily reflectthe opinions of the Executive Committee of the Naval Reserve Association or the Editor, nor are theynecessarily to be interpreted as official policy of the United States Navy or Naval Reserve Association. Rates: TheNaval Reserve Association News subscription is covered by membership in the Naval Reserve Association.Membership is open to all commissioned or warrant officers who are serving or have served honorablyas members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Subscription price is $7.50 domestic. Single copy: 75 cents.Eligible non-members are not entitled to subscription rates. Photos or articles may be reproduced,providing credit is given to the Naval Reserve Association News. Postmaster: Send change of address to the NavalReserve Association, 1619 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Printed in USA.ASSOCIATION OFFICERSAND COMMITTEE CHAIRSNATIONAL OFFICERSNATIONAL PRESIDENTCAPT John Eric Lindell, USNR (Ret)E-mail: johnl@portarthur.comNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VPRADM William J. Lynch, MC, USNRE-mail: radmwjl@comcast.netNATIONAL VP-SURFACE RESERVEPROGRAMSCAPT Thaddeus A. Peake III, USNRE-mail: dpeake@peakeeng.comNATIONAL VP-AIR RESERVEPROGRAMSCDR Bryan D. Quigley, USNRE-mail: Bryanquigley@comcast.netNATIONAL VP-BUDGET & FINANCECAPT Haig Bodour, SC, USNR (Ret)E-mail: hbodour@newmexico.comNATIONAL VP-LEGISLATION &EDUCATIONLCDR James M. Gerlach, USNRE-mail: endzone@bluemoon.netNATIONAL VP-MEMBERSHIPLCDR Lawrence M. Miller, MSC, USNRE-mail: millernavy@verizon.netNATIONAL VP-MEMBER SERVICESLCDR Gail W. Holzworth, NC, USNR (Ret)E-mail: Misslorton@aol.comNATIONAL VP-PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTCAPT G. Mark Hardy III, USNRE-mail: gmhardy@usnr.orgNATIONAL VP-ACTIVE DUTYPROGRAMSCDR Edward J. Nava, USNRE-mail: ejnava@lanl.govNATIONAL VP-PUBLIC RELATIONSLCDR Eddie Oestreicher, MSC, USNRE-mail: EGPO1@msn.comNATIONAL VP-LEGAL AFFAIRSLT Marc J. Soss, SC, USNRE-mail: SMSOSS@aol.comNATIONAL VP-HEALTH PROGRAMSRADM Peter L. Andrus, MC, USNRE-mail: captpla@aol.comNATIONAL VP-RETIRED PERSONNELCDR Sharon K. Kleinschmidt, USNR (Ret)Tel: 619-429-4504NATIONAL VP-JUNIOR OFFICERSLCDR Phan Phan, USNRE-mail: phan_p@hq.cnrf.navy.milNATIONAL TREASURERCAPT W. Stuart Colby, USNR (Ret)E-mail: glendalefingrp@aol.comNATIONAL CHAPLAINCAPT Horace A. Hamm, CHC, USNR (Ret)E-mail: hhamm@worldnet.att.netNATIONAL HISTORIANCAPT John C. Rice, Jr., USNR (Ret)Fax: 504-486-6040NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIANCDR Willard B. Stubbs, USNRE-mail: willstubbs@cox.netCOMMITTEESANCHORS PRESIDENTDr. Maureen Lindell, Ph.DE-mail: maureenl@portarthur.comCONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS COMMITTEE CHAIRCDR Gary W. Barron, USNRE-mail: gary.r.barron@boeing.comRESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRLCDR Andrew Scheerer, USNRE-mail: scheerer@bww.comAWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIRCAPT Larry R. Danielson, USNR (Ret)E-mail: captlrd@yahoo.comNOMINATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRCDR Joseph Quaglino, Jr., USNR (Ret)E-mail: joseph.quaglino-jr@boeing.comCREDENTIALS & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRCDR ChisT. K. Kirstein-Blackburn, NC, USNRE-mail: bskts4u2@prodigy.netSITE SELECTION COMMITTEE CHAIRCDR Leo B. Hill, USNR (Ret)E-mail: lbhtimwolf@aol.comSTRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRCAPT Timothy D. Moon, USNRE-mail: moontd@earthlink.netINVESTMENT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE CHAIRCAPT William D. Loockerman, USNR (Ret)E-mail: wloockerman@aol.comSCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIRCAPT Richard Bowers, MSC, USNR (Ret)E-mail: ah106sru@aol.comDISTRICT PRESIDENTSFIRST DISTRICTLCDR Paul R. Younes, USNRE-mail: p.younes@att.netTHIRD DISTRICTCAPT Thomas J. Caulfield, USNR (Ret)E-mail: clfield@canisius.eduFOURTH DISTRICTCDR John J. Thaler II, DC, USNRE-mail: jjthalerII@aol.comFIFTH DISTRICTCAPT Robin L. Graf, USNRE-mail: grafrl@earthlink.netSIXTH DISTRICTLT Louise M. Anderson, MSC, USNRE-mail: louise.anderson@flhosp.orgEIGHTH DISTRICTCDR Michael C. Leskin, USNRE-mail: mleskin@sleh.comNINTH DISTRICTRADM Richard E. Young, USNR (Ret)E-mail: dickyoung@4dv.netELEVENTH DISTRICTCDR Joseph Quaglino, Jr., USNR (Ret)E-mail: joseph.quaglino-jr@boeing.comTWELFTH DISTRICTCAPT David M. Epstein, USNR (Ret)E-mail: davidepstein@sbcglobal.netTHIRTEENTH DISTRICTCAPT Marshall A. Hanson, USNR (Ret)E-mail: pacnwmailbuoy@juno.comFOURTEENTH DISTRICTCAPT Gayle J. Lau, JAGC, USNRE-mail: laug004@hawaii.rr.com

4From the EditorWith the Presidential election behind us, we are now officially into what is referredto as the “lame duck” session of Congress. While we have DoD authorizationand appropriations bills, the Department of Veterans Affairs does not have newbudget authority. For a country at war, with many returning veterans from Iraq, we thinkthis strange. We urge the Legislative Branch to rectify this situation in the closing days ofthe 108th Congress. We would also like to see some provisions in a tax bill that providesincome tax credits to employers who are supporting their mobilized workers.One of the many provisions of the recently enacted FY05 Ronald W. Reagan NationalDefense Authorization Act is the establishment of a 9/11-like commission known as theCommission on the National Guard and Reserves. The Commission shall carry out a studyof the following matters: (a) The roles and missions of the National Guard and the otherReserve Components of the Armed Forces; (b) The compensation and other benefits,including health care benefits, that are provided for members of the Reserve Componentsunder the laws of the United States. We are excited about the possibilities here and verymuch look forward to working with the Commission.Our feature this month is on the Reserve Civil Engineer Corps and the Seabees. RADMJim McGarrah and his team have provided us with a little history and a whole lot onintegration, training, and operational effectiveness. I’m sure that you, too, will find inreading this that this program of dedicated professionals more than lived up to their slogan:“With Compassion for Others, We Build, We Fight, for Peace with Freedom.”If you are still a drilling Reservist and planning to be promoted beyond LT, then you needto read and take to heart what our National Vice President for Junior Officers, CDR (Sel)Phan Phan has to say about Joint Professional Military Education (JPME). Set out a plannow and don’t wait betting on an extension of the Navy’s waiver to promote officers withoutcompletion of JPME Phase I.We created another virtual chapter recently for Medical Corps officers. Over 200 signedup to stay in touch and be informed by e-mail. A complete listing of the plank ownersstarts on page 22.As a public service, we feature an ad for the Navy Memorial. If you don’t have your ownrecord and picture on file at the Memorial, you should. It would make a great Christmaspresent for someone who has served.As we close out the year, you don’t want to miss reading LT Marc Soss’ article on yearendtax savings strategies. As he did last year, Marc will be preparing the tax feature forthe January 2005 issue of this magazine.Many thanks for your continued support and membership. Enjoy the read and cherishthe company of family and friends over the holidays.Looking AheadBest regards,Steve KeithJanuary 2005. Our annual tax tips for Naval Reservists.February 2005. An informational guide for new Naval Reservists.March 2005. We will feature the Naval Reserve Intelligence Program.Naval Reserve AssociationNEWS1619 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314Tel: 703-548-5800 • Fax: 703-683-3647Toll Free Voice: 1-866-NRA-4-YOU (672-4968)Toll Free Fax: 1-866-683-3647E-mail: nranews@navy-reserve.orgHome Page: www.navy-reserve.orgEDITORIALEditor: RADM Stephen T. Keith, USNR (Ret)Associate Editor: CAPT Thomas L. McAtee, USNR (Ret)Assistant Editor: Linda BautistaGRAPHICS/PRODUCTIONLinda BautistaADVERTISINGMr. Bob LymanHEADQUARTERS STAFFNATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTORRADM Steve Keith, USNR (Ret)E-mail: execdir@navy-reserve.orgCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERMr. Bob LymanE-mail: cfo@navy-reserve.orgDIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIONCAPT Ike Puzon, USNR (Ret)E-mail: legislat@navy-reserve.orgDIRECTOR, PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTCAPT Art Schultz, Jr., USNR (Ret)E-mail: record.review@navy-reserve.orgDIRECTOR OF MEMBERSERVICESCAPT Tom McAtee, USNR (Ret)E-mail: stratcom@navy-reserve.orgDIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIPCAPT Art Schultz, Jr., USNR (Ret)E-mail: memdir@navy-reserve.orgMEMBERSHIP ASSISTANTMark De VilleE-mail: membership@navy-reserve.orgSENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTLinda BautistaE-mail: nranews@navy-reserve.orgADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTMillie PistolesiE-mail: admin@navy-reserve.orgSUBMISSIONSLetters to the Editor - Will be considered forpublication unless the writer requests otherwise.They may be edited for clarity and space. Mail toLetters To The Editor at NRA NEWS, or E-mail to. Include your name,address, and daytime telephone number.Articles – For guidelines on article submission,call or write NRA Headquarters, or E-mail.SUBSCRIPTIONSNRA NEWS is part of membership in the Association.To join, renew your membership, or to report addresschanges, call or write NRA Headquarters, or E-mail.NRA NEWS/DeceMBER 2004

