Naval Reserve Association Naval Reserve Association

The Professional Association Voice of the Navy ReserveNavalReserveAssociationNEWSSeptember 2007, Volume 54, No. 9Interview withMCPON (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa, Jr.

N AVAL R ESERVE A SSOCIATIONC ORPORATEA SSOCIATESPremier Corporate/Association Team Supportingthe United States Navy and Navy ReservePLATINUM (TEN-YEAR) PARTNERSHIPIBM FederalSILVER (THREE-YEAR) PARTNERSHIPMilitary.comCHARTER MEMBERSLockheed MartinThe Boeing CompanyGulfstream AerospaceUSAAMBNA AmericaJOINED IN 1999 - 2007Rosen Associates Management Corp.Aquila Group of Funds smBB&TCACI International, Inc.Uniformed Services Benefit AssociationThe Shaw Group Inc. ®

VISION OF THE NAVAL RESERVE ASSOCIATIONThe Premier Professional Organization for Navy Reservists,Committed to Supporting a Strong Navy and National Defense,While Providing Outstanding Service to Navy Families.ContentsNRA NEWS September 2007, Volume 54, No. 9HEADQUARTERS STAFFNATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTORRADM Casey W. Coane, USN (Ret)E-mail: exec@navy-reserve.orgDEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICESCAPT Tom McAtee, USNR (Ret)E-mail: stratcom@navy-reserve.orgCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERBob LymanE-mail: cfo@navy-reserve.orgDIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIONCAPT Ike Puzon, USNR (Ret)E-mail: legislat@navy-reserve.orgDIRECTOR OF PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT & MEMBERSHIPCAPT Art Schultz, Jr., USN (Ret)E-mail: record.review@navy-reserve.orgDIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES& TECHNICAL SUPPORTCAPT Art Schultz, Jr., USN (Ret)E-mail: memdir@navy-reserve.orgMEMBERSHIP ASSISTANTMark De VilleE-mail: membership@navy-reserve.orgSENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTLinda BautistaE-mail: nranews@navy-reserve.orgADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTLee McAuliffe RamboE-mail: admin1@navy-reserve.orgFEATURE15INTERVIEW WITH MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE NAVY“And, most importantly, I want our Sailors to understand what they can expect fromtheir Chief.”–– MCPON (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa, Jr.DEPARTMENTS4 From the Editor6 President’s Message7 Guest Column8 Keeping Up9 Legislative Update10 Health Affairs12 Professional Development13 LettersOTHERS2 Corporate Associates Program11 News Notes20 NRA Fall Conference Agenda/Registration23 NRA Nominations for National OfficesON THE COVER14 Junior Officer Column22 Active Duty Programs24 Legislation & Education26 Membership27 District News Briefs28 Retirees’ Corner29 Reservists in Action23 NRA 2007 Holiday Card Program24 Plan Ahead NRA JOY FY 200725 Navy Sabbath 2007Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, MCPON (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa, Jr.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,and other mailing offices. Articles and letters appearing the Naval Reserve Association News do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Executive Committee of the Naval Reserve Association or theEditor, nor are they necessarily to be interpreted as official policy of the United States Navy or Naval Reserve Association. Rates: The Naval Reserve Association News subscription is covered by membership in theNaval Reserve Association. Membership is open to all commissioned or warrant officers and enlisted who are serving or have served honorably as members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Subscriptionprice 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 ReserveAssociation News. Postmaster: Send change of address to the Naval Reserve Association, 1619 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Printed in USA.

From the EditorThis month, I’d like to talk a moment about money, your money and our money.Your Association has been very careful with our membership data base. We onlyprovide your information to our one credit card company (MBNA now BofA) andour insurance company (USBA). If you use their products, we get a very smallpiece. We only solicit from our entire membership once a year in conjunctionwith our holiday greeting card program. Contrast that with some competingassociations that solicit as many as nine or ten times a year. That doesn’t mean that we don’tneed your money! Annual dues income accounts for about 37 percent of the operating budget,and a lot of our members are paid up life members so your support of our annual solicitation isvery important to us. This year, we have new holiday cards by three new artists. Please take agood look at them and support us as much as you can. We will provide an opportunity for youto order additional cards.Every now and then, we need to step back and ask ourselves who we are and for what we dostand. The purpose of this organization is to support a strong National Defense, a strong Navy,and a strong Navy Reserve. Those are proper goals for a Navy Association like ours. Thismonth, CDR Matt Dubois gives us his second article from the FTS perspective (page 22). Heasks if the Association truly speaks for FTS? I think that we speak for all Reservists. He asksshould we take a position on the future of the FTS community? I’m fine with that. Perhaps someof our FTS members would like to help our Resolutions Committee draft something.I personally believe that in carrying out our missions stated above, one of the places we canmake a difference is in direct support to Navy people. In that vein, our new job search on-linecapability is up and running. Members can now post their resumes and search for jobs free ofcharge on a service ranked in the top ten of like services across the country. As we continue togrow the Web site, look for more services in the future. That said, I fully realize that we need toanswer the question – “What’s in it for me?” If you are older than some of those asking thequestion, you may remember when Reservists did not have commissary privileges, norexchange privileges, nor any hope of TRICARE. Those things came about because thisAssociation and others worked hard to influence Congress to grant those things. Equality hascome because we argued successfully for equality! Think about it.Are you keeping up with Navy shipbuilding? If you are, you know that Secretary DonaldWinter has made realigning the Navy with the shipbuilding industry the focus of his tenure inoffice. As reported in last month’s issue (CSF page 22), he is on record that we need more shipfor the money. As we reported previously in this column, he cancelled construction of the secondLockheed Martin LCS hull because of cost overruns. In late June, Secretary Winter sentNorthrop Grumman Ship Systems a letter expressing his concerns over the LPD 17 program.The Navy accepted the lead ship, San Antonio, in late 2005. She is now in a Norfolk yardundergoing “overhaul” to make her ready for deployment. The second ship, New Orleans, wasalso incomplete when delivered. We applaud the Secretary’s initiatives to get control of theNavy’s shipbuilding costs. If we are going to continue to get the support of Congress, we mustbe good stewards of the taxpayer’s money. The question is how much can he accomplish in theeighteen or so months left on the job. We wish him well.July 19 saw the culmination of this year’s Sailor of the Year program with the meritoriousadvancement of four First Class to Chief, including our Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year, ToddBrooks. The ceremony was held at the Navy Memorial and included the unveiling of the Honor,Courage, and Commitment Sailor of the Year permanent display which your Association helpedsponsor. Please see the article on page 29.As always, enjoy the read.Naval ReserveAssociationNEWS1619 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 Casey W. Coane, USN (Ret)Associate Editor: CAPT Thomas L. McAtee, USNR (Ret)Assistant EditorGRAPHICS/PRODUCTIONLinda BautistaADVERTISINGBob LymanSUBMISSIONSLetters to the Editor are encouraged. They may beedited for length, style, and clarity. Mail to Lettersto the Editor at NRA NEWS, or e-mail toexec@navy-reserve.org. Include your name,address, and daytime phone number forverification. Name may be withheld upon request.Articles – For guidelines on article submission,call or write NRA Headquarters, or E-mailnranews@navy-reserve.org.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-mailmembership@navy-reserve.org.Warm regards,Casey CoaneNational Executive Director4 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

