Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
UNITED STATES SUBMARINE VETERANS CONVENTION
BROTHERS OF THE 'PHIN 2014 GOING TO SAN FRANCISCO
USSVI GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION HOSTED BY MARE ISLAND BASE USSVI
CONVENTION WEBSITE: http://www.ussvigoldenanniversary2014sf.org
I was going to place a Business Card ad in their convention magazine, but I missed the deadline.
USSVI GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION HOSTED BY MARE ISLAND BASE USSVI
CONVENTION WEBSITE: http://www.ussvigoldenanniversary2014sf.org
I was going to place a Business Card ad in their convention magazine, but I missed the deadline.
Friday, July 4, 2014
HAPPY 4TH - FREEDOM REMEMBERED
Two of our dear friends remain in our hearts as they sailed the heavens above.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Bernerd J. Flanagan USS SENNET
My Grandfather Bernerd J. Flanagan left us earlier this evening it
was very peaceful he was sleeping, he quickly went down hill the past few days
he started hallucinating a couple days ago & from what he was saying he
thought he was back on one of the Subs fixing things so they could get it out
to sea. He seemed very happy & hard at work. I thank you again for passing
on my original email it made him very happy to know yall were thinking of him.
-Rebecca
-Rebecca
Bernie served aboard
Sennet as an EM2(SS) twice. Once during the years 1947-1951 and again
1954-1955.
WWII HISTORY VIDEO
Today's history lesson .
A true story about 19 marines killed on an island (defending
against the Japanese).
They had to retreat, so asked the islanders to please bury them for us.
Years later, they checked and found a man who had been a teenager then and remembered where they were buried.
They had to retreat, so asked the islanders to please bury them for us.
Years later, they checked and found a man who had been a teenager then and remembered where they were buried.
They sent a C130 and an honor guard over there and found all 19
had been buried with their helmets on, their rifles in their hands,
in perfect condition. The islanders had really done a wonderful job. As
they were loading the bodies, a voice from out of nowhere started singing
"The Marine Hymn"..........gave everyone goose
bumps.
Turns out, the voice was from a man who spoke no English but remembered a song the Marines taught him when they landed. Very touching. They got all 19 and their photos are at the end.
Turns out, the voice was from a man who spoke no English but remembered a song the Marines taught him when they landed. Very touching. They got all 19 and their photos are at the end.
This of course was WW2!
IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS - BE SURE YOU'RE SITTING DOWN. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE GESTURES FOR
WHICH THERE ARE NO WORDS. Click on link below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=C6f_FvZpm3g
OLD NAVAL HOME, GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI
FLEET RESERVE
ASSOCIATION
“Old Naval Home”
BRANCH 307
Gulfport, Mississippi
Serving Active Duty, Reserve and Retired Enlisted
Personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
President Vice
President Secretary/Treasurer Chaplain
Harry RHIZOR Pete PETERSEN Bob Rutherford Tom BUTLER
1800 Beach Drive 1800 Beach Drive 1800 Beach Drive 1800 Beach Driv
C435 A617
A320 B434
Gulfport, MS 39507 Gulfport,
MS 39507
Gulfport. Ms 39507 Gulfport,
MS 39507
228 206 2356 228 265
8143 228 563 8143
228 265 5091
MAA – BOD’S
Sanders
Odom C522 JPP Mike Oliver Sanders Odom C522 Roland
Warren B827
Charles Jenkins A826 Charlie Smith C633 Tom Butler B434
Bill Jossandal C519
JULY
2014 MEMBERSHIP AT 103 34
LIFE MEMBERS
NEXT MEETING - Our next meeting will on Thursday, 10 July 2014,
at 1400 in the James B Cooper theatre..
All branch members, MAL’s and other branch members, are welcome to attend. Main topic - Activities
for the coming year for the branch.
BINNACLE LIST: Good news – no one was
reported for this period. Hope all is
well.
OBIT
|
Chester
Nez ► 04 Jun 2014 - The final member of the original Navajo code talkers, the
group of 28 Native Americans who played a crucial role for U.S. communications
during World War II, has died. Chester Nez died Wednesday in Albuquerque,
confirmed Judy Avila, who helped Nez write his memoirs. He was 93.