N AVAL R ESERVE A SSOCIATIONC ORPORATEA SSOCIATESPremier Corporate/Association Team Supportingthe United States Navy and Naval ReservePLATINUM (TEN-YEAR) PARTNERSHIPIBM FederalCHARTER MEMBERSLockheed MartinThe Boeing CompanyGulfstream AerospaceNorthrop Grumman CorporationKaman Aerospace CorporationDRS TechnologiesBAE SystemsNorthrop Grumman Ship SystemsUSAARaytheon CompanyMarsh Affinity Group ServicesMBNA AmericaJOINED IN 1999 - 2004CES, a California CorporationRosen Associates Management Corp.Aquila sm Group of FundsBB&TApogen TechnologiesMilitary.comCACI International, Inc.Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.Chevy Chase TrustStratizon CorporationNRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

6 President’s MessageWHAT’S IN A NAMECAPT John Eric Lindell, USNR (Ret)National PresidentPASTNATIONAL PRESIDENTSRADM Stephen S. Israel, USNR (Ret)CAPT Richard W. Hendel, USNR (Ret)*CAPT Arthur C. Monson, USNR (Ret)RADM James J. Carey, USNR (Ret)CAPT Robert Lamar Bell, JAGC, USNR (Ret)CAPT J. Robert Lunney, JAGC, USNR (Ret)RADM Lester R. Smith, USNR (Ret)CAPT Kenneth J. Welch, USNR (Ret)CAPT Pat R. Lucci, USNR (Ret)CAPT John C. Rice, Jr., USNR (Ret)CAPT Curtin R. Coleman II, USNR (Ret)RADM Philip W. Smith, USNR (Ret)*CAPT Fred D. Carl, USNR (Ret)CAPT Robin W. Goodenough, USNR (Ret)CAPT Morton Leavitt, USNR (Ret)*CAPT Leslie A. Willig, USNR (Ret)*RADM Ray Ackerman, USNR (Ret)CAPT Robert B. Bolt, USNR (Ret)*CAPT Robert I. Barto, USNR*CAPT Donald V. Osborne, USNR (Ret)*CAPT George A. O’Connell, Jr., USNR*CAPT A. Winfield Chapin, USNR*CDR Richard K. West, USNR*CWO Sidney Fields, USNR*CDR Clayton L. Burwell, USNR (Ret)*CAPT J. Mack Young, USNR*CAPT Blaney C. Turner, USNR**DeceasedApparently a lot when it comes to theReserve Component of the Navy! TheFiscal Year 2005 Ronald W. ReaganNational Defense Authorization Act contains thefollowing provision:SEC. 517. AUTHORITY TO REDESIGNATE THENAVAL RESERVE AS THE NAVY RESERVE.(a) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF THENAVY- The Secretary of the Navy may, with theapproval of the President, redesignate the reservecomponent known as the Naval Reserve as the“Navy Reserve.” Any such redesignation shall beeffective on a date specified by the Secretary,which date may not be earlier than the date thatis 180 days after the date on which theSecretary submits recommended legislationunder subsection (c).(b) PUBLICATION OF REDESIGNATION- Ifthe Secretary of the Navy exercises the authorityto redesignate the Naval Reserve under subsection(a), the Secretary shall promptly publish in theFederal Register and submit to the Congressnotice of the redesignation, including the effectivedate of the redesignation.(c) CONFORMING LEGISLATION- If theSecretary of the Navy exercises the authority toredesignate the Naval Reserve under subsection(a), the Secretary shall submit to the Congressrecommended legislation that identifies eachspecific provision of law that refers to the NavalReserve and sets forth an amendment to thatspecific provision of law to conform the referenceto the new designation.(d) REFERENCES- If the Secretary of theNavy exercises the authority to redesignate theNaval Reserve under subsection (a), then on andafter the effective date of the redesignation, anyreference in any law, map, regulation, document,paper, or other record of the United States to theNaval Reserve shall be deemed to be a referenceto the Navy Reserve.This is legislation that the Navy requested.VADM Cotton talked about it in his interviewwith us that appeared in the September 2004issue of this magazine. ADM Clark talkedabout it in several forums. So it is no surprise toany of us, and we fully expect the Navy to moveout quickly on this.How history records the names of those whohave served is also important. We note that theHouse of Representatives approved a resolutionon 13 September 2004 that posthumously praisedCDR Lloyd “Pete” Butcher, who endured 11months of brutal confinement with his crew afterNorth Koreans captured his spy ship but facedcriticism upon his return home. The resolution,approved by voice vote, salutes Butcher’s life andcourage and praises his “exemplary bravery andsacrifice.”As part of the Armed Forces SpendingAuthorization Act of 2001, both houses ofCongress voted unanimously in September 2000to exonerate Admiral Kimmel and GeneralShort and to ask the President for the elusiverestoration of rank. During our 50th Anniversaryconference, we received an excellent presentationby Mr. Tom Kimmel, grandson of AdmiralKimmel. Based on facts found in releasedclassified material that were unavailable orunknown to previous investigations into thematter, Tom convincingly lays out the case thatAdmiral Kimmel was not to blame for theattacks on Pearl Harbor some 63 years ago thismonth. I believe that the Secretary of the Navyshould act to clear his name.Maureen joins me in wishing each of you a joyousholiday season and a healthy and prosperous NewYear. Many thanks for your continued support andmembership in the Association.Happy Holidays!John Eric LindellNaval Reserve Association 2005 ConferencesSpring 2005 Conference - Kansas City, MO; 22-24 April 2005The Four Points by Sheraton; Tel. (816) 753-7400Fall 2005 Conference - Phoenix, AZ; 6-8 October 2005The Sheraton Crescent Hotel; Tel. (602) 943-8200NRA NEWS/decembER 2004

L egislative Update7What Is Our FutureIntegrated Force?CAPT Ike Puzon, USNR (Ret)Director of LegislationThe FY 05 National DefenseAuthorization Act was signed intolaw recently. We now have a viewof what is in store for our future integratedforce. The Department of Defense is on apath of rebalancing/transforming theforces in their own view and as a result ofin-house studies. Of course, this is themandate of the Department of Defenseand the Services: equip and train ourmilitary forces. The question still remains,is DOD going down the right road regardingthe utilization of Guard and Reserveforces, with contingency positions – ifneeded.I believe that we should all be extremelythankful for the progress made. FamilySeparation Allowance increases, a transitionassistance study, enlistment/reenlistmentbonuses, Reserve officer accession bonus,the Commission on Guard and Reserve, aGAO assessment of Navy integration plans,Survivor Benefit Plan improvements,death benefit enhancements, TRICAREcoverage for certain Guard and Reservemembers, and a host of health benefitstudies and improvements are veryimportant for today’s Reserve Componentmembers.What we now need to focus on is how andwhen this reshaping will take effect. I thinkwe do need to worry about the continuouscuts to manpower, the decommissioningof more reserve units, and realignment“into” the active force. What is missingwith the current effort is the realignment ofall components philosophical concepts. Wewill integrate; and we will love it, right!The larger question, unanswered even bythe Human Capital Strategy of the Services,is how do you really integrate historicalvalues and change the culture, while notdemoralizing the individuals who arevolunteers.The Commission on the Guard andReserve that we fought for all year, whichwill review roles, missions, and integrationof the Guard and Reserve, is a vehicle toaddress this issue among others. TheCommission starts work in January 2005.This will be the Reserve Component’s onechance this century to make sure that theOffice of Secretary of Defense(OSD),and the Services get the right inputs for aNational Security Strategy, the NationalMilitary Strategy, and, hopefully, theNational Homeland Security Strategy thatdoes include a viable reserve force – afuture integrated force.To get to the future integrated force,OSD and the Services are using transformationalterms and processes.Transformation is described in many ways.As described by some, transformation isnot a term; but rather, it is a philosophy.This philosophy should explore adaptationsof existing and new systems and doctrines.The right way to implement transformationand rebalancing should be throughdeveloping new capabilities and exploringnew concepts. If transformation is donethrough a predisposition of “better businesspractices,” why call it transformation?What has been OSD’s effort to date? Ithink it is a “my way or the highway”attitude.If we seize the moment to leverage theunique capabilities and characteristics ofeach component and allow each to retaincertain cultural identities, then, and onlythen, will there be a successful integration.A new culture will emerge. A newstrength of warfighting would emerge.And, the strength of naval power would berealized. Currently, we have a process to“realign” the forces “into” the active force.What about realigning both forces intoeach other? To optimize the contributionsof each component and what they bring tothe fight, synergy must be realized. Howwill the Navy realize synergy if there areno reserve units?With your input to Congress, the ReserveComponent’s strengths will be rebalancedcorrectly to face the uncertain, indefinitethreats of the future, and result in a futureintegrated force that includes bothcomponents, vice excluding a component.NOTE: Support the passage ofH.R. 1779, Guardsman andReservist Tax Relief Act of 2004, that includesEmployer’s Tax Credits for Guardand Reserve. E-mail your newlyelected Congressional members todayat .Ask Yourself This QuestionIs my service record up-to-date for promotion or billet selection? Boards meet on the following schedule:Reserve O-6 Line meets 19 Jan. 05; Reserve O-6, O-5, O-4 Staff meets 28 Feb. 05; Reserve O-5 Line meets15 Mar. 05; Reserve O-4 Line meets 23 May 05; Apply Board meets 13 Jun. 05; Reserve CWO-3, CWO-4 meets14 Jul. 05. Order and review your record today! If you are too busy, we'll do it for you. For more informationon this member service, go to our Web site .NRANEWS/DECEMBER 2004