President’s MessageNATIONAL OFFICERSConference ActivitiesNATIONAL PRESIDENTCDR Joseph Quaglino, Jr., USN (Ret)E-mail: president@navy-reserve.orgNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VPCDR Gary Barron, USNE-mail: barron@ca.rr.comNATIONAL VP-SURFACE RESERVE PROGRAMSCAPT Robert Stickney, USNE-mail: rwstickney@yahoo.comNATIONAL VP-AIR RESERVE PROGRAMSCAPT Douglas H. McDonald, SC, USN (Ret)E-mail: dmcdon8791@yahoo.comNATIONAL VP-BUDGET & FINANCECAPT Stu Colby, USNR (Ret)E-mail: glendalefingrp@aol.comNATIONAL VP-LEGISLATION & EDUCATIONLT Marc J. Soss, SC, USNE-mail: smsoss@aol.comNATIONAL VP-MEMBERSHIPRADM Richard E. Young, USN (Ret)E-mail: dickyoung@4dv.netNATIONAL VP-MEMBER SERVICESCDR Marian Cioe, NC, USNE-mail: cioemar@aol.comNATIONAL VP-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTCAPT Larry Weill, USNE-mail: captweill@aol.comNATIONAL VP-ACTIVE DUTY PROGRAMSCDR Matthew P. Dubois, USNE-mail: mattdubois@earthlink.netNATIONAL VP-ENLISTED PROGRAMSVACANTNATIONAL VP-LEGAL AFFAIRSCAPT Christopher Morgan, JAGC, USNR (Ret)E-mail: jagcaptsix@hotmail.comNATIONAL VP-HEALTH PROGRAMSCAPT Susan Labhard, NC, USNE-mail: susan@labhard.comNATIONAL VP-RETIRED PERSONNELLCDR Joseph Golding, USNR (Ret)E-mail: goldingjs@comcast.netNATIONAL VP-JUNIOR OFFICERSLT Steven Michaels, USNE-mail: ensignsting@yahoo.comNATIONAL TREASURERCAPT Bill Loockerman, USN (Ret)E-mail: wloockerman@aol.comNATIONAL CHAPLAINVACANTNATIONAL HISTORIANVACANTNATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIANCDR Willard Stubbs, USNE-mail: willstubbs@cox.netThe 2007 FallConference isbut a monthaway – timeto make yourreservationsto visit the Chicago area.A number of NationalCommittees will be meetingto discuss and decideon issues affecting ourAssociation’s future. Anumber of Constitution &ByLaws/Operations Manualissues that will be discussedand voted on affect theviability of our Association toprosper in today’s environment.Most importantly, we will be deciding onthe appropriate National Vice Presidentpositions as we move forward. I encourageyou to attend these meetings and to provideyour views so that our leadership willhave the benefit of opinions from theAssociation’s grass roots. At the conclusionof the General Session on Saturday afternoon,we will elect the officers to lead ourAssociation next year. I can say that there hasbeen greater interest in members runningfor office this year and even multiple candidatesfor some offices. Remember, anyregular member is eligible to run forNational Office; and to do so, the membershould submit his/her resumé to theNominations Committee Chair, LCDR GailHolzworth, and/or NRA Headquarters.In our endeavors to make our NationalConferences more interesting and memorable,we have scheduled a Friday afternoontour of Battle Stations 21 at the Navy’sRecruit Training Command, Great Lakes.This is an $82 million state-of-the-artfacility in which recruits perform their final“final exam” – a 12-hour test of their skills.The USS Trayer is a 210-foot-long replica ofa guided missile destroyer complete withspecial effects lighting, sounds, andscents. It should be noted that the ladiesattire should include pants and low-heelshoes in order to navigate safely through thestations. CAPT John Farr, President of theChicagoland Chapter, has worked diligently(L to R) NRA President Joseph Quaglino, Jr. andAssistant Secretary of Defense (RA) Thomas F. Hallto coordinate this activity. The tour will befollowed by dinner at the picturesque Portsof Call Club situated lakeside.While on the subject of NationalConferences, the Spring Conference inHawaii is a little over six months away.Again, we are in the planning stages ofputting together a memorable conference.Current scheduling includes a luau at theHale Koa, a President’s Reception at aninteresting location, and top Navy speakersfrom the area. Plan your vacation in paradise– come early and stay late.Last month, RADM Casey and I representedour Association at the Navy Memorial for thepromotion ceremony of the Sailors of theYear. Our Association provided support tothis ceremony and was recognized on thenewly installed kiosk. During this occasion,we met with VCNO Walsh and MCPONCampa. On another occasion, we met withMaster Chiefs Featherstone and Rummeland discussed mutual goals and support ofNavy family issues. We also met withSecretary Thomas Hall and received anupdate on current issues confronting Reservemanpower. These are a few of our activitiesdesigned to improve our Association’svisibility and relevance.Joseph Quaglino, Jr.National President6 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

Executive Summary: China’sQuest for a Superpower MilitaryGuestColumnThe People’s Republic of Chinaannounced on 4 March 2007that it would increase itsmilitary budget by 17.8percent in 2007 to a total of$45 billion––by far thelargest acknowledged amount that Chinahas ever spent on its military. However,CIA calculations suggest that China reallydevotes 4.3 percent of its gross domesticproduct (GDP) to its military, includingoff-budget sectors such as foreign armspurchases; subsidies to military industries;China’s space program; the 660,000-manPeople’s Armed Police; provincial militias;and reserve forces. Adjusting China’s2006 GDP of $2.5 trillion for purchasingpower parity yields a GDP of about $10trillion, which pegs military spending at$430 billion.In other words, the size of Beijing’smilitary budget puts China in the topstratum of global military powers with theUnited States. Despite the Beijing leadership’sespousal of China’s “peaceful rise,”this unprecedented peacetime expansionof China’s military capabilities can nolonger be viewed as though some benignforce animates it.Military Buildup. The pace and scopeof China’s military expansion are startling.Nuclear Forces. In the past decade,China’s nuclear forces have brought thereliability, survivability, response times,and accuracy of their ballistic missiles tostate-of-the-art standards. China has about40 intercontinental ballistic missiles(ICBMs) targeted at the United States.China’s missile submarines are alreadyloaded with solid-fuel Julang-1’s, and eachnew Type-094 nuclear submarine after2010 will deploy with 12 ballistic missilesthat have a range of 8,000 km.AntiSatellite Weapons. On 12 January2007, the Chinese successfully interceptedand destroyed a target satellite. China’santisatellite (ASAT) technology is nowstate-of-the-art. Unsurprisingly, Beijingrebuffs verification issues while purportingto seek an international pact to “prevent anarms race in outer space.” More than anyother Chinese military program, the ASATprogram reflects not only a capability, butalso, given the lack of feasible alternativetargets, an intention to strike U.S. spaceassets in time of war.Naval Forces. China has made navalmodernization its top arms priority. Since1995, China has built a modern fleet of29 advanced diesel-electric submarinesand 10 more are being built. China’ssurface fleet is also growing rapidly and isdeveloping a capability to project forcethroughout the Asia-Pacific. The People’sLiberation Army (PLA) Navy is refittinga Ukrainian aircraft carrier and haslaunched 19 new heavy transport shipsand 10 amphibious landing ships between2003 and 2005.Air Forces. The PLA Air Force nowboasts about 400 new Russian-designedfighter aircraft and 60 new Jian-10 fighterswith expected production of at least another190 Jian-10s––more than a match forTaiwan’s fighters in the Taiwan Strait.Ground Forces. China’s army is still theworld’s largest, with 1.64 million men, andis modernizing apace. The PLA’s Type 98main battle tank arguably outclasses theweapons on the U.S. M-1A2 Abrams tank;and Chinese arms makers now display animpressive array of new armored vehicles,mobile heavy artillery, all-terrain vehicles,helicopters, and new small arms.Cyberwarfare Forces. New PLAdoctrine sees computer network operationsas a force multiplier in any confrontationwith the United States or other potentialadversaries, such as Taiwan, Japan, SouthKorea, and even the United Kingdom.PLA cyberwar units apparently are theonly PLA troops that regularly attackenemy targets, making at least four majorattacks on U.S. government computersystems in 2006 alone.Geostrategic Implications. China’smilitary expansion is extravagantly inexcess of anything required by a responsiblestakeholder in the existing internationalsystem and is even beyond that needed to“liberate” Taiwan. China shares landborders with 14 nations, none of which isJohn Tkacik, Jr.Senior Research Fellowin China, Taiwan, and Mongolia Policyin the Asian Studies Centerat The Heritage Foundationa threat to it, yet China still has contentiousterritorial claims against India and Japanand in the South China Sea. China’sgathering geopolitical punch portends a21 st century that may well become theChinese century in Asia––a new centuryof China’s support for illiberal forces thatwill buttress the legitimacy of Beijing’sregime at home.What the Administration andCongress Should Do. Asia does notbelieve that Washington––preoccupiedwith Iraq––is concerned about China’sspreading influence, much less that it hasa strategic vision for the Pacific Rim.Managing the emerging security challengerequires a new U.S. partnership withdemocratic Asia and a new attitude inWashington. The U.S. should:* List China as the top U.S. foreignpolicy challenge. The entire bureaucracymust prepare to implement a coherentChina policy to address defense, global,and regional issues, using counterintelligenceand export control strategiesas needed.* Commit resources to preserving theU.S. position as the world’s preeminentmilitary power. America cannot bluff itsway out of this challenge. America’s mosturgent needs are increasing its submarinefleet, enhancing its antisubmarinewarfare capabilities, and ensuring thesurvivability of its space platforms(e.g., satellites).Cont’d. on page 22NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 7