WEARING
OF FRA HAT - Rituals Section27 (edited) The FRA cap may be worn, upon
entering the meeting hall and remain on during the meeting, except when
directed to uncover, at which time, the president will give three taps of the
gavel and all shipmates stand and lay their FRA caps on their left shoulder and
bow their heads. (Rituals 2703 (i)). When attending a funeral -
(Rituals 2712 (d) The Fleet Reserve Association cap should be held
over the heart, with the right hand as one approches the casket; it is not worn
at anytime in a church, mortuary chapel, except by the color guard and the
guard of honor. (e) FRA members not in formation will uncover upon
entering a church or mortuary chapel and remain uncovered during the entire
service and will re-cover after leaving. (f) At the graveside or
during Memorial Day services, the cap should be held in the right hand at the
left shoulder during the entire service, except for the color guard and the
guard of honor.
FOOD PANTRY - This project is doing "Great" due to a few of
the regular monthly donors.
All donations are welcome and
we thanks those that buy food items and put it in the basket in front of
security. We had over 3,600 pounds of
food donated to date.
NEW
BRANCH OFFICERS - See top of page. Committee chairs are the
same. Need chairperson for Youth and Public Relation committees, see
branch president, if interested.
SMILES
- One
night at Cheers (TV Sitcom),
Cliff Clavin said to his buddy, Norm Peterson: "Well,
ya see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move
as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest
and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is
good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole
group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members! ; In much
the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain
cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But
naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way,
regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain
a faster and more efficient machine! That's why you always feel smarter after a
few beers.
"24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a
case. Coincidence? I think not."
H. L. Mencken
DIC
► H.R.4171 Would Provide
Rate Increase
0EDITOR NOTE: This is a bill in the House. It won't
reduce what the spouses get now. I just wanted to let you know that the
spouses aren't left with nothing, as many people think.)
· Add $258 if at the time of the veteran's
death, the veteran was in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a
service-connected disability rated totally disabling (including a rating based
on individual unemployability) for a continuous period of at least 8 years
immediately preceding death AND the surviving spouse was married to the veteran
for those same 8 years. (38 U.S.C. 1311(a)(2)).
Rep. John Tierney (MA) on 22 MAY
introduced H.R.4171, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an
increase in the amount of monthly dependency and indemnity compensation payable
to surviving spouses by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The first section would raise DIC to 55 percent of what a 100%
disabled veteran receives. At present a veteran with no dependents rated 100%
receives $2,858.24 monthly. The second section prohibits the increased amount
(the difference between what they receive now and the increase) from causing a
reduction in SBP benefits. Surviving spouses as of 1 DEC 2012 are entitled to
receive a Basic Monthly Rate of $1215 with the following additional allowances:
· ·
·
Add $301 per child for each dependent
child under age 18 (38 U.S.C. 1311(b)). Add $301if the surviving spouse is entitled to A&A,. (38 U.S.C.
1311(c)).
Add $141 If the surviving spouse is entitled to Housebound (38 U.S.C. 1311(d)).
Add $141 If the surviving spouse is entitled to Housebound (38 U.S.C. 1311(d)).
This is a step forward in care for
those who have lost loved ones due to service connected injury or illness. The
bill is referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for further
consideration. [Source: NAUS Weekly Update May 23, 2014 & http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/resources_comp03.asp#BM01
May 14 ++]
NOTES
OF INTEREST - COLA. The Consumer Price Index
climbed for the 5th straight month in April, rising to 233.443. It now stands
1.4 percent above the FY2014 COLA baseline of 230.327. Enlistments. The military is getting picky in recruiting; only 20% of
applicants qualify. 2014 recruiting goal
of 57,000 is lowest in 10 years. Obesity, tattoos, and minor criminal
records exclude 80% of applicants.
ENDORMENTS FOR NVP -
At our last meeting we had letters from two shipmates running for the office of
National Vice President, requesting our endorsement for said shipmate for that
office. A motion was made that we endorse a candidate was made an
seconded. Under discussions, both, of the candidates letters were
presented. A motion to table the motion till the next meeting was
made, so the branch secretary could make copies of both letters and distribute
them to the shipmates that normally attend our branch meeting and then, both,
candidates names will be entered on a ballot and a vote will be tallied and the
winner will be endorsed by the branch for said office. If you have not
received a copy of the letters and would like one, please call the branch
secretary (228 563 8143)and he will see that you get a hard copy before the
next meeting.