8Retirees’ CornerTRICARE PharmacyCopay for Other HealthInsurance (OHI)By CAPT Tom McAtee, USNR (Ret)CDR Sharon K. Kleinschmidt, USNR (Ret)National VP for Retired PersonnelOn 1 June, Express Scripts, Inc.,(ESI) took over the TRICAREretail pharmacy program. Sincethat time, some beneficiaries haveexperienced continuing problems withreimbursement of copayments for otherhealth insurance (OHI). If you are aTRICARE beneficiary who has OHI, youare eligible to have TRICARE reimburseyour OHI pharmacy copayments. Youcan get your OHI copayments reimbursedby filing a paper TRICARE claim (DDFORM 2642). Along with the claim form,you must enclose further documentation— providing a copy of the pharmacyreceipt on the pharmacy’s letterhead or abilling form showing the:* Name of the drug.* Strength (100 mg, 500mg, etc.).* Quantity (number of pills/doses).* Cost paid by your OHI.* Amount you paid.* Prescription number and date of fill.* Days supplied is not required.However, if after calculating the supply,calling the pharmacy, etc. – and if dayssupplied can’t be determined based on theinformation – the claim is rejected.* Prescriber’s name or DEA #.* Pharmacy’s name.* Pharmacist’s signature only if theclaim is not printed on an acceptable format(pharmacy stamp, letterhead, etc.). If itlooks like it was printed on a homecomputer (plain paper), then a signature isrequired.* Receipts are OK, except your nameneeds to be on them.If you use a TRICARE networkpharmacy, you will be reimbursed thefull copay in most situations. But ifyou use a non-TRICARE networkpharmacy, you must first meet theannual TRICARE deductibles. Afterthat, in most circumstances, DoDwill refund the copay amount. Formsshould be sent to: ESI; P. O. Box66518; St. Louis, MO 63166-6518. Formore information, contact: Retailpharmacy (TRRx): (866) 363-8779 or; Mail orderpharmacy (TMOP) (866) 363-8667 or.The Commonly Referred ToSOCIAL SECURITY OFFSETIs On Its Way OutThe National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2005 approved byCongress will eliminate the 20 percent decrease in spouse annuitiesafter age 62 by 2008. The “offset” will be phased-out over a three-anda-halfyear period. Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) survivor benefits formallysubject to the offset will increase to 40 percent of base retired pay on 1 October2005. Future increases occur on 1 April 2006 (to 45 percent), 1 April 2007 (to50 percent), and 1 April 2008 (final increase to 55 percent).It was felt that restoring the 20 percent back to annuity payments would makethe SBP program more attractive. Therefore, the legislation also provides anopen season for one year beginning 1 October 2005. There will be a “lateenrollment” penalty applied to annual premiums for those who enroll duringthe open enrollment period.DECEMBER 2004COST-OF-LIVINGADJUSTMENTDecember 2004 benefitspayments for annuities,social security, and militaryretired pay will be increasedby 2.7 percent. The increasewill be reflected in January2005 payments.Premiums for RCSBPand SBP will also increaseat the same rate.NRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

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10Professional DevelopmentCAPT G. Mark Hardy III, USNRNational VP for Professional DevelopmentAs Navy leaders, we have importantresponsibilities toward our enlistedSailors. One of the most valuableopportunities we can provide our Sailors isthe chance to lead. They earn that privilegeby demonstrating competency in missionaccomplishment and expand that trustby learning how to develop others themselves.Ours is a hierarchical organization,and advancement in rank is most oftenassociated with progressively increasingleadership responsibilities. One of ourmost important obligations to our Sailors isto provide them with every opportunity foradvancement.Performance on advancement exams is akey component of career progression.Although no multiple-choice examination canfully and completely test the skills andknowledge required of a profession, it doesprovide a fair and unbiased mechanism forsimultaneously evaluating Sailors relative totheir peers in the same rating. Thus, oursemiannual (annual for CPOs) exam cycleprovides the gateway through which thosewho wish to advance must pass.Common to all advancement examinationsare questions on professional militaryknowledge (PMK). PMK is traditionallyassociated with the Basic MilitaryRequirements (BMR) series of courses,but also includes elements such as antiterrorism,sexual harassment policy, andequal opportunity. The most recent examcycle contained six, twelve, seventeen, andfour separate references for E-4, E-5, E-6,and E-7 exams respectively. A completelisting of PMK references are containedin each exam’s bibliography, which isavailable at . Links to references areavailable at .Why pay particular attention to PMK?Who Wants to be aMaster Chief?Because the same questions are on ALLexams of the same paygrade. Further, thenumber of PMK questions increases withpaygrade from 50, 65, 85, and 100 of the200 questions on the E-4 through E-7exams, respectively. The advancementexam counts for a significant portion of aSailor's final multiple: 34 percent for E-4and E-5, 30 percent for E-6, and 60 percentfor E-7. This means that 30 percent of theoverall computation for E-7 is based onPMK alone. Regardless of the number ofratings in a command, all Sailors can benefitfrom a common study of PMK.One of the most popular tools availabletoday is an advancement preparation gamecalled “Who Wants to be a Master Chief?”Styled after the hit TV series “Who Wantsto be a Millionaire,” the game contains adatabase of thousands of questions fromPMK reference sources in an entertainingand engaging format that has createdcontagious excitement among many groupsof Sailors who have played it. Originallydeveloped within the Navy Reserve, it isin use throughout the fleet today, butremains somewhat of a well-known secretbecause it isn’t well advertised.Designed for individual study or teamplay, contestants progress through a seriesof progressively harder questions based onthe questions from the BMR series ofcourses. A Sailor who gets an answer rightis awarded with advancement or a medal,with the end goal to reach Master Chiefwith two rows of ribbons. Wrong answersresult in a “bust,” and players may pass onup to three questions per game using the“PNA” (pass but not advanced) option.Surprising for modern software, theentire application can still fit on a singlefloppy disk! The software developer whodonated countless hours of his time tobuild this application is EMC(SS) ThomasDickson, who drills in Pensacola, FL.Early contributors from Erie, PA, wereMR2 Richards who researched the questionsand answers and YN1 Trimble who did theinitial data entry.A number of people have sent in e-mails, saying “thank you” for the boostthat helped get them over the top on theirlast advancement exam. This “fan mail”has come from reserve centers around thecountry, as well as ships in the PersianGulf and shore stations in Asia. There areeven rate-specific (YN, SK, EM) versions ofthe software that draw questions from ratingmanuals. See what all the excitement isabout, and download a copy for yourself.Work it into your training schedule, andprovide copies (or Web links) to yourSailors to help them study for the next examcycle. This is one of those few tools where“one size fits all.” Put it to good use!To download the software, go to < http://www.navy-reserve.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1988>. Log in. When the filedownload window appears, select SAVEand designate the location. Go to thesaved location on your computer and clickon the SetupMC Folder. Then click on theSetupMC application to install the programon your computer.For NMCI machines that do not permitinstallation of executables, an online versionis available at . On leftmenu, “get started” “launch Navy e-learning.”From the Navy E-Learning Site: On leftmenu, “content” “browse categories” “USDepartment of the Navy (DON)” “NavyAdvancement” “Who Wants to be aMaster Chief CNET 12448” “enroll now”“launch!” (make sure pop-up block is notenabled). If so, click on yellow bar and“temporarily allow pop-ups” “WHOWANTS TO BE A MASTER CHIEF”“Yes” in response to “Do you want to displaythe nonsecure items?” “OK” in responseto “Do you want to run the followingAuthorware file?” Then the game starts.NRA NEWS/decemBER 2004

Junior Officer Country11LCDR Phan Phan, USNRNational VP for Junior OfficersOur National Military Strategypromulgates three priorities forthe U.S. military: (1) To win theWar on Terrorism; (2) to enhance ourability to fight as a joint force; and (3) totransform the Armed Forces in stride.Transformation requires major adjustmentsin technology, intellect, and culture, whichis a continuous improvement process, away of life. Joint warfighting involvesparticipants and contributors at all levels –strategic, operational, and tactical. Jointwarfighting also spans in multiple broaddimensions outside the classical militaryestablishment. Besides the DoD, this couldinvolve other departments and agencies;voluntary nonprofit organizations; internationalcoalition of allies and partners,formal, long-standing, or otherwise. Allof these entities would typically havevastly different organizational structures;capabilities; ways of conducting business;and, certainly, agendas. Geographic,language, and cultural barriers just add afew more challenges in a joint environment.Furthermore, in many scenarios, the U.S.military would only be in a support role inaccomplishing the strategic goals and/oroperational objectives, which are not alwayswell-defined or articulated. Joint warfightingisn't just about combat operations; it involvesmuch more than that. It predicates bringingto bear a confluence of all available andappropriate national and international,public and private instruments of power –military, diplomatic, political, economicor social.No one has ever said joint warfightingwould be clean or easy, but we do not havea choice if we are to execute effectivelyand efficiently our missions of protectingthe United States, preventing conflict andsurprise attack, and prevailing againstadversaries. So, how do all these affect usThe Big “J” WordJOs? These types of issues are decided bythe National Security Council, the JointChiefs of Staff, or the CombatantCommanders – quite a few paygradesabove. What are our relevant roles? Asalluded to above, joint warfighting takes amajor shift in paradigm for everyone, upand down the chain of command. Thiswould require years of training, education,experience, and grooming, i.e., an integralpart of one’s career path and professionaldevelopment, as some day, one might findoneself, at the O-5/O-6 level, on the headquartersstaff of a joint task force (JTF).This assignment could be TAD with afleet exercise, or a mobilization recall, forexample. There are also many augmentationreserve joint billets with standing JTFHQ or Crisis Action Team (CAT) staffs;Unified Commands such as PACOM,STRATCOM, NORTHCOM, SACLANT,or SOCOM; or Naval EmergencyPreparedness Liaison Officer (NEPLO),etc. To prepare oneself for one of thesejoint billets in the future, one needs to planfor and acquire, at the minimum, a basicJoint Professional Military Education,more commonly known as JPME Phase-I.JPME was initially created and mandatedby the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986for Active Component (AC) officers.Subsequently, Title 10 USC, and NationalDefense Authorization Acts of FY99 andFY02 have also directed a similar effortfor the Reserve Component (RC). Asthese legislative actions translate intorequirements for promotion to O-5/O-6level, other Services have been duly incompliance. The U.S. Navy just happensto have a waiver, which will expire in2007. I’d recommend to start planningyour JPME now, even as a LT. If one isreally gung-ho and all of one’s stars arelined up, my estimate is that it would takeabout two-to-three years of continuousintensity. Depending upon one’s personalgoals, resources, circumstances, otherdemands in life, unit/billet assignment, thecompetition in getting class quotas, andavailability of AT/ADT funding, completionof JPME Phase-I could certainly take evenmany more years. As a starting point,there is an ALNAVRESFOR message,typically released in early summer of everyyear, advertising for JPME opportunitieswith application deadline around thefollowing early October.There are many institutions with variousmeans to deliver JPME to RC officersbesides the AC full-time 10-monthresident programs. The U.S. Naval WarCollege offersfleet seminars, Web course, and two-weekreserve seminars. For those who livearound fleet concentration areas such asSan Diego or Norfolk, the fleet seminarsare the most ideal. Fleet seminars alonecomplete JPME Phase-I with 21 semesterhours of graduate education credit andtake from 24-36 months to complete.Fleet seminars, plus additional graduatelevelcourses, would also lead to a Mastersof Arts in National Security & StrategicStudies.For those living far away from any fleetconcentration area, the most feasibleJPME Phase-I program to pursue wouldconsist of three courses: National SecurityDecision Making (NSDM), Strategies& Policy (S&P), and Joint MilitaryOperations (JMO). NSDM and S&Pconsist of four modules each. If done viathe Web, each course would take 17 weeksto complete. JMO consists of six modules,requiring another 34 weeks for completion.The Naval War College offers two-weekReserve seminars for NSDM (only once ayear in January), S&P (April), and JMO(September), which can be accomplishedvia AT or ADT, if funding available.These two-week resident portions can besubstituted for two modules in theirrespective courses and, also, do have seriousreading, critical thinking, and writingassignments as prerequisite prior to finalacceptance and class admission. Be veryclear that merely spending three two-weekAT periods in Newport, RI, would NOTcomplete JPME Phase-I, not even close;and that the Web-based courses of study isNOT self-paced. There will be weeklyreading, writing, and chat-room engagementwith which one has to sustain. Thesewould take about six-to-eight hours perweek of devotion. If not, one will fallbehind and get dropped from the program.For JPME Phase-II (or AdvancedJPME), see the September 2004 issue ofNRA News, page 38, by CDR J. MiguelSantos.NRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