Ke e p i n g U p. . .with CurrentInformationforNavy ReservistsandRetireesBy Tom McAteeFY 2009 RESERVE LDO/CWOApplication Procedures and OpenDesignatorsIf you are interested in applying for theFY-09 Reserve In-Service procurementBoard, you should immediately reviewOPNAVIST 1120.12 and OPNAVIST1420.1A, Chapters 2, 7, and Appendix Ffor information on eligibility criteria andapplication procedures. Applications aredue to Navy Personnel Command NLT31 October 2007. The board will conveneon 7 January 2008. The following are opendesignators:For Limited Duty Officer641X ADMINISTRATION642X INFORMATION SYSTEMS645X INTELLIGENCE647X PHOTOGRAPHY649X SECURITYFor Chief Warrant Officer715X SPECIAL WARFARE TECHNICIAN717X COMBAT CRAFT TECHNICIAN736X ORDNANCE TECHNICIAN738X ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN744X CRYPTOLOGIC TECHNICIAN745X INTELLIGENCE TECHNICIAN753X CIVIL ENGINEERING (CEC)Application should be mailed to:Commander, Navy PersonnelCommand (PERS-922A)5720 Integrity DriveMillington, TN 38055-9100Applicants should enclose a separatesheet of paper with contact informationsuch as work and home phone numbers,e-mail address (for both member and unitCO [Unit CO’s work number only]), andany other pertinent information that wouldaid NAVPERSCOM (PERS-922A) incontacting the applicant and/or his/herunit (if required). For express deliverysuch as FEDEX, send to: Commander,Navy Personnel Command (PERS-922A); Attn: PSC Simmons; Phone (901)874-3130; Bldg. 768, Room S116; 5640Ticonderoga Loop; Millington, TN 38055-9100. Questions regarding the program canbe answered by calling NAVPERSCOM(PERS-922A) at (901) 874-3130.TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)Becoming More Affordable on1 October 2007Bottom Line: As a result of legislationin the NDAA for FY 2007, TRS will drop itsthree-tier premium structure and go with alower cost premium (the current Tier Onepremium) for all eligible SelectedReservists beginning 1 October 2007.The new TRS guidelines and premiumcosts are expected to be promulgated byDoD later this summer. The current TRSprogram will remain in effect until 30September. If you are enrolled in thecurrent TRS program, you will receive aletter from DoD concerning information ontransitioning to the new TRS programslated to begin 1 October. We will publishthe new TRS program guidelines in theNRA News magazine when available.Turning Age 60 and Retiring in2008?If you are turning age 60 and retiring in2008, the scale below is what a retirementpoint will be worth for your first retirementcheck. Per point value based on aprojected three percent pay raise effective1 January 2008:GradeCents Per PointPer MonthE-6 over 20 22.0E-7 over 26 30.1E-8 over 30 33.7E-9 over 38 40.2W-2 over 24 32.0W-3 over 26 36.7W-4 over 30 43.00-3 over 20 38.40-3E over 20 40.90-4 over 20 44.70-5 over 22 52.70-6 over 30 64.08 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

Legislative Update on the FY-08National Defense Authorization ActLegislativeUpdateAt this writing, the Senate,in July 07, suspendedconsideration of theFY-08 National DefenseAuthorization Act (NDAA),(H. R. 1585) after severalamendments regarding Iraq failed to pass.Several key NRA legislative goals are atrisk of passing, and they deserve yourattention.NRA has aggressively supported severalprovisions to include: halting TRICAREfee or co-pay increases; supporting theadditional 0.5 percent pay increase abovethe Administration’s request for militarypersonnel; reducing the retirement age formobilized Reservists; and, expandingCombat-Related Special Compensation(CRSC) to include medical retirees withless than 20 years of service who aredisabled due to combat or related training.Key amendments scheduled for debateinclude the following NRA–supportedinitiatives that address key issues in theNRA’s 2007 legislative goals:> Sen. Saxby Chambliss (GA)amendment will expand an alreadyapproved provision to reduce theReserve retirement age (currently age60) by three months for each 90 daysof mobilization retroactive to 11 Sep.2001;> Sen. Blanche Lincoln (AR) twoeducation amendments: One wouldprovide ten-year portability forbenefits for mobilized Reservists, andthe second would integrate the MGIBprograms (both Active and Reserve)into the VA;> An amendment, the “The DignifiedTreatment of Wounded Warriors Act”(S.1606), offered by Senator CarlLevin (MI) that would simplify thedisability rating system and providemore funding for traumatic brainInjury (TBI) and post traumatic stressdisorder (PTSD);> Changing the SBP paid-up date from1 Oct. 2008 to 1 Oct. 2007, sponsoredSen. Bill Nelson (FL);> An amendment by Sen. FrankLautenberg (NJ) to limit futureTRICARE fee increases to no morethan the amount of the ConsumerPrice Index (CPI) which is the basisfor annual retired pay adjustments;> Senators Carl Levin (MI) and JohnMcCain (AZ) amendment will create aDoD/VA interagency to establish ajoint disability rating system, a jointelectronic health record, and additionalfunding for post traumatic stressdisorder (PTSD) and traumatic brainInjury (TBI).At this writing, the Senate passedindividual legislation that would coverthe military 3.5 per cent, and a militaryhealth care bill to address PTSD andTBI. It appears that the Senate may passmore individual provisions as stand-alonelegislation.All of these provisions need yoursupport. We are asking that you pay closeattention to what the Senate, hopefully,will pass in the NDAA in September orOctober, and what Congress decides inconference on the following provisions:- On the Reserve Retirement provision,introduced and amended by SenatorChambliss (GA);- The two education amendments bySenator Lincoln (AR);- On military health care TRICAREfees, for which DoD attempted tomake excessive increases last year.In Veteran Affairs issues, recently, theVeterans Disability Benefits Commission(VDBC) voted to recommend expandingconcurrent receipt to include retirees witha service-connected disability of 50-90percent to include those with rating of10-40 percent and eliminate the ten-yearphase-in period. NRA supports the goal ofconcurrent receipt of full military retiredpay and veterans’ disability compensationfor all disabled retirees.In addition, the Commission recommendedeliminating the DIC offset for SBP. These areBy CAPT Ike Puzon, USNR (Ret)Director of Legislationrecommendations by the Commission.It will take all of us working togetherto enact these into law. You can expressyour ideas to the Commission atveterans@vetscommission.com.At the VDBC meeting, the DoD and VAannounced a joint disability rating systemthat would give seriously injured troopsone physical exam and one review boardwhile still on active duty to shorten thecurrent process some troops must endurewith both the military and VA. The pilotmedical evaluation program will begin inAugust in the Washington area. Thechanges are in response to widespreadcriticism of the DoD following the scandalseveral months ago at Walter Reed ArmyMedical Center.Seek support from your Congressionaldelegation on these issues. September2007 will be a critical time. We ask thatyou contact your Congressional delegation:www.house.gov, www.senate.gov.NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 9