MILITARY PAY -
(Edited) The Virginian-Pilot | Jun 23, 2014 | by Dianna Cahn
NORFOLK -- Whether you are military or civilian, enlisted or
officer -- mention military pay in
this region and you are likely to hear an earful. To some, the topic is synonymous with the
nation's commitment to those who serve and sacrifice on its behalf. Others see
military pay and benefits surpassing civilian wages and question whether
they're too generous, especially as Congress grapples with reductions in
defense spending. It's an emotional issue, especially in Hampton Roads, where
military pay drives the economy. Service
members give up a lot to serve in the armed forces. They can readily be placed
in harm's way and often spend months at a time away from their families, said
retired Vice Adm. Pete Daly of the U.S. Naval Institute.
"You give up a lot of freedoms," Daly said.
"They own you. You go where you are told to go. That's a very difficult
part to quantify in pay. What's the value in that?" Advocates on both sides have legitimate
arguments, and a Pentagon proposal that includes capping pay raises, cutting 5
percent from housing allowances and overhauling military health insurance has
met with resistance from lawmakers. But
experts agree that cuts are coming and reductions would directly affect the
region.
A Navy seaman or an
Army private 1st
class, who would typically have two to three years of service, would take home
just over $1,805 a month in base pay and an additional $1,380 in housing
allowance, if he or she has a family. Annual compensation totals about $45,000
on the RMC charts.
A typical E-5 -- an Army sergeant or a Navy petty officer
2nd class -- has six years in service, makes $2,735 a month and, with
dependents, qualifies for a housing allowance of $1,497 (or, without
dependents, $1,203). The annual compensation package is about $60,000.
An officer's base pay is higher, more comparable to a
college graduate's. So an O-3 -- an Army captain or Navy lieutenant -- on
average would have four years in service with a monthly base pay of $5,168 and
a housing allowance of $1,893. (Or, if they're unmarried, $1,671 for housing).
His or her annual package totals $93,000.
FOR
YOUR ACTION –
H.R.449 : Vet Amnesty Period for Gun
Registration. A bill to provide an amnesty period during which veterans
and their family members can register certain firearms in the National Firearms
Registration and Transfer Record, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] (introduced 2/1/2013)
Sponsor: Rep Miller, Jeff [FL-1] (introduced 2/1/2013)
Committees: House Judiciary; House Ways and Means; House
Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 2/28/2013 Referred to House subcommittee. Status:
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, And
Investigations.
VA BONUSES - Removal Could Hurt Vets More than
Execs
Bonuses
have long been a sensitive and controversial topic at the Veterans Affairs
Department. A 2011 Government Accountability Office report found that 80
percent of VA’s medical care providers together received $150 million in
performance pay despite “no clear link between performance pay and providers’
performance.” Since then, as VA struggled with a mounting backlog of disability
claims and now a patient scheduling scandal, members of Congress have
repeatedly targeted the department’s bonus program. But eliminating bonuses
could make things much worse for veterans by driving out good doctors and
administrators who typically make far less money than their counterparts in the
private sector, former executives say.
W.
Scott Gould, a former deputy Veterans Affairs secretary now in private health
care, said VA confronts a 20 percent vacancy rate due to poor compensation
relative to commercial hospital pay. Private-sector administrators often make
$600,000 annually, three times what their VA counterparts earn, while VA
medical specialists, such as cardiologists, despite making up to $400,000, are
still in the bottom half of their fields in pay, Gould said. Gould said a
centralized effort by the Office of Personnel Management in recent years has
driven down the number of “outstanding” performance evaluations for senior
executives and the average amount of bonuses. “This made an outstanding rating
more valuable, because there are fewer, but it denied the ability to provide some
variable compensation for top performers.”
W.
Todd Grams, VA’s former chief financial officer now a director at Deloitte
& Touche LLP, said complaints about VA bonuses are unfair. “When people say
‘bonuses’ it’s just pay in a recognized specialty and for years of experience.
That has been a good thing. Data show that VA’s [bonuses] fall in the middle of
the pack of average agencies. “I’ve been a CFO, CIO, chief of staff, and
performance officer at a variety of agencies both centralized and decentralized,”
Grams said. “I’ve never felt that was the be-all and end-all issue. It’s not
the main driver of whether you’re successful or unsuccessful. You’ve got to set
out policies and expectations people operate under, give them the tools and
resources to do the job, and then have a line of sight into how they’re
performing.”
The
nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has advocated restructuring federal
pay to make it more market-sensitive. “We want VA to compete for the very best,
who would work with the added benefit that they’re serving veterans, whether
that’s through base salary or bonuses,” said Max Stier, the group’s president
and CEO. [Source: GovExec.com | Charles S. Clark | June 05, 2014 ++]
I remain in Loyalty, Protection and Service
Bob
Rutherford, Editor, bobafrh307@yahoo.com
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