12News NotesOBITUARY – MR. WILLIAM R. KREH,AUTHOR OF THIS COLUMN,. DIESWilliam Richard Kreh, 76, retired editor of theNavy Times newspaper and recipient of the U.S.Navy’s highest civilian award, died on 19 Oct.2004 at the Casey House, a hospice, after a longillness. He produced this “In The News” page forthe Naval Reserve Association for almost 18 years.Mr. Kreh was born 27 Jan.1928 in HighlandPark, IL. From 1946-47, he served in the U.S.Navy where he learned journalism. Honorablydischarged, he married the late Beverly Ann Krehand settled in Montgomery County in 1948 to raisefour children.A journalist, he worked 31 years for the ArmyTimes Publishing Company. He rose through theranks of the Navy Times to become its editor-inchief.When Mr. Kreh retired in 1985, the U.S.Navy bestowed upon him its Distinguished PublicService Award. He continued after retirement towrite a column “News Notes” for the NavalReserve Association News. He authored a book,Citizen Sailors, the Story of the Naval Reserve,published in 1969.He belonged to the Naval Reserve Association,Navy League of the United States, the U.S.Naval Institute, and the Naval and MaritimeCorrespondents Circle, and was an honorarymember and longtime supporter of the NavyBand. He gained national recognition for hisefforts to memorialize the USS UTAH at PearlHarbor.He was devoted to his wife of 42 years, theformer Beverly Ann Manley, who died in Feb.1990. They are survived by their four children:William James Kreh and wife, Laurie, of SilverSpring, MD; David Richard Kreh of Ramona, CA;Deborah Lynn Isard of Gaithersburg; and DonnaMarie Greenleaf and husband, Robert, ofCambridge, MD; and seven grandchildren:Patricia, Christina, and Sarah Kreh; Megan andAshleigh Isard; Tad and Rachel Greenleaf. Mr.Kreh also is survived by a sister Ethel Cubrda ofKalispell, MT.Mr. Kreh enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren,hosting family holiday gatherings,poker parties with the neighbors, watching classicmovies and ice hockey, doing crossword puzzles,spoiling the family dogs and cats, and learning tosurf the net. He will be remembered for his kind,gentle nature and his willingness to help and forgiveothers.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may bemade to the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation; 701Pennsylvania Ave., NW; Washington, DC 20004 orto Montgomery County Hospice's Casey House;6001 Muncaster Mill Rd.; Rockville, MD 20855.PENTAGON TO TRANSFER MILITARYHEALTH WORKERSThe Defense Department plans to transferthousands of uniformed health care personnelout of their positions in military medicalfacilities over the next few years and replacethem with civilian workers or contractors.The initiative is part of a larger Pentagoneffort to reassign military members to jobsthat are more directly tied to warfighting andnational security, leaving the tasks they hadbeen performing to civil servants or privatecontractors, or eliminating the positions. Theplan could bring important changes in the waythe Defense Health Program provides medicaland dental care to 8.9 million active membersof the military, their dependents, and militaryretirees. The changes are expected to affectthousands of doctors, dentists, nurses,administrators, and ancillary staff employedin a network of 75 military hospitals and 461military clinics. What will not change,officials contend, is the quality and level ofcare provided in a system that employs40,648 civilians and 91,917 military members,with a current budget of $17.3 billion.NAVY PLANS TO BUY FEWERSHIPSThe Navy is proposing significant cuts inits shipbuilding program that could batterthe already struggling industry. The proposalcomes as top Pentagon officials considershifting the military’s focus from preparingfor large-scale warfare to training morespecialized forces for guerilla warfare, longtermpeacekeeping, and counterterrorismefforts. The Navy’s proposal would providefunds to build only four ships in 2006,compared with nine planned for 2005,according to a Defense official who spoke onlyon condition of anonymity because thebudget proposal hasn’t been made public.The plan would also delay production of anew generation of destroyers.MEDICARE 2005 RATESOn 3 Sep. 2004, the Department of Healthand Human Services (HHS) announced the2005 Medicare premium, deductible, andcoinsurance amounts to be paid by Medicarebeneficiaries. For Medicare Part A, theprogram that pays for inpatient hospital,skilled nursing facilities, and some homehealth care, the deductible paid by thebeneficiary when admitted will be $912, upfrom $876 in 2004.RESERVE UNIT ACTIVATEDA Rhode Island-based Naval Reserve unithas been called to active duty. The 33Reservists were assigned to the Inshore BoatUnit 21, an armed small boat that’ll will beused to support warfare security operationsin coastal regions worldwide. The sailorsleft the first week of September 2004.The activation will last for one year. TheReservists came from Massachusetts andNew Hampshire, in addition to Maine andRhode Island.PENTAGON 9/11 MEMORIALDELAYEDThe plan was to dedicate the Pentagonmemorial this past 11 Sep. but ground hasnot even been broken. It may be the fall of2005 before any dedication will take place.To date, about $2.9 million has been raised ofthe estimated $17.9 million required. Tomake a donation, visit their Web site at or call 800-929-4911.RESERVE PAO OFFICER SURPRISEDBY HIS PROMOTION TOLIEUTENANT COMMANDERCurrently in the IRR, LT John Oliveira was“baffled” over his promotion because he hasbeen a very public dissenter of the U. S. wareffort in Iraq. He left active duty on 31 Jan.after having twice failed selection to LCDR.CNRF SHARES VISION OF FULLYINTEGRATED NAVYVADM John Cotton met with more than100 Sailors during a town hall meeting atNaval Air Reserve Norfolk, VA, on 21 Aug.Cotton discussed the changes the Navy plansto instill in the Navy’s Reserve Component,and emphasized that Active and ReserveComponents are on the same team. “Wehave polarized the terms ‘us’ and ‘them,’”Cotton said. “We are thinking of new waysto integrate and to support the Navy’sActive Component.” One change withthe integration will be the uniformity ofID cards. Cotton, who is on a four-yearrecall, held up his ID card and said, “Minesays, ‘active duty.’ So, I am proud to say,next month, all card stock issued will say‘Navy.’” This will save the Navy millions ofdollars and time spent changing ID cardsduring the mobilization process. Accordingto Cotton, as the Navy plans to get smaller, itwill get more effective and efficient.NRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

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THE AQUILA SMGROUP OF FUNDSAs many of you know, the Aquila sm Group of Funds provides theNaval Reserve Association and its members with a cash benefit service -The Cash Management Service for NRA Members, a money-market mutualfund. However, this is just one of the ways that the Aquila sm Group of Fundscan be of service to NRA members.Aquila also specializes in single-state tax-free municipal bond funds. Thesefunds are excellent investment vehicles for those members who seek stabilityfor their overall investment portfolio or who are near or at retirement age.If you are a resident of Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Kentucky, Oregon, RhodeIsland or Utah or if you have a permanent active duty station outside theUnited States and are interested in finding out more about a stable investmentchoice, call your financial adviser or Aquila at 1-800-437-1020 or visit ourwebsite at www.aquilafunds.com for a free prospectus. Read it carefullybefore you invest or send money.• Managed for capitalpreservation• Provides monthlydouble tax-free*dividend income• High-quality, locallymanagedportfolio• Broad selection ofbond issues• Ready liquidity• Highly stable share price**• Low initial investmentINVESTING IN YOUR COMMUNITIES,YOUR STATE,YOUR FUTURE ...• Improves quality of lifeby supporting state’sinfrastructure needs -airports, schools,roads, hospitals, etc.Shares of the Aquila-sponsored tax-free municipal bond funds are not deposits, obligations of or guaranteed by any bank;are not insured by the FDIC and are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal invested.*For certain investors, some income may be subject to federal and state taxes, including the alternative minimum tax.**Share net asset value and dividend rate of the Aquila-sponsored tax-freemunicipal bond funds are not fixed and vary with interest rate fluctuations.ChurchillTax-Free Fund of KentuckyHawaiian Tax-Free TrustNarragansett InsuredTax-Free Income Fund Tax-Free Fund For Utah Tax-Free Fund of Colorado Tax-Free Trust of Arizona Tax-Free Trust of OregonAquila Distributors, Inc. 7/02