Health AffairsExceptional Family Members –Exceptional FamiliesCAPT Susan Labhard, NC, USNNational VP for Health ProgramsAn exceptional family member(EFM) is defined as authorizedfamily members of any agewho have physical, emotional,developmental, or educationaldisabilities or conditionsrequiring special medical, psychological, oreducational services. 1We will address civilian and military programsfor individuals with disabilities with a specialemphasis on youth.A holistic approach to assisting exceptionalfamily members, especially an adolescent’stransition into adulthood, requires a personalizedprogram, drawing from a large assortment ofresources to meet the patient’s, family’s, orcaregiver’s needs. Usually an adult member of thefamily or a “care coordinator” interacts with thepatient care team and community. This individualmust focus on the strengths and opportunities ofindividuals; be flexible and open to new ideas;possess sufficient knowledge to coordinate withlocal, state, and government agencies as needed;and ensure uninterrupted age and developmentallyappropriate care. This expert should be awareof resource topics including diagnosis, assistivetechnology, careers, independent living, recreation,sexuality, and support. It is helpful for families tokeep a special file of their EFM including: pastproviders; diagnosis; treatment; medications;allergies; individual education programs; andemergency contacts. There are many helpfulnational resources, which are listed at the endof this article, to assist the individual and thefamily to maximize their potential .Members the Navy Reserve activated for aperiod of more than 30 days are eligible forTRICARE’s Extended Care Health Option(ECHO). 3 This program delivers financialassistance to active duty family members whohave a qualifying condition such as: moderate orsevere mental retardation; a serious physicaldisability; or an extraordinary physical orpsychological condition of such complexity that10 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007the beneficiary is homebound. In addition tocoverage received via the primary TRICAREplan, 2 TRICARE ECHO benefits may include:medical and rehabilitative services andappliances; training to use assistive technologydevices; special education; institutional care;special transportation; assistive services forbeneficiaries with visual or hearing impairment;durable equipment; and in-home medical orrespite care services. Another service availableonce a service member is mobilized isMilitary.com “Benefits” which offers “FamilySupport Services” under the “Exceptional FamilyMember Program.” Up-to-date information forfamilies with a special need family memberincludes local special education programs andmedically-related services available on base andin the community. “Enrollment allows a proactiveapproach to assignment planning by workingclosely with detailers to match duty stations andavailable resources for services needed.” 3Military Onesource “Special Needs” category 4is another reference available 24 hours a day. Inaddition to advice from your medical provider,the following contacts may be helpful:Military Medical Treatment Facilities (MTF)Providers, Policies and Benefits:* 2-1-1 Information and Referral Systems:www.211.org Under “2-1-1 Finder” type in“zip code/state;” search under “Military FamilyService/Support Centers”* Military Onesource (24/7) Stateside: 1-800-342-9647/Overseas: 800-3429-6477www.militaryonesource.com (User ID=Military;Password=OneSource)* Tricare North Region: 1-877-874-2273www.healthnetfederalservices.com* Tricare South Region: 1-800-444-5445www.humana-military.com* Tricare West Region: 1-888-874-9378www.triwest.comUnderstand that you can receive assistance byphone, on-line, or at your MTF. No one expectsyou to know all the services available for you andyour family, so it is not necessary to go throughthis process alone. Do not give up—all you needis one individual who cares. Being a member ofan “exceptional family” can be both a rewardingand a challenging experience. I salute you.Helpful resources for individuals with disabilitiesand their families:* Medical specialists have specific academies/organizations where individuals can searchon-line for physicians or therapists INCONUSand OUTCONUS. A family doctor can be foundthrough the Directory of Active Members ofthe American Academy of Family Physicians:http://familydoctor.org/* 2-1-1 Call Center: Information and ReferralSystems: Click on Link for State Resources:http://www.211.org/* Able Data-Assistive Technology InformationWeb site: http://www.abledata.com/* Adolescent Health Transition Project:http://depts.washington.edu/healthtr/* Americans with Disabilities Act Home Page:www.ada.gov/* ARC: http://www.thearc.org* Autism Society of America:http://www.autism-society.org/* Camps -Special Needs:http://www.mysummercamps.com* Disability Employment Office-US Dept. of Labor:http://www.dol.gov/* Disability Information Web site:http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/* Down Syndrome (Nat’l. Association):http://www.nads.org/* Exceptional Parent Magazine (DisabilityResource): (1-800-EPARENT): www.eparent.com/* Health Care Transitions Web site:http://hctransitions.ichp.edu/* Limb Differences:http://www.limbdifferences.org/resources/* March of Dimes: http://www.marchofdimes.com* Muscular Dystrophy Association:http://www.mdausa.org/* Nat’l. Dissemination Center for Childrenwith Disabilities: http://www.nichcy.org* Nat’l. Mental Health Information Center:http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/* Parent Advocacy Coalition for Ed. Rights (PACERCenter): http://www.pacer.org/* Physical Activity & Disability (Nat’l. Center):http://www.ncpad.org/* Sexuality Info. & Ed. Council of the US:http://www.siecus.org/* Spina Bifida Assoc.: http://www.sbaa.org/* United Cerebral Palsy: http://www.ucp.org/**Additional Resources:1 Special Needs Smart Book: www.uscg.mil/2 Tricare: www.tricare.mil/3 Military.com: www.military.com/4 Military Onesource: www.militaryonesource.com/(User ID=Military; Password=OneSource)October 2007 marks the end of my term as Nat’l. VPHealth Programs. The NRA is seeking dedicatedmembers to represent Medical at National Conferenceand to be responsible for the monthly “HealthAffairs” column. Please send nominations to LCDRGail Holzworth: misslorton@aol.com. For questions,contact CAPT Susan Labhard at susan@labhard.com.This unique opportunity is only available once everytwo years; consider it now!

FINANCIAL RIGHTS OF DEPLOYEDSERVICE MEMBERS BEINGREVIEWEDWhen Navy Reservist Karl Botkin wasdeployed to Kuwait in July 2005, his wifecalled around to see if they could get abreak on their car loan interest rate andcredit card payments. Everyone said no.When Botkin returned home nine monthslater, the family was in debt. He alsodiscovered that the family had been eligiblefor reduced interest rates and protectionfrom creditors under the ServicemembersCivil Relief Act, despite several companiesinsistence that no special military safeguardswere available. The SCRA gives broadfinancial and legal protections to activeduty troops and their families. The legislationNews Notes...was originally written in 1940, but revisedin 2003, to put greater emphasis onGuardsmen and Reservists who foundthemselves serving in overseas operations.Now, after cases like Botkin’s haveemerged, some members of Congress arepushing for even more revisions, arguingthat the provisions of the legislationhaven’t kept pace with time and technology.Lawmakers are considering more than adozen changes to the bill, covering issuessuch as preventing child custody changeswhile troops are deployed and allowingtroops to suspend their cell phoneaccounts while they are deployed.NMAA_Ad_reserves_color_b.indd 1NAVY MUTUALIS WITH YOU.Insuring those who serve with No war or aviation clauses No military restrictionsCheck out navymutual.org orcall 1-800-628-6011 to see howaffordable quality life insurance can be.8/9/07 11:02:04 AMTHIRD RIVERINE SQUADRONESTABLISHED AT YORKTOWNThe Navy formally established the thirdriverine squadron in July at YorktownNaval Weapons Station. The 230-Sailorunit, known as Riverine Squadron Three,continues the Navy’s expansion intocoastal and shallow-water security missions.The first squadron deployed to Iraq earlierthis year and is patrolling rivers withMarine Corps units. The squadron willundergo several months of specializedtraining on small boat driving, navigation,and combat before being ready to deploy.The unit will draw on the experiences ofsquadrons coming back from Iraq forlessons and tactics. The riverine command’sheadquarters is at Little Creek NavalAmphibious Base and is part of the NavyExpeditionary Combat Command.USS CURTIS WILBUR HITSRUSSIAN DESTROYERThe USS Curtis Wilbur struck a dockedRussian Federation destroyer in June atVladivostok while the American ship wasattempting to moor. The Curtis Wilbursustained minor damage in the collision,but no injuries were reported. Russianofficials said the Udaloy class destroyerwas not damaged in the incident.JFK TO NORFOLK, VAThe JFK was supposed to be towed fromMayport to the Naval Inactive ShipMaintenance Facility in Philadelphia,but due to low river levels, it will betemporarily berthed at Norfolk.NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 11

ProfessionalDevelopmentNRA Rolls Out New ProfessionalDevelopment Seminar SeriesCAPT Larry Weill, USNNational VP for Professional DevelopmentThe start of the comingyear brings with it a newand exciting revision andupgrade to the standardProfessional Developmentseminar program. Thisprogram has been revamped over thepast year in an effort to keep up withcurrent changes in naval careers as wellas to anticipate the future needs of ourofficers and enlisted personnel.Before we get started discussing thistopic, I’m sure that a lot of eyebrowswere just raised when we mentionedenlisted PD (professional development).However, this is just one example of thenew directions we found ourselvesmoving. As an organization that supportsall members of the Navy Reserve, notjust the officer corps, we must beresponsible for providing a top-shelfproduct that will assist and advise ourenlisted members on their own careerdecisions. We are assembling a cadre ofexperts from the senior-most echelonsof our enlisted leadership to bring thisprogram to fruition within the next year.Many of our members who haveattended the NRA professional developmentseminars in past years have asked us,“Just what is it you want to change?”Our answer, basically, is EVERYTHING.No, we aren’t necessarily getting rid ofanything that is important, and we aren’tgoing to skip over critical informationjust because it’s been covered before.However, we are going to place a greateremphasis on some of the emerging areasof focus that will play a greater role inthe future. This will include expandedsections on professional education(including JPME), leadership training,APPLY strategies, and individual designatorgroup mentoring (with a focus on juniorofficers).One feature that most people willnotice immediately is that the seminars haveincreased in length. The new program, inits full format, is now six hours insteadof four. It is a fast-paced, fact-filledprogram that is truly fed through a firehose. (Expecting a traditional “lunchhour”? Forget about it! But we’ll try toarrange sandwiches to eat while youlearn.)The agenda starts with a few briefopening remarks, followed by a brief onleadership and the Center for NavalLeadership. This is an exciting look atthe programs that are coming our way asa force-wide leadership tool for all officers,regardless of status. Leadership is partand parcel of what we do, and this briefis a look into where we are going withthis program.Next on tap is a look into JPME (JointProfessional Military Leadership) andthe view “around the corner” into thefuture. We are constantly developing newresources and programs to offer JPMEto our officers stationed around theglobe, and this brief provides theanswers you’ll need to get that training.It also looks at new opportunities forgetting into the Advanced JPME program,which will become more important toyour career with each passing year. Getthe info now so you’ll be prepared totake advantage of these opportunities asthey arise.Some of the other topics listed, suchas Selection Board Preparations andFitness Reports, have appeared on previousPD seminars in the past. However, if youthink that this is just a rehash of lastyear’s program, guess again. Our BoardPreps and Simulated Selection Boardare a whole new “dark tank” experience,where we turn out the lights, splashservice records across the screens, andhand YOU the laser pointers! You’llparticipate right alongside our expertpanelists, listening to briefers discussthe merits of each record, and then gradingthe record. (Yup – that means YOU! Youwill vote on each record, and you willlearn exactly what it is that the selectionboard looks for as it makes its choices ofpromotees.)The final section of the new seminarleaves plenty of time for designatorspecificmentoring, where each officerwill pair up with senior experts withinhis/her field and review the merits of his/herindividual records. In order to maximizethe benefit from this session, you shouldbring along your most recent OSR/PSRand be prepared to discuss it with abona fide Navy mentor. It is an excellentopportunity to network with a genuineauthority who has “been there and donethat” and knows how to get advanced.The first of these new programs isbeing scheduled for Kansas City onSaturday, 17 November. We will soonbegin advertising for this program andhope to sign up a healthy contingent ofattendees. Please try to make it there ifyou are in the area. We are also lookingat potential sites including Dallas/FortWorth and Great Lakes, among otherareas of fleet concentration. A schedulewill be advertised soon, so please staytuned.Thanks again for all your input on PDprograms, because your feedback hasbeen a major catalyst towards ourefforts to upgrade this agenda. We lookforward to seeing you in Kansas Cityon 17 November!12 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

Letters-to-the-editor reflect the opinions of their writers only. Neither the officersnor the staff of the Naval Reserve Association endorse the viewpoints expressed here.The editor of NRA News reserves the right to publish only those letters that appeal toa broad readership and to edit any letter for length, grammar, and clarity.Dear Admiral Coane,My article in the July 2005 edition of the NRANews titled, Name Change from Naval Reserveto Navy Reserve – Why and what next is comingto fruition? I stated that Congress has fundedpersonnel, equipment, and material to supportthe part-time “citizen Sailor.” Name change willallow regular Navy to easily appropriate moreequipment/material specifically bought for theNavy Reserve out of Congressionally mandatedfunds with specific language for Navy Reserveuse, or with Guard and Reserve funds. Otherrecent comments from Navy Reservists include“Navy is in the process of covering recruitingshortfalls by calling up Navy Reserve personnelto plug into gaps without necessarily using orutilizing their expertise. I cannot think of a fasterway to induce people to leave the reserve as soonas they can.” “. . . there is resistance by corporateAmerica in the way their employees are nowbeing used by DoD.” “Having personnel withoutairplanes is unworkable. Pilots join up to fly.When that slows to a trickle, they will not be ableto justify the family sacrifices required forReserve participation.” “Navy officials say thedecommissioning is part of an effort to shiftReserve aviation away from hardware basedunits into pools of pilots and flight officers whowill augment active duty squadrons. The Navyofficials may call it ‘transformation,’ I call it adamn shame and penny-wise and poundfoolish!”Because we had to change, Navy seizedthe opportunity to solve its 34-year old insolubletotal force dilemma, by denuding the NavyReserve, swallowing it (integration) and liquidatingit, leaving it a manpower pool, and saving moneyto boot. I have talked to untold number of activeduty support personnel, they are officiallymuzzled, but most are not only dissatisfied,but also disgusted with the Navy Reservereorganization, including lack of support, otherthan verbal, by many senior regular Navy officers.Several reorganizations of the Naval Reservehave taken place over the years. This one hasbeen drastic and appears to have lackedCongressional oversight. With most of theRumsfeld/Clark regime gone, it is time toregroup and reorganize into a true “CitizenSailor” concept rather than having a USNaugmentee program. Otherwise, I believe theReserve will be composed of USN RADsfulfilling their obligated service and thosededicated Navy Reservists sticking it out onlyfor retirement benefits. I predict within five years,the American public will not have a Navy Reserveunless there is a drastic change of direction. It istime for all dedicated Navy Reservists to becomeless complacent and write your Congressman tohelp get the Navy Reserve program back ontrack.Dear Admiral Coane:Doyle QuisenberryCommander, USNR (Ret)Earlier this year, I resigned my commissionwith great regret after 15 years of service withthe Army and the Navy. The Navy’s “operationalreserve” is not compatible with the practice ofmedicine. The routine mobilization, (i.e., backdoordraft) of one-year every five will prove tobe the “kiss of death” for the already depletedMedical Corps of the Navy Reserve.I would like to express my gratitude to theNaval Reserve Association for the tremendoussupport it provides to Reservists. The recordreviews, personal recognition, and timelyinformation updates are several examples of howthe NRA has made a difference for the citizensailor.The NRA and its dedicated staff are a realasset to the Navy and the Nation. Thank you!Dear NRA,William V. Dolan, MDThank you, NRA, for giving me an opportunityand opening my eyes to your efforts!While it may seem like a Herculean taskpushing legislation through Congress, the factthat the Naval Reserve Association has a strongadvocate makes me proud to be a member. I onlywish more Navy Reservists were aware of yourefforts.I’ll admit, I was once apathetic to the wholelegislative process – it’s easy to get discouraged.As a senior civilian federal government employeeand a Navy Reservist, I understand how hard it isto get things done in Washington. Currently, I ama GS-14 Management Analyst in the Departmentof Treasury. My education was completelyfunded through the MGIB and any effort toLettersNRA News 07bring it in line with the Active Duty component,I fully support – especially since I have beenmobilized in support of the GWOT.Currently, I am seeking a commission througheither the DCO or LDO program.Dear Captain Labhard,Petty Officer First Class QuintoI read your article on osteoporosis––but I don’tremember it saying anything on complicationsfollowing tooth extraction. There have beeninstances of some women not healing followingtooth extractions, that were on the medication forosteoporosis. Do you have any information onthis? Can the patient be off the meds for aperiod of time to reduce this complication?(CAPT Labhard’s response)Dear Captain Bridgeman,H. E. BridgemanCaptain, DC, USNR (Ret)Had read a lot about delayed healing of somedeep dental surgeries while researching thearticle on osteoporosis. In fact, I stoppedtaking my own Fosamax—it was mostlyprophylactic at this point. Please check thereferences listed in the article as well as the ADAper this quote from the Senior Dental Executiveat our Gaining Command:“Yes, I am quite familiar with this topic. Therehave been several instances of Osteonecrosis ofthe jaw associated with tooth extraction inpatients undergoing therapy for osteoporosis.A majority of these cases involve IV therapyin cancer patients, but recently some casesinvolving oral medications have been noted.The recommendation to minimize the risk ofthis complication is a work in progress. I woulddirect this provider to the ADA Web site whichhas a lot of information on the subject.”I also checked with my endodontist . . . hebasically agreed that there is still a lot of researchbeing done to prove this, but it takes so long toget Fosamax out of your system that to stop takingit would probably have little effect on the outcome—thisis not a quote, but what I remember.Hope this information will be helpful.Susan LabhardCaptain, NC, USNNRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 13