22Medical Corps Cyber Chapter Plank HoldersCAPT Robert F. Aarstad, MC, USNRCAPT William E. Adkins, MC, USNRCAPT Frank H. Arlinghaus, Jr., MC, USNRCAPT Ulysses Joseph Arretteig III, MC, USNRCDR David Allen Arzouman, MC, USNRRADM Matthias H. Backer, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret)RADM Michael S. Baker, MC, USNRCDR James Eric Bates, MC, USNRCAPT James D. Bearden III, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Paul L. Black, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Julia A. Block, MC, USNRCAPT Laurence H. Boggeln, MC, USNRCDR William K. Bott, MC, USNRCAPT Michael F. Boyer, MC, USNRCAPT Steve J. Brasington, MC, USNRCAPT Ronald C. Brockman, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Charles M. Brohm, MC, USNR (Ret)LCDR Charles A. Brown, MC, USNRCAPT John Patrick Bryant, MC, USNRCAPT Robert L. Buckley, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Rachel I. Chastanet, MC, USNRLCDR Arjun Bijoy Chatterjee, MC, USNRLCDR Michael J. Chiu, MC, USNRCDR Samuel E. Christen, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Robert Ciccia-MacLean, MC, USNRCAPT Paul Raymond Colavincenzo, MC, USNRCAPT Frederick J. Cole, Jr., MC, USNRCAPT Robert P. Colligan, MC, USNRCAPT Hubert V. Collins, Jr., MC, USNRCAPT Gene R. Conley, MC, USNRCAPT Richard A. Coulon, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT A. B. Cruz, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret)RDML Marshall E. Cusic, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret)LCDR G. Paul Dabrowski, MC, USNRCAPT Paul M. Dainer, MC, USNRCAPT Jon N. Dalton, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Robin I. Davidson, MC, USNR (Ret)LCDR Lance L. Davis, MC, USNRCAPT Rebecca E. de Villers, MC, USNRCAPT Bruce K. Defiebre, Jr., MC, USN (Ret)CDR David N. Desertspring, MC, USNRLT Chuck Q. Doan, MC, USNRCAPT Mark G. Doherty, MC, USNRCAPT William V. Dolan, MC, USNRCDR Francis J. Du Frayne, MC, USNRCAPT Tim E. Eckstein, MC, USNRCAPT Bernard H. Eichold II, MC, USNRCAPT Larry A. Eninger, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT James R. Enright, MC, USNRCAPT Paul W. Esposito, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Jeffrey E. Faaberg, MC, USNRCAPT Joel M. Feder, MC, USNRLCDR William G. Fernandez, MC, USNRCAPT Edward B. Ferrer, MC, USNRCDR Thomas R. Flipse, MC, USNRCAPT Philip R. Fogle, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT John W. Foster, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret)LCDR Willard L. Frederickson, MC, USNRLCDR Adrienne M. French, MC, USNRCAPT Stephen S. Frost, MC, USNRLCDR Lon A. Fry, MC, USNRCAPT Donald J. Galligan, MC, USNRNRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004CAPT Vera R. Garber, MC, USNRRADM Ben F. Gaumer, MC, USNRCDR Charles J. Gbur, Jr., MC, USNRCAPT Robert P. Geraci, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Peter G. Gerbino II, MC, USNRCAPT Richard H. Gettys, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret)LCDR Klaus Theodor Gottlieb, MC, USNRCDR James S. Gregory, MC, USNRCAPT Hudson V. Grumbling, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Arthur L. Hall, MC, USNRCDR Joel T. Hardin, MC, USNRCAPT Gary J. Harpold, MC, USNRCAPT Charles D. Harr, MC, USNRCAPT Rufus W. Head, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT James T. Helsper, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT William L. Hennrikus, MC, USNRCAPT John B. Henry, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Robert A. Henry, Jr., MC, USNRCDR Michael K. Herron, MC, USNRCDR Hilton O. Hosannah II, MC, USNRCAPT Iffath A. Hoskins, MC, USNRCAPT John S. Hughes, MC, USNR (Ret)LCDR Mark Hughes, MC, USNRCAPT Louis W. Irmisch, MC, USNRCAPT Robert Iskowitz, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Joseph J. Jankiewicz, MC, USNRCAPT Harry I. Johnson, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Kathryn Lee Johnson, MC, USNRCAPT Daniel M. Jones, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Paul J. Juliano, MC, USNRRADM Paul T. Kayye, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Gary P. Kearney, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT David B. Kessler, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Eric P. Kindwall, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Phillip E. King, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Richard W. King, MC, USNRLCDR Walter A. Klein, MC, USNRLCDR Mark A. Knight, MC, USNRCDR Christopher M. Kushner, MC, USNRLCDR Predrag Latkovich, MC, USNRLCDR Adam D. Lichtman, MC, USNRRADM William J. Lynch, MC, USNRLCDR Dougald F. MacArthur, MC, USNRLCDR Frank P. Madori, MC, USNRCAPT Charlynn C. Maniatis, MC, USNRCAPT Martin L. Mathiesen, MC, USNRCDR Michael D. McBeth, MC, USNRCAPT Stephen F. McCartney, MC, USNRCDR Todd W. McCune, MC, USNRCDR Michael F. McGrath, MC, USNRCDR Chauncey A. McHargue, MC, USNRCAPT Patrick H. McKenna, MC, USNRCAPT Robert T. McKinlay, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Robert McLellan, MC, USNRLCDR Joseph R. McPhee, MC, USNRCAPT J. William McRoberts, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Richard T. Meehan, MC, USNRCAPT Jacob W. Meighan, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Maria Helen Melbourne, MC, USNRCDR Kenneth L. Mendelson, MC, USNRCAPT Bruce M. Meth, MC, USNRLT Kevin D. Mikawa, MC, USNRCDR William Joseph Milliken, MC, USNRLCDR George Alfred Monroe, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Michael Anthony Montopoli, MC, USNRCDR Martin A. Morse, MC, USNRCDR Angelyn K. Moultrie-Lizana, MC, USNRCAPT Donna Sue Muller, MC, USNRLT Brian Heath Mullis, MC, USNRCAPT John G. Newby, MC, USNRCAPT Thomas E. Nolan, MC, USNRCDR Matthew E. Norman, MC, USNRRADM Robert C. Nuss, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Philip J. Oppenheimer, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Steven L. Oreck, MC, USNRCAPT Robin E. Osborn, MC, USNRCAPT K. Kip Owen, MC, USNRLT Edwin Tomoya Ozawa, MC, USNRCAPT David O. Parrish, MC, USNRCAPT Dennis J. Patin, MC, USNRCAPT Charles A. Payne, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Brian S. Pecha, MC, USNRCDR Roland W. Petri, MC, USNRCAPT Carol Ann Phillips, MC, USNRCAPT William C. Piotrowski, MC, USNRLCDR Richard T. Pitts, MC, USNRCAPT William F. Pomputius III, MC, USNRCAPT Paul J. Pontier, MC, USNRCDR Robert R. Powers, Jr., MC, USNRCAPT David C. Prickett, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Raymon D. Priewe, MC, USNRCAPT Theodore G. Probst, MC, USNR (Ret)RADM Paul V. Quinn, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Harry G. Rae, MC, USNRCAPT T. Paul Rast, MC, USNRCAPT Lawrence A. Rathbun, MC, USNR (Ret)Cont’d. next page 23

23Junior Officer of the Year andBea Ratner Award NominationsPROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:A. Drilling Reservist – Two awards, one line, one staff.B. Full-Time Support – Two awards, one line, one staff.C. For Drilling Reserve Nurse Corps officers, nomineeswill compete for both the Drilling Reserve (Staff)JOY and the NRA exclusive Bea Ratner Award.D. Deadline for FY 2004 nominations is 14 January2005. Nominations are sent to:Commander Naval Reserve Forces CommandCode N01AA4400 Dauphine StreetNew Orleans, LA 70146-51002. SELECTION CRITERIA (Should reflect “whole person”concept in relation to military performance, civilianinvolvement, and family.)a. Significant military achievements within the pastyear which warrant selection.b. Civilian experience/achievements (licenses andcertifications common to certain professions).c. Community involvement.3. ATTACHMENTFull-length 5 x 7 photo (B & W or color) inany prescribed uniform. Put full name on reverse side ofphoto.NOMINATION FORMAT1. PERSONAL INFORMATIONa. Nominee’s rank, name, SSN, designatorb. Home mailing addressc. Home and office phoned. E-mail addresse. Date of rankf. Current unit affiliation, with addressg. Date received into the current unith. Number of months at unit/commandi. Assignment history (Previous commandsboth active and Reserve, with dates.)j. AwardsREFERENCES:Additional information can be found in COMNAVRES-FOR Instruction 1650.10 dated 17 Oct. 2003, and COM-NAVRESFORCOM message 281328Z OCT04.QUESTIONS:NRA point of contact is CAPT McAtee at (703) 548-5800 orby e-mail at .Medical Corps Cyber Chapter Plank Holders – Cont’d. from page 22CAPT Ralph E. Reed, MC, USNR (Ret)LT Michael Edward Renforth, MC, USNRCAPT Frank P. Reynolds, MC, USNRCAPT James H. Ringer, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Thomas A. Risser, MC, USNRCAPT Jerome J. Roche, MC, USNRCAPT Glen Ross, MC, USNRRADM Frederic G. Sanford, MC, USN (Ret)CAPT Kathleen Y. Sawada, MC, USNRCAPT Donald R. Schafer, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Alan L. Schiller, MC, USNRCAPT Thomas A. Schultz, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Augustus B. Scott, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Daniel H. Serrato, MC, USNRCAPT William O. Shaffer, MC, USNRLCDR Cynthia S. Sikorski, MC, USNRCAPT Norman R. Silverman, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Kenneth L. Sisco, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT David Albert Smith, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Thomas L. Snyder, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT Joseph W. Sokolowski, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Alan M. Spira, MC, USNRCAPT Ronald D. Symonds, USN (Ret)CAPT E. Lee Taylor, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Jeffrey J. Tomlin, MC, USNRCAPT Russell J. Tonkin, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Theron C. Toole II, MC, USNRCAPT Felix R. Tormes, MC, USNRCAPT Donald R. Tredway, MC, USNR (Ret)LT Richard D. Van Woerkom, MC, USNRCAPT Michael I. Vengrow, MC, USNRCAPT Thomas L. Wachtel, MC, USNR (Ret)CDR Bradford Waters, MC, USNRCAPT Timothy B. Watson, MC, USNRCDR Jeffrey G. Williams, MC, USNRCAPT Christie W. Winkler, MC, USNRCDR Robert L. Yarrish, MC, USNRLCDR Rumei Yuan, MC, USNRCAPT Michael S. Ziebelman, MC, USNRNRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