Junior OfficerColumnWorkplace Politics 101By Charlene Majersky, Ph.D.Guest ColumnistLT Steven Michaels, USNNational VP for Junior OfficersHave you ever been blindsidedat a meeting?Have you ever feltpowerless to implementan important novel idea?These are some examplesof organizational politics.You don’t have to work in an office to befamiliar with workplace politics. Anyonewho has ever had any job, anywhere,knows that the dynamics among thosewho are part of the work environment playa vital role in the manner in which abusiness is run. Workplace politics issomething most people recognize whenthey see it in action. Undoubtedly, everyworkplace has its own politics.At the core of workplace politics is theword power. For some individuals, powercarries a negative association, coupledwith influence, control, and manipulation.Sadly enough, all too often, power hasbeen abused. After all, who hasn’tencountered at least one manipulative,dishonest, or backstabbing colleague?In the business world, power is analogousto money and comes in many forms, suchas knowledge and information; access topeople and resources; decision-makingauthority; and leeway to take risks. Anindividual’s capability to extend, share,trade, or negotiate power is a primarycomponent of workplace politics. Thereality is that power is not a bad thing,provided you understand it and utilize itfor constructive outcomes.In 1993, while researching low-costsoftware development methods for theDepartment of Defense, Mr. Brennerdiscovered that equally important todecreasing development costs wasascertaining better ways for engineersto work collaboratively. That work ledMr. Brenner to develop what is knowntoday as “Workplace Politics AwarenessMonth.”The month of October is designatedWorkplace Politics Awareness Month,whereby both employers and employeesare afforded the opportunity to considerwhat they can do to transform toxicworkplace politics into an impetus forcreativity. Toxic politics is detrimental torelationships and hurts people andorganizations. On the other hand, creativepolitics helps us to arrive at better solutionsand to create innovations. Creative politicsis the basis of healthy competitions.The message of Workplace PoliticsAwareness Month is that, although wecannot completely eliminate workplacepolitics, one way to remove it is by dealingwith it openly and directly. This strategyhas a huge return on investment becausewhen we keep politics creative, we makebetter decisions for the organization,which enable us to accomplish its mission.As a health care administrator, Iconstantly ask myself the followingquestions: Am I thriving in workplacepolitics or am I being crushed? Are myteams functioning at a high level, or arethey struggling through continuous conflict?The workplace has become increasinglymore demanding and highly competitive.By establishing your unique politicalplace in the work environment, youempower yourself to take complete chargeof your work life and, ultimately, exhibitthat power to others around you. Still,while you may not be able to control biasesor cultural insensitivities in the workplace,lack of attention to office politics canresult in further alienation or create barriersto advancement.What can you do to thrive in a politicalenvironment? There is no magic formula;but common sense, playing fairly, andsound judgment are excellent startingpoints. My three suggestions for managingoffice politics are:(1) Do what is right – Reputations aredifficult enough to build, but easy todestroy. Be known as a person who istrustworthy, reliable, honest, and fair. Dowhat you say you will do. Speak up whenyou hear false rumors or unfair criticism.Even if everyone doesn’t like you, at leastyou will be respected by most;(2) Be strategic – Pick your battles,because you can’t win every time. Don’temploy all-or-nothing thinking; instead,aim for win-win outcomes and look forcompromises that won’t jeopardize yourhonor; and,(3) Build a strong network – Few of ussucceed without help. Cherish friendsand supporters. Cultivate mentors andconfidants who will offer sound adviceand share important information. Ask forcandid feedback regularly.In a competitive work environment,being politically adept is as important asbeing intelligent, talented, and hardworking.The politically savvy don’t believe in thenegative stereotype of organizational politics.They understand that organizational politicsis a double-edged sword which can beused to cut through bureaucracy andoutdated processes, or it can be utilizednegatively to cut down others’ innovativeideas or colleagues standing in the way ofa desired promotion.The politically savvy excel at acceleratingthe trust-building process. Often, theyutilize their word as their bond and keepit. Furthermore, working openly for thebest interests of the organization, theydon’t have hidden agendas and, therefore,can play fairly.Finally, politically astute individualsoperate ethically, which results in muchhigher influence throughout the organization.After all, ethical individualsare the foundation for establishing anethical culture because each person hashis/her own personal best at heart.Notwithstanding, ethically based culturesbring out the personal best in most people.The end result is increased job satisfactionand high performance.14 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

Interview with ...Editor note: Our 2006 Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year, Chief Dave Worrell, interviewedMCPON Joe Campa in his Navy Annex office. They began with a few questions from the MCPON.MCPON: So what are you doing now?Chief Worrell: I’m still doing the same job, I guess, but ithas changed in the aspect that nobody is telling me what to do anymore. I pretty much get to invent my game as I go along, whichis great; and the increased influence is great. I feel like I have theability to get more done now than I could before so it has beengreat. I have really enjoyed the last year.MCPON: So, are you still in the same place, still at the sameReserve Center?Chief Worrell: I am. I will be there for at least another year,I’m thinking, until I get somebody who is ready to take over. I’mtrying to get one of our Second Class to make First and then I canmove on.MCPON: Well, that’s good. So, you’re growing into being achief? Are you feeling the difference?Chief Worrell: I’m enjoying it. I feel it every day that I’m inuniform. Unfortunately, I don’t get to be in uniform every day,but every day I’m in uniform – I feel the difference. I enjoy it; it’sgood.MCPON: [speaking of the Sailor of the Year program] Well,we’re getting ready to go through that whole process again herein a few months. It ought to be interesting. I just saw theannouncement of the Reserve Sailor of the Year. I had those folks[five finalists] in here and what an incredible group of Sailors;just so committed to our Navy; to leading Sailors. I asked eachone of them what do you see your role as; what do you do at yourcommand? And to a Sailor, they said it was about leading Sailorsto success. They were clearly a standout group of Sailors.NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 15