24 Health AffairsHoliday PotpourriRADM Peter L. Andrus, MC, USNRNational VP for Health AffairsAn interesting aspect of my job asyour National VP for HealthAffairs is the necessity to producethis column on a monthly basis! Thechallenge is to come up with a new andinteresting topic, and it seems that thedeadline to do so shows up sooner thanone expects every month. I was wiselycounseled by RADM Bill Lynch to makefrequent use of guest authors, and havedone so with good success so far, alongwith a sprinkling of my own meanderingsin between. This month’s endeavor, whichyou will read in early December, catchesme without a unifying theme; hence I offeryou a series of vignettes that I hope are ofinterest.First: Season’s Greetings to you, whateveryour persuasion may be for celebration(Christmas, Hanukkah, or the WinterSolstice). In the wake of Thanksgiving, Ihope the month of December will affordyou some peaceful time with family andfriends in the midst of all the bustle of theholidays. Let us also not forget our shipmateswho are currently standing the watch inharm’s way and offer prayers for their safeand timely return to their families and friendswhen their tours of duty are over.Second: Let me offer “fair winds andfollowing seas” to my two fine flag colleagues,Mo Hill and Jerry West, who will concludetheir Naval careers early in 2005. RADMMo Hill came to flag rank after serving asCommanding Officer of the 4th DentalBattalion with the Marines. His initial flagbillet was as Pacific Fleet Dental Officer,with additional duty as MARFORRESDental Officer and Atlantic Fleet DentalOfficer. He subsequently served as DeputyChief of the Dental Corps. Mo has been asteadfast supporter of the Sailors whohave served under him and spearheadedthe development of the DD2813, thecivilian alternative form for documentinga Reservist’s dental status. The DD2813has been a most helpful supplement to ourSelected Reserve Dental Corps officers’exams in ensuring the dental readiness ofthe Naval Reserve Force. Mo is an officerof unparalleled integrity and patriotismwhose career of public service will continueas he pursues his duties as a councilman inhis hometown of Tom’s River, NJ. RADMJerry West also departs for our retiredranks at the end of January 2005. Jerry isa practicing optometrist from Oklahomaand served as the CO of NR Fleet HospitalDallas prior to his selection to flag rank.After an initial assignment as DeputyChief of the Medical Service Corps andcoordinator for the Fleet Hospital program,he served as the Deputy Assistant Chief ofM-10 (Reserve Affairs) at BUMED. Hisfinal tour has been as the head of M-10,and he has led the Naval Reserve MedicalForce from that venue since the fall of 2003.His leadership has seen a consolidation ofgains in the effectiveness of our medicaldepartment SELRES, and the fruition ofenhanced Active-Reserve integration acrossthe board. His insight and acumen inaddressing the myriad of issues that ariseon a daily basis have been most valuable.While his time as a serving flag officer willconclude with a retirement ceremony atthe headquarters of Fleet Hospital Dallasin late January, I am certain that his commitmentto Navy Medicine and the NavalService will continue in the years ahead.Third: Reserve medical department flagmoves as a result of Mo and Jerry’s departuresare numerous. Betsy Morris gets her secondstar and fleets up to the M-10 job, whileKaren Flaherty continues as Deputy Chiefof the Nurse Corps and becomes flagcoordinator for Program 32. Lew Libbygets his second star and takes over asDeputy Chief of the Dental Corps, whileEd Reidy relieves him in the CPF/CLF/MARFORRES jobs. Dave Maserangcontinues as Deputy Chief of the MedicalService Corps, and a new MSC flag hasbeen selected but is unknown as of thiswriting. Duret Smith and I swap jobs onthe Surgeon General's OPNAV staffand continue in our ADDU billets asMARFORRES Surgeon and CNRF ForceMedical Officer, respectively. MikeBaker continues to stand the watch asCommander, Naval Medical Forces Korea.Marshall Cusic put on his first star inOctober and remains at CPF. Ben Gaumermoves to the #2 job at M-10, and GregTimberlake relieves him at CFFC inNorfolk. Did I leave anybody out?Fourth: Medical/dental readinesscontinue to be high priority items at alllevels of the Department of Defense, andthe status of the Naval Reserve Force inthis respect is briefed to VADM Cotton ona weekly basis during a VTC for itsleadership. The RAMIS computer software,previously discussed in this column, tracksall elements of medical/dental readiness,continues to gain traction as the best systemin place for this purpose, and may becomethe DoD standard in the future. WhileRAMIS is not without its challenges, itpresents the most comprehensive and realtime picture of medical/dental readinessavailable. A color-coded scheme portrayinglevels of readiness from red (worst) throughyellow and blue to green (best) offers agraphic presentation of progress on a U.S.map divided into readiness commands/navyregions. At present, two REDCOMs andthe air units are yellow on the verge ofblue, while the other REDCOMs are blue(over 75 percent mobilizable). There has beensteady progress over recent months, as aresult of the diligent efforts of the SELRESofficers and Sailors of the medical departmentto address the medical/dental readinessneeds of the Naval Reserve Force.Fifth: Navy Medicine has a newSurgeon General, Vice Admiral DonArthur, as I am sure that many of you areaware. I have known VADM Arthur forover ten years and have followed his careerfrom the early ’90s when we were bothcaptains. He is an outstanding “leanforward” leader whose priorities are inexcellent alignment with those of theCNO, Admiral Vern Clark, and ourReserve boss, VADM John Cotton.Active-Reserve Integration is a prominentbullet in his “top five.” He had a first-handopportunity to experience the benefit ofthe Naval Reserve Medical Force as CO atBethesda, when our Reservists fell in athis command and performed so admirablyduring the early, large scale mobilizationfor OIF.See you again next month!NRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

Letters25Dear Admiral Keith,Captain Swanson’s cautionary note(“Letters,” July 2004) makes a useful pointregarding the use of Social Security numberson military ID cards. I would note thatMedicare cards, which citizens past age 65of necessity carry in their wallets or purses,and are subject to theft, also bear theirowner’s SSN. In some states the SSN also isused on drivers’ licenses, providing yetanother possibility for identity theft.Leonard C. JohnsonLieutenant Commander, USNR (Ret)Dear Captain McAtee,There is no widow’s tax! Federal retireespay 11 percent and have no offset of survivorincome from 55 percent to 35 percent.Federal retirees cannot choose to have anoffset – they pay 11 percent.Military retirees can pay the same 11 percentand have no offset from 55 percent to 35percent. If a military retiree chooses to havean offset, they only pay 6.5 percent. Themilitary retiree has more options than thefederal retiree.There is presently and never has been anyinequity between the two plans – they areequivalent.There is no Widow’s Tax – only a choicethat was made and now would like to change.Now that the military retiree better understandsthe choice made earlier, offer themthe opportunity to retroactively make up themissing 4.5 percent over the years to eliminatethe offset that they chose in the beginning.Dear Captain McAtee,Gray MorrisonThank you for writing such a comprehensivecomparison of IRR and VTU status. This isbetter information than I was able to getfrom anyone in my chain of command twoyears ago when I chose to go IRR. There aremany reasons why someone might chooseto go IRR, including residing overseas orcommitments which temporarily preventparticipation in the drilling reserves. I thinkthat this is a status that deserves more attentionfrom the NRA. Thank you for beginning toaddress this gap in information.Lisa RielageLieutenant Commander, USNRDear Captain McAtee,I wanted to send you a note that I checkedmy ODC online with BUPERs today andfound my missing NAM and COM awardsdocumented. Thank you for all the help! Iam now starting the process of getting threeNOBCs documented. Hopefully, it won’t takeas long. Once again, Thanks!John GrzesinskiLieutenant Commander, SC, USNRAs a reservist your jobmight change,but ours stays the same.Compare SGLI to theNavy Mutual Family PlanThis plan includes $250,000 coverage for you, theservice member, and $100,000 for your spouse,assuming you are both healthy non-smokers, and$10,000 coverage for your children.✪ From part-time service to active duty, we’re alwaysthere for you and your family.✪ Call 1-800-628-6011 ext. 105, e-mail counselor@navymutual.orgNAVY MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATIONServing: Navy • Marines • Coast Guard • NOAA • Public Health ServiceA Veterans Benefit Association Since 1879w w w . n a v y m u t u a l . o r gNRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

26 Info That You Can Use2004 YEAR-END TAX SAVING TIPSBy LT Marc J. Soss, SC, USNRWith December 31st quickly approaching, it is now time toconsider how you can save more in taxes than you have inthe past and better utilize your assets. Many individualsview paying taxes with an “IRS against me” attitude. The followingplanning ideas and recommendations are meant to give you theadvantage, to the extent legally possible.Contributions to Charitable and NonProfitOrganizations:An individual may make unlimited annual contributions, duringhis/her lifetime, to charitable and nonprofit organizations (like theNaval Reserve Association). From a financial standpoint, it isrecommended that the contributions be made at year-end so you notonly will have full use of the money during the year, but also will receivethe corresponding tax deduction. One of the most common contributionsconsists of highly-appreciated assets. The contribution allows thecontributor to avoid the realization of capital gains, and the recipientorganization can convert it to cash without paying any tax (capitalgains or income). Charitable remainder and lead trusts, gift annuities,and life estates are also options that can benefit a charity and producea year-end tax deduction for a grantor. Annual contributions must becompleted before December 31st in order to be deductible in thatyear on your state and federal income tax returns.Children:Depending upon your income tax bracket, it might make financialsense to shift taxable income to a child in a lower tax bracket. Thisstrategy may result in income that might otherwise be taxed as highas 35 percent, being taxed to a child at just 10 percent or 15 percent.This planning technique is very effective for children who can earnup to the standard deduction amount of tax-free income with onlyexcess amount taxable at the child's lower tax rate.Timing of Investment Transactions:Over the course of the year, many individuals have sold capitalassets to take advantage of the long-term capital gains tax ratesbetween 5 percent (for those in the 10 percent or 15 percent taxbrackets) and 15 percent (all other tax rates). However, one of the mostoverlooked tax deductions is the capital loss deduction. The lossesmay be used to offset capital gains and up to $3,000 of ordinaryincome that would otherwise be taxable. Excess capital losses maybe carried forward for use in future years.Medical Spending and Health Savings Accounts:Flexible Spending AccountsAllow eligible employees to defer part of their compensation, on apretax basis, to defray the cost of unreimbursed medical and dentalcare (including for their spouses and dependents care). Under thecurrent IRS rules, at year-end, you forfeit all unused account funds.In order to avoid this result, it is recommended that you scheduleannual checkups and medical procedures prior to year-end andexhaust all account funds.Dependent Care Spending AccountsPermit eligible employees to save up to $5,000 of pretax incomefor dependent care expenses (baby-sitters, day care, or the care of aparent). Once the expense is incurred and properly substantiated, theaccount will reimburse the employee on a pretax basis. Under thecurrent IRS rules, at year-end, you forfeit all unused account funds.In order to avoid this result, the account owner should conservativelyplan dependent care expenses to insure exhaustion of all accountfunds by year-end.Education:529 PlansState operated investment plans that provide a federal tax-free wayto save for college. Plan contributions are made with after-tax dollars;however, some states allow a partial tax deduction for the contribution.Tuition PaymentsIn addition to annual gifts, an individual may make tax-free tuitionpayments (directly to an institution) on behalf of another. Thepayments serve to decrease the size of their estate and may provide anabove-the-line deduction for them. The $3,000 tax deduction may beavailable to individuals with modified adjusted gross incomes (AGI)of less than $65,000 ($130,000 for a married couple filing jointly)and are not claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.Student Loan InterestAn above-the-line deduction may be available for student loaninterest paid on any “qualified education loan.” The maximumdeduction amount is $2,500 and is phased out at modified AGIlevels between $100,000 and $130,000 for joint filers (between$50,000 and $65,000 for individual taxpayers).Retirement Accounts:Traditional IRAsIndividuals who are not active participants in an employer pensionplan may be eligible to make tax-deductible contributions to an IRA.The annual deductible contribution limit is $3,000 and is subject toAGI restrictions. In addition, active plan participants may maketax-deductible contributions to an IRA, subject to AGI restrictions.401K and Pension PlansEligible employees may defer up to $13,000 into a plan, subject toplan restrictions. An employer may also match employee plancontributions. The contributions will decrease your taxable incomeand grow tax deferred for future use.Catch-up ContributionsFor eligible individuals (those over age 50), the catch-up provisionsallow for the deferral of an additional $500 into an IRA and $3,000into a 401(k) or similar type plan. The deferral will serve to decreaseyour AGI and taxes and allow additional funds to grow tax deferredfor the future.Miscellaneous:Sales TaxThe American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 provides, at the electionof the taxpayer, the following options: (I) a deduction for theitemized amount of state and local sales taxes paid in a year; or (II)a Treasury established deduction amount based on the following:(a) average consumption on a state-by-state basis; (b) account filingstatus; (c) number of dependents; (d) adjusted gross income; and (e)rates of state and local general sales taxation. Under option (II), thetaxpayer would also be eligible to deduct general sales taxes paidwith respect to the purchase of motor vehicles, boats, and other itemsspecified by the Treasury Secretary.Miscellaneous Itemized DeductionsThis deduction is available to the extent that it exceeds more thanNRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