INTERVIEW WITH MCPONIt just reinforces my belief in the Sailor of the Year program.You know, selected from the deckplates and coming all the wayup. We clearly get the right person.Chief Worrell: It has been good for me, obviously, and,honestly, also good for the Sailors that I work with. They saw whathappened to me, and I notice a lot more motivation in the Sailorsaround me now. They finally saw that it isn’t just something thatyou see in a magazine. It is something that can really happen.MCPON: Well, I looked at some of your advance questions,and I want to talk about a couple of those. I was recently withReserve Chiefs in the Bronx in New York, and there were aboutforty-five or fifty Chiefs. One of the questions that they askedwas very much like your first question. [Is there a blurring oflines between the officer corps and the CPOs?] I wanted them tobe clear on what the expectations of a Chief Petty Officer were. Irecall hearing a lot of talk about blurring the lines. I think in yearspast, we had talked about that, but I’m not sure that we put it in theright context. What I mean by that is if you look throughout ourhistory, whenever there has been a need, Chief Petty Officers havestepped up and filled that need. Wherever the command. If somethinghappens at your command and say, for instance, you get putinto the situation of being the Command Chief, or a DivisionOfficer is gone, and the Chief slides up into that position. We’vebeen doing that for years. We have always been able to do that. Ifthat is blurring the lines, I think that we have always done that.What I want to be clear about is that I want Chiefs to understandwhat their role is. I want every Chief to have a complete understandingof what they bring to the Navy. I want our leadership, thewardroom, I want them to have a clear understanding of what toexpect from the Chief’s mess. And, most importantly, I want ourSailors to understand what they can expect from their Chief.[Our] mission, vision, and guiding principles define that. Itspeaks to our chiefs, it speaks to our leadership, and it speaks toour Sailors. And those principles refocus us on the things thatmake us a Chief’s mess and make our community unique.I don’t particularly like the term “blurring the lines;” and I thinkthat by blurring the lines, by speaking about that in that context,you run the risk of blurring expectations. I have very specificexpectations, and I want them to know what those expectationsare. That’s not to say that you cannot continue to move forwardand to do other things. But, not at the expense of being a Chief!I don’t want any Chiefs to ever subordinate their role as a ChiefPetty Officer to any job or title that they have. So that’s mymessage. So I’m trying to do away with that language of blurringthe lines.Chief Worrell: You have talked about expectations, especiallywhat the junior Sailor should expect from his/her Chief. I thinkthat every Chief knows in his/her own heart what that is; but justto put it into words, what would you say is that expectation?MCPON: I want them to expect a leader. Someone who isgoing not only to train them but also to develop them. We do thatin a couple of different ways. We develop them technically so thatthey grow in their rate. But we also pass down institutionalknowledge. We develop them and give them an understanding ofour Navy. In a sense, Chiefs are passing down their knowledgeand their experience from one generation of Sailor to the next.But also, the Sailor has to be accountable to the Chief. The Sailorhas to know that the Chief is going to do what is in his/her bestinterest, but they are going to be accountable for their actions.They are going to have someone who is well connected to themand who speaks on their behalf. Someone who raises theirconcerns to the chain of command. And that is our connection.In our Guiding Principles, I talk about us being aligned andconnected with our leadership and our Sailors.And, I want Chiefs out and about leading. I want them leadingon the deckplates. That’s not to say that Chiefs don’t haveadministrative responsibilities. We all do . . . . It is important,though, for us to be out on the deckplates, to maintain thatconnection. Chiefs do that day in and day out, and they have todo that. I expect Chiefs to set the tone and to measure their successthrough the success of those that they lead. I tell Chiefs, if youwant to measure how you are doing, walk into a space filled withyour Sailors and if the tone in that space doesn’t change, then thatChief needs to do a gut check. I expect when a Chief walks intoa space the tone in that space will change because the Chief isthere. That is the type of deckplate leadership that I want to blanketour Navy with. When you check on to a ship, you can go aroundto different divisions and some divisions are doing great. In somedivisions the Sailors are thriving. They are motivated and you talkto them and their quality of life is good because their quality ofleadership is good. You go to another division and Sailors maynot be doing so well, and I look at their quality of leadership andit is directly tied. Those commands that are doing phenomenalthings in our Navy, which are the majority, are doing so becausethey are well led. That’s the common denominator.Chief Worrell: You recently spoke at the annual First ClassPetty Officer’s symposium. What did you say to them?MCPON: I told them how important their role as a First ClassPetty Officer is to the success of our Navy. I believe that we don’tcapitalize on the experience and the talent that is in our FirstClass community the way we should. When you make Chief, thatis a pretty big leap and I think that we could do a little better inbringing them [First Class] along and minimize that gap. We talka lot about the Chief and Division Officer relationship, which isvery critical. Well, that other relationship is that First Class andChief relationship and that has to be just as strong . . . .Thatconnection with the LPO is critical, and it is something that Iwant to enhance. I told them to challenge themselves and lookfor that additional responsibility. We need to give them moreopportunity to do more.Chief Worrell: I want to talk about the National Call toService Program. I get a lot of questions about that. First of all,what is your evaluation of how it has worked up to this point?MCPON: I think that at some point we need to review [theprogram] and see if it is doing what we want it to do. Is itmeeting the needs? I do get comments from Sailors every where16 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

it seems to create a perpetual high-year tenure problem. What isyour opinion about that? Don’t we need to keep our senior leadersaround?MCPON: There is a need, of course, to keep our most experiencedSailors around. And if you look, we have even gone to a forty-yearpay scale. But we have not written policy to extend the life of aservice member up to forty years, so at thirty years, the high-yeartenure kicks in. Before we can do that, we have to change the wayin which we advance. Because, if we allow so many to stay, thenwe get stagnation . . . . The number one retention tool is advancement.That is the number one thing! So, if a rating is stagnant andwe are too top heavy, that is why we have high-year tenure. I thinkthat as we evolve as a Navy, as we evolve in how we advance andfigure out how to make this work, I think those opportunities willbe there. It is going to take some rework of our whole system toget us to that point.Chief Worrell: What about the five vector model? Do youthink that is a step toward changing our advancement system?I go, “I’m a National Call to Service Sailor and I want to stay.When they say that, it makes me feel good because it means thatthey have found something that they want to do. They are part ofthe team and they want to stay on. The Sailors tell me that theyexpected to have that option when they signed on. Unfortunately,it is a Reserve program. The way we shape our force on theActive side, this is a force-shaping tool; it’s to strengthen ourReserve–giving them time on active duty so that they have thattime and experience to go into the Reserve force and helpstrengthen that. I think that the gap is that we didn’t do such agood job in educating Sailors about the program that they weresigning up for. I think that we need to give it some time to see ifit is meeting our needs and assess it . . . . In some ratings, they areable to do it [remain on active duty]. In some of the GWOTratings . . . those are given more favorable consideration, but youdon’t want to take a program that was designed to be one thingand try to make it something else.Chief Worrell: One of the complaints that I hear, and I heardthis one from a Chief, is that a lot of time [the Sailor] comes in andgets trained in ratings that don’t transition well into the Reserve.MCPON: You know, I’ve heard some of that and that is thepoint when we say is it doing what we want it to do? If you havethis Sailor that is trained and has some experience and they gointo the Reserve, what are we doing with them? It is more thanjust getting a body into the Reserve; it is getting certain skills andcapability there.Chief Worrell: High-year tenure, I know that you have talkedabout this a lot. I hear about it a lot as well. There is a tendencyin the Reserve program for people to stay around a long time, andEditor note: The five vector plan began testing in 2003. It isultimately intended to be a road map by which Sailors canmanage their careers. The idea is to tie a number of databasestogether and tailor career paths for the individual Sailor. The fivevectors themselves are: Professional Development; Certificationsand Qualifications; Personal Development; Leadership; andPerformance.MCPON: I think that in the long term, yes. But I think that weare quite a way from being able to do that. I think that the fivevector model was a good concept but what we have to do, whatthe Chief of Naval Personnel has done, is to roll out pieces of it.It will be some years out before we get to that full up round fivevector model. So, right now, we have taken steps and removed itfrom most Web sites because there is some work being done. Wehave to integrate all these systems so that they feed into thesecommon databases. In the future, it will be a tool that Sailors canlook at to help them manage their career. It will be a tool for theChief to look at in managing the Sailor’s career. It will neverreplace the Career Development Board or our interaction insitting down with the young Sailor and putting him/her on thatpath, but it will offer some transparency to see exactly how theyare doing. And, I think it will be a useful tool and, at some point,it will play into how we advance our Sailors.Chief Worrell: Vice Admiral Cotton is very proud that theNavy Reserve is better integrated into the Navy than the othercomponents are with their services. How do you see that at thedeckplate level and where have we come up short?MCPON: When I go out, and this is especially true when I amin theater, and you see groups of Sailors, and you are talking togroups of Sailors, you can’t tell the Reserve Sailor from the ActiveComponent Sailor. There is nothing to distinguish them becausethey are folded into one force. Our Reserve Sailors are doingphenomenal things. We couldn’t do it without them. Look at theINTERVIEW WITH MCPONNRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 17