27two percent of a taxpayer’s AGI for theyear. In order to reach this threshold, itmay be beneficial to extend subscriptionsfor professional journals, pay unionand professional dues, and pay tuition forjob-related courses to get as many of thesedeductions as possible into one year.Medical ExpensesAmounts paid for medical-relatedexpenses (including health insurancepremiums, medical examinations, electivesurgery, prescription refills, dentalwork, and prescription eyewear) aredeductible to the extent that they exceed7.5 percent of AGI.Social SecurityDepending upon a recipient’s modifiedAGI, up to 85 percent of his/her SocialSecurity benefits may be taxable. Toreduce that percentage, it may bebeneficial to accelerate or defer thereceipt of other retirement income intothe current or future years. It is importantto understand that increased itemizeddeductions will not decrease AGI, thecalculation threshold.NRA’sScholarshipProgram2005-2006APPLY NOW!LT Soss is a tax, estate planning, and corporate attorney in Sarasota, FL. Hecan be reached at .Are You Approching Age 60?To provide a more automated,easier, and faster applicationprocess for retired pay, NRPC hasplaced the entire “retired pay application”online for quick downloading.NRPC will no longer mail out theapplication package for retired pay atage 60. Instead, those Reservists eligibleto receive retired pay at age 60 due to apreviously issued Notice of Eligibility(NOE) will be sent a letter explainingthe new application procedure. Includedin the letter will be a password whichenables the Reservist to access theappropriate forms for downloading.What forms make up the applicationpackage? Available for downloading willbe:a. Instruction Sheet, which includes Website for accessing form for SBPelection if no previous election(direct or automatic) was made.b. DD Form 108 Application for RetiredPay Benefits.c. Direct Deposit Authorization forprocessing federal net payments.d. NRPC Form 1800/10 Questionnairefor Applicants for Retired Pay.e. Form W-4 for tax withholding.By CAPT Tom McAtee, USNR (Ret)NAVAL RESERVE PERSONNEL CENTER (NRPC) HAS CHANGEDHOW THEY SEND OUT THE APPLICATION FOR RETIRED PAY ATAGE 60.After completion of forms, all formsshould be mailed directly to NRPCCode N32 no later than 90 days beforereaching age 60 to ensure a prompt firstretirement deposit.SOME HELPFUL HINTS. First,make sure NRPC has your currentaddress so the initial letter reaches youin a timely manner. Second, verify yourretirement point total way in advance ofage 60. Most Reservists can obtain acopy of their Annual Statement ofService History (ASOSH) logging onto. An alternativeavenue is to call the NRPC CustomerService Desk at 1-866-250-4778 andrequest a copy of your ASOSH. Third,resolve any retirement point discrepancieswith NRPC before applying for retiredpay. And, finally, if a RCSBP/SBPelection is to be made, understandthe program requirements and optionsavailable to you. For RCSBP informationgo to .As always, if you have questions, callCAPT McAtee at 1-866-672-4968.NRA is accepting scholarshipapplications for sons and daughtersof members for the 2005/2006academic year. Deadline for completedapplications is 1 May 2005.Applicants desiring to apply mustadhere to the following requirements:Must be children of NRA members.Must be a U.S. citizen.Under 24 years of age. (Waiver foractive duty service time)Must have registered with the draft,if eligible.Must be enrolled in or accepted forfull-time enrollment at an accreditedcollege, university, or a fullyaccreditedtechnical school.Although not required for application,applications are particularlydesired from individuals who havedemonstrated an interest in the hardsciences, such as mathematics,medicine, and engineering.Applications are available online at. For moreinformation, contact:Educational Assistance ProgramNaval Reserve Association1619 King StreetAlexandria, VA 22314-2793Tel.: (703) 548-5800E-mail: admin@navy-reserve.orgMEMBER CONTRIBUTIONSTO SUSTAIN THIS PROGRAMARE ALWAYS WELCOME!NRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

28Reservists in ActionChange of Command, Mission for CondorsNAVAL AIR STATIONJOINT RESERVE BASEWILLOW GROVE, PA –Change was the word of the dayfor members of Patrol Squadron64 when they held a change ofcommand ceremony in theirhangar here on 18 September.First, the commanding officerposition of the squadron changedhands when CDR Mark R.Greenwood relieved CDRStephen R. Speed. As soon asGreenwood took charge of theCondors, the squadron changedmissions and roles in the supportof the Global War on Terrorismas they transitioned to a fleetlogistic support squadron.“The part that has me excitedis, very shortly after this ceremony,we’re going to have aircraft onthe ramp. Before you know it,those Navy-painted C-130s aregoing to be flying in and out ofthe Grove on local trainingflights as we continue to train ourpeople, so we’re back in business,”said Greenwood. “As a VRsquadron, we’re looking forwardto supporting the fleet by bringingthe warfighters the tools theyneed to get the mission done.”Since the day the Condorsfound out they were going totransition into VR-64, CDR Speed has been at the helm,focused on preparing the squadron so it would be ready for its newmission.“The biggest hurdles have been getting people trained. It’s awhole new platform with a whole new mission. Everybody’sreally excited about it,” said Speed, the last commanding officerof VP-64, who will now report to the Naval Reserve ManagementAnalysis Office in Washington, DC. “What these Condors haveaccomplished over the past few months is nothing short ofphenomenal. I’ve been amazed at their dedication. I’ve beenamazed at what they have accomplished, and I've beenamazed at the way they have continued to tackle the manyobstacles that have been thrown in front of them.”Even though the squadron hasn’t received their inventory ofaircraft yet, they have done everything else to be ready for theirnew role. Gone are their P-3C Orions and the radars needed toconduct antisurface warfare, antisubmarine warfare, and aerialBy Senior Chief Journalist (SW) Doug HummelNAS JRB Willow Grove Public Affairs OfficeCDR Mark R. Greenwood (right), the first CommandingOfficer of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 64, addresseshis squadron after they were redesignated from a patrolsquadron during a ceremony held in Hangar 175 here on 18September. CDR Stephen R. Speed (left), the 25th and finalCommanding Officer of VP-64, looks on. [Photo by SeniorChief Journalist (SW) Doug Hummel]mine warfare operations.Personnel have been trained andmaintenance equipment has beenacquired to support the C-130Hercules planes that will providetransportation for troops,supplies, and gear all over theglobe.“I’m really excited about beingdone with training and gettingback to work and doing somethingfor the Navy. I know thatthe P-3 mission is important, butthe C-130 mission seems to havemore of a direct impact (on thewar on terrorism) because we'llbe supporting the troops on thefront lines in Iraq,” said AviationStructural Mechanic 3rd ClassBurton Rheutan, an air framerin the Condors maintenancedepartment who's been trainingto became a loadmaster on theC-130. “This transition has givenme an opportunity to broadenmy horizon and to do somethingnew and exciting.”“I feel very fortunate to be partof this,” said Greenwood aboutbeing the first CommandingOfficer of VR-64. “I don’t knowif I necessarily feel that muchdifferent than the most juniorSailor in the command who’sgoing to be a plank owner of thisnew command. For me, it’s just an opportunity to see the greatwork that people are doing in support of the effort overseas.”Greenwood, the Condors former Executive Officer, has beenwith them since he became a Selected Reservist in 1993. Sincethen, he has requalified as a patrol plane instructor pilot, missioncommander, and functional check pilot. He has also served asmaintenance officer, operations officer, and executive assistantwhile completing numerous overseas detachments in support offleet requirements.In 1985, Greenwood, a native of Scarboro, ME, received hiscommission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corpsprogram at the University of Notre Dame where he earned hisBachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in International Relations.He was commissioned an ensign in May 1985 and reported toNaval Air Station Whiting Field, FL, for Naval Flight School. Hereceived his wings at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, TX, inAugust 1986.NRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

29Information Operations Fleet Support forSummer Pulse ‘04Sailors and officers assigned to theFleet Information Warfare Center(FIWC) provided direct operationalsupport to numerous Navy combatants aspart of the Defense Department's SummerPulse ‘04 exercise (PULSEX) that began on2 June 2004. This action was a combinedActive-Reserve success story to exercise howFIWC watch teams will provide dedicatedinformation operations (IO) “reach-back” tosupport real-world naval operations.The Navy simultaneously deployed sevenCarrier Strike Groups (CSGs) and twoExpeditionary Strike Groups (ESGs) on 2June for PULSEX, the first demonstrationof a new operational technique the Navy willemploy to provide credible combat powerin accordance with the Fleet ResponsePlan. The FIWC manned a 24-hour MiniIntegration Center (MIC) throughoutthe exercise to provide IO “reach-back”support to all of the participating CSGs andESGs. Reservists stood all of the weekendwatches for the two-month exercise, servingside by side with active FIWC membersto provide this support.The goal is to empower the fleet to integrate better computernetwork operations, electronic warfare, military deception,psychological operations, and operational security into naval andjoint warfighting operations. While active duty teams fromFIWC deploy to fleet units in limited numbers to provide directIW support, the command also has created the MIC to provideadditional assistance and resources to the fleet on all matterspertaining to IO.“Giving the fleet the ability to reach back for IO support willhelp to integrate effectively IO into fleet exercises and real wordoperations,” said CAPT Randy Nees, Commanding Officer ofNR FIWC HQ, “while reducing the requirements for forwarddeployed manning.”NR FIWC HQ provided 40 man-days of support for PULSEXin the MIC through the use of flexible drilling, a process toreschedule regular drills to provide operational support when andwhere needed. By working weekend shifts, FIWC's Reservepersonnel help satisfy the supported command’s 24/7 IO fleetreach-back support mission.“It’s a logical fit . . . we’re here on weekends any way,” saidCDR Jack Granger, assistant operations officer in NR FIWCHQ’s operations department (N3) who orchestrated the unit’ssupport. “The supported command’s feedback has been reallypositive. FIWC’s Sailors are routinely deployable, meaning theyhave to leave their families routinely. When Reserve personnel(L to R) CDR Walt Romano, CDR Jack Granger, and CDR James Anderson of NR FleetInformation Warfare Center (FIWC) Headquarters stand watch at FIWC’s MiniIntegration Center in support of Summer Pulse ‘04 exercise (PULSE EX). FIWCReservists provided valuable operational support during the Department of Defenseexercise. (Official U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Gabriella Hurtado)man the watch on the weekends, it allows supported commandpersonnel to have a bit of a breather.”Reserve qualifications for standing watches in the MIC areidentical to those to which the active FIWC members are held.All watchstanders have a base level of IO training as it must betransparent to the fleet whether they are working with a Reservistor an active FIWC member. In order to prepare further forPULSEX, numerous NR FIWC HQ personnel trained onGCCS-M (Global Command and Control System - Maritime), asystem that provides near real-time tracking of air, surface andsubsurface contacts to give a common operational picture.“When you get a warfare pin, there is a certain level of IO builtinto it; and most of our watchstanders are warfare qualified,” saidGranger, whose civilian job is being a production manager forCruise Missile Support Activity in Norfolk. “Because the MICand the reach-back IO are relatively new concepts for FIWC,having early Reserve involvement in this process will enable usto integrate better in the months ahead.”“With the emerging significance of information warfare,” saidCDR Walt Romano, NR FIWC’s operations officer, “this effort isa prime example of how the Reserve and Active Componentscome together to support the fleet.”The FIWC team (Active and Feserve) learned lessons fromparticipating in PULSEX that will increase their ability to provideeffective IO reach-back support to the fleet in the future.NRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

30In MemoriamEditor’s Note: The following is a list of the known names of members of the Naval Reserve Association whohave passed away. The information in parenthesis beside each name is the state, district, and chapter. Thesenames have been accumulated from 1 August 2004 to 31 October 2004, from surviving spouses, newspapers,obituaries, etc. Any NRA members aware of any other member deceased, and not previously published in NRANEWS, please notify us. May they rest in peace.CAPT Willis M. Allen, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-034)CAPT Ross K. Anderson, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-133)LCDR George M. Baker, USNR (Ret) (TX, 8-092)LT Lillian Barron (Canada, 99-099)CAPT Charles W. Barrow, JAGC, USNR (Ret) (TX, 8-093)CDR Richard L. Benjamin, USNR (Ret) (OR, 13-080)CAPT George R. Bryan, Jr., USN (Ret) (NM, 8-024)LCDR Harold R. Chandler, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-172)LCDR Norman V. Chatfield, USNR (Ret) (UT, 12-084)CAPT William T. Clapham, USNR (Ret) (HI, 14-053)CDR Edward J. Compton, USNR (Ret) (FL, 9-081)LCDR Eugene F. Corcoran, USNR (Ret) (FL, 6-221)CDR Carl N. Crouse, USNR (Ret) (WA, 13-116)CAPT Charles R. Cunningham, USNR (Ret) (WA, 13-052)CDR Willis V. Dalton, MC, USNR (Ret) (AZ, 11-090)LCDR Ida M. Demario, USNR (Ret) (CO, 9-059)CDR Robert L. Donovan, CEC, USNR (Ret) (PA, 4-148)LCDR Locke F. Edmondson, USNR (Ret) (AR, 8-127)CAPT John B. Eskew, USNR (Ret) (FL, 6-139)CWO2 Floyd A. Ferguson, USN (Ret) (WA, 13-117)LCDR Jack Fortenberry, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-034)CDR Lloyd B. Foster, USNR (Ret) (IA, 9-205)RADM John W. Gates, Jr., USNR (Ret) (RI, 1-190)CAPT Robert J. Gutheim, USNR (Ret) (MD, 5-011)LT William H. Hamrick, USNR (Ret) (NC, 6-178)CDR Nellie L. Happ, USN (Ret) (OK, 8-094)CDR Charles P. Hibberd, USNR (Ret) (NC, 6-136)LTJG William R. Hickman, Jr., USNR (Ret) (TX, 8-157)CAPT Rowland S. Hodge, SC, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-172)LCDR F. Russell Jacobson, USNR (Ret) (OR, 13-115)CAPT Stanwood W. Johnson, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-034)LCDR Albert B. Kelly, USNR (Ret) (NC, 6-129)CAPT John F. Kerrigan, USNR (Ret) (CA, 12-044)CWO4 John B. King, Jr., USNR (Ret) (OR, 13-080)CAPT Albert J. Kozischek, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-133)CAPT Alan M. Kyle, USNR (Ret) (CT, 3-074)LCDR Lois F. Latsch, MSC, USNR (Ret) (WI, 9-019)CAPT Charles C. Leary, USNR (Ret) (IL, 9-050)CAPT Eugene H. Lowrance, Jr., USNR (Ret) (CO, 9-030)CWO4 Jack E. Lowther, USNR (Ret) (IA, 9-199)LCDR Allen D. Martin, USNR (Ret) (LA, 8-149)CAPT Richard L. McFarland, USNR (Ret) (MO, 9-025)LCDR John Charles McGuire, USNR (Ret) (MO, 9-030)LCDR Lewis N. McHoes, USNR (Ret) (PA, 4-200)CAPT Kenneth W. McKinney, USNR (Ret) (TX, 8-058)CAPT Charles S. Melvin, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-133)CAPT Robert H. Meyer, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-171)CAPT Harold R. Mikwold, USNR (Ret) (MN, 9-076)LCDR George H. Miller, USNR (Ret) (FL, 6-221)LCDR Neal D. Miller, USNR (Ret) (PA, 4-207)LCDR Elizabeth S. Miller, USNR (Ret) (AL, 6-018)CDR Richard J. Mitchell, USNR (Ret) (MA, 1-107)CAPT Robert E. Mitchell, Jr., MC, USNR (Ret) (VA, 5-114)ADM Thomas H. Moorer, USN (Ret) (MD, 5-011)CAPT Friel Mullins, USNR (Ret) (TN, 6-144)CDR Robert L. Murphy, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-034)CAPT Stephen P. Murphy, MC, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-034)LTJG Carroll T. Nelson, USNR (Ret) (CA, 12-047)CDR Alvin G. Orr, USNR (Ret) (MN, 9-096)CDR Carl H. Oscarson, USNR (Ret) (IL, 9-050)CDR John J. Pertsch, USNR (Ret) (VA, 5-098)LCDR William M. Phillips, USNR (Ret) (OH, 4-218)LCDR Troy M. Porterfield, USNR (Ret) (CA, 12-047)CDR D. Clinton Prescott, Jr., USNR (Ret) (WA, 13-052)CAPT Emory C. Rice, Jr., USNR (Ret) (MD, 5-007)LCDR William P. Rinderer, Jr., USNR (Ret) (OK, 8-094)LCDR Jack Rushing, USNR (Ret) (NM, 8-024)CDR Myron H. Russ, USNR (Ret) (OR, 13-115)LCDR Daniel F. Sallows, USNR (Ret) (NY, 3-004)CAPT Bill H. Saul, USNR (Ret) (IL, 9-025)LCDR Richard M. Schaughency, USNR (Ret) (FL, 6-139)CAPT Arthur F. Schoenig, USNR (Ret) (TX, 8-086)LCDR Harold Frank Scott, USNR (Ret) (PA, 4-200)CAPT Anthony K. Sie, USNR (Ret) (NJ, 3-186)LCDR John F. Skelly, USN (Ret) (CA, 11-034)CDR Frankland Smith, CEC, USNR (Ret) (OR, 13-080)WO1 Joseph O. Soares, USN (Ret) (FL, 6-119)CAPT Peter J. Speros, USNR (Ret) (CA, 12-044)LT Robert L. Teel, USNR (Ret) (KS, 9-030)CDR Charles W. Thissell, USNR (Ret) (MS, 6-191)CAPT Creed C. Thomas, USNR (Ret) (VA, 5-098)CDR James R. Tippett, Jr., USNR (Ret) (MD, 5-007)CAPT Harry B. Tipton, MC, USNR (Ret) (WY, 9-072)LCDR William H. Ulery, USNR (Ret) (OR, 13-115)CAPT John L. Volz, USNR (Ret) (CA, 12-044)AK1 Donald D. Walden, USNR (Ret) (TX, 8-093)CAPT Earl J. Watt, USNR (Ret) (CT, 3-187)LCDR William E. Watts, MC, USNR (Ret) (WA, 13-116)RADM George A. Weaver, USNR (Ret) (FL, 6-221)CDR William E. Weeks, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-034)CAPT Waldo W. Wegner, CEC, USNR (Ret) (IA, 9-184)LCDR William K. Weldon, USNR (Ret) (TN, 6-066)CAPT James F. White, USNR (Ret) (MO, 9-025)CAPT C. David White, USNR (Ret) (MO, 9-025)CAPT Joseph R. Wiebush, USNR (Ret) (FL, 6-221)LT William H. Willkens, USNR (Ret) (PA, 4-200)CDR James W. Wilson, USNR (Ret) (TX, 8-093)CAPT W. Graham Wilson (NC, 6-138)CDR Marshall E. Woodell, USNR (Ret) (OR, 13-115)CDR Richard B. Woolley, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-034)CAPT William Harold Zehrt, CEC, USNR (Ret) (AL, 6-213)RADM Roman G. Ziolkowski, DC, USNR (Ret) (CA, 11-033)NRA NEWS/DECEMBER 2004

Public Service Announcement31.Located on “America’s Main Street” in Washington, D.C., the U.S.Navy Memorial houses the Navy Log, a collection of names,photographs and individual stories of the men and women who’veserved in any of the U.S. Sea Services.If you served or are currently serving in the Navy, Marine Corps, CoastGuard or Merchant Marine, you’re eligiblefor this unique honor – for all you’ve doneto answer the call of duty in America’s SeaServices, and for devoting so much of yourselfto protecting our country’s freedom.*For information about the Navy Log, write to theU.S. Navy Memorial Foundation, Attn: Navy Log,701 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., #123, Washington,D.C. 20004-2608, or visit our web site.Sample Navy Log entry with picture.*A minimum $25 tax-deductible donation to the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation is required for enrollment into the Log. A photo may be added for an additional $25 donation.©2004 U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation.

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