INTERVIEW WITH MCPONnumber of IA assignments out there. I tell you something thatmakes me proud. There was a Sailor when I was visiting one ofthe units; he was a mobilized Reservist. He was from a very smalltown in Arizona. He showed me some photographs from hishometown, and they had these banners with his name on them atthe general store, the only general store in his town. The marqueeat the church had his name [on it] and at the fire station [too]. Andhe is the only one from his town that is serving in Iraq, and theyare so proud. The whole community is behind this Sailor and thatis their connection. And what the Reserve force does is it keepsthat connection with our communities in the heartland ofAmerica because they see these young men and women going outand doing the Nation’s work, putting their lives on hold, and thencoming back. That makes me very proud.I don’t know, coming up short? I talk to Reservists that want togo out there. I’ve talked to many that have said, “I want to go.What can we do to get out there?” We seek opportunities for ourReserve force. They are hungry for that opportunity.Let me tell you a great statement to the leadership in theReserve force. I have a senior enlisted on the ground in Iraq, aCommand Master Chief. His job there is to be the senior MasterChief for those ground forces in Iraq, and he works on theGeneral’s staff. I have had several Master Chiefs wanting this job;Active duty Master Chiefs and all well qualified individuals. Theindividual I selected was from the Reserve. I didn’t select himbecause he was a Reservist. I selected him because he was theright leader to put in there and because he had experience there.Talking with him, he was the type of Master Chief that when yousit down with him, he makes you check yourself to be sure thatyou are doing enough because he is so committed. This is MasterChief Covington.Chief Worrell: One of our other issues is Reserve dentalcare. I’m sure that if you have visited Reserve NOSCs this issuehas come up.MCPON: You know it hasn’t come up. I understand the issueand I think that it is something that I should look into. I’m surethat because of your position [Corpsman] that you hear it. Whatdo you hear?Chief Worrell: Absolutely. In my little world, I deal a lot withthe Marines. What I hear is that it is the first term, the youngSailors and young Marines who are still in college and don’t havedental insurance. We are telling them that they are non deployable,can’t be mobilized, and in some cases they are gettingnegative page 13 entries because they don’t bring themselves outof a class three status soon enough, and they can’t afford to do it.We know that there is dental insurance that they can pay twelvedollars a month to get and that is great for cleaning and a checkup; but when they need wisdom teeth pulled to make them deployable,it still costs them twelve hundred dollars out of their pocket.They are saying, I want to deploy, I want to do this; but I cannotafford to get my teeth fixed, and you’re not taking care of me.The reality is, when you get mobilized, no pun intended, it’s likepulling teeth even then to get dental care before they deploy.MCPON: I’m going to talk to the Force Master Chief[Pennington] about this and get his thoughts on this. I need somemore information on how many people this is affecting and arewe doing the right thing.Chief Worrell: I think that is mostly affecting the young. Inmy opinion, most of the people by the time they have reenlistedonce; they are out of college; and they have settled into some sortof job with benefits. It’s that first term in the Reserve where theproblem is.Chief Worrell: I think you saw the question from the FleetMarine Force hospital corpsman community in regards to ourGeneva Convention non-combatant status. That came out ofdiscussion with corpsmen and my own experience in Iraq. Notthat this isn’t already being worked around anyway; but to try tomeet Geneva Convention standards, corpsmen are not supposedto be carrying M-16s. My question is, is there any talk aboutchanging that?MCPON: You know, I haven’t heard any talk about that.Because the M-16 is considered an offensive weapon and as ahospital corpsman you are considered a non-combatant and soyou can only have a nine millimeter for defensive purposes. Inthis type of war that we are fighting, I know that becomes achallenge; but I haven’t heard any talk and to change that[convention] is a huge step.Chief Worrell: The issue that we ran into over there is thatwhen you are assigned to a vehicle, there are only five seats in thevehicle; and every vehicle has five weapons, except the one thatthe Doc is in. Sometimes that is an issue, especially when youonly have four vehicles in a unit and you are out in a combat situation.That is why the question came up.18 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

Chief Worrell: Independent Duty Corpsmen (IDC). I knowthat you are a hospital corpsman. There is a lot of talk in theReserve community about IDC because we don’t have a programfor getting Reservists IDC status unless they came from activeduty as an IDC. Obviously, IDC skills would be a huge benefit toany Reserve unit. We could really use IDCs. A lot of corpsmenthat I know would be glad to go to IDC school in exchange forsome active duty obligation and then serve in the Reserve. Is thisbeing considered at all?MCPON: You know this is the first time that I’ve heard that,and I would have to talk to the Force Master Chief about it. Andit may be, I don’t know, it may be a throughput issue. There areonly so many that we can train a year. I’ll ask the Force MasterChief about that and have we done a needs assessment for it?How much would we get on the return of that investment?Chief Worrell: I get a lot of e-mail on this, and the opinion ofmost of the corpsmen that I know is that it would be a hugeforce multiplier. Because we have in the Reserve community,when you are back at the NOSC and training, often times wehave trouble getting medical assets. For instance, on aphysical form, if there are any yes answers, you have to havea medical officer sign off on it. Medical officers aren’t a dimea dozen. If there were an IDC there, that would be a huge forcemultiplier. I was just wondering if you have heard talk aboutthis?MCPON: I haven’t heard any talk, but I can see someadvantages do doing that. I’m going to talk to him [Force MCPennington] about it.Chief Worrell: Well, as you look ahead to the rest of yourtour as MCPON, what gets you excited?MCPON: Well, there is a lot of change going on in the Navy;and I look forward to leading some of that change. I look forwardto working through the Chief’s mess to fully unlock the potentialof our Sailors. And to make sure at this time of war, we are asking alot of our Sailors, Active and Reserve; and I want to make surethat these Sailors are well led. We can do a lot of things for them;but as I said earlier, their quality of life is related to their qualityof leadership. I want Sailors to feel the value of service tocountry. I want to ingrain that. I started an initiative to reallyconnect with our heritage. I believe that embracing our heritageand understanding who we are as Sailors – that’s a pride inservice initiative. I mean it really is, and I want Sailors to feelthat. I believe that Chiefs have a big role in doing that. So, I’mexcited about a lot of things. We have a lot of programs that arecoming out now. We know that our most precious and valuableasset is our people, and we are doing a lot in that arena. It is anexciting time to be a part of that.Chief Worrell: Is there anything else that you would like tosay to our Reservists?MCPON: Well, I couldn’t beprouder of our Reserve force andwhat they are doing. I’ve madean effort to learn the Reserveforce. I’ve gone to a few places,Williamsburg comes to mind. Italked to four hundred Sailorsthat were going out to do thecustoms mission in Kuwait. Ijust couldn’t be happier with thequality of individuals that wehave, and I just want to thankthem for their service and theircommitment. We ask a lot andbalancing two careers is not aneasy thing to do; and as everyday goes by, I continue to have adeep appreciation for what ourReserve force is.Chief Worrell: Thank you,and that is all the questions thatI have.Editor note: MCPON Campagave Chief Worrell and theAssociation more than an hourof his time, and we deeplyappreciate that effort.INTERVIEW WITH MCPONNRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 19

Naval Reserve AssociationFall National ConferenceBldg. 1, Naval Service Training CommandGreat Lakes, ILConference ScheduleThursday, October 41200-1700 Registration1600-1700 EXCOM Meeting1800-2000 President’s Reception2000-2359 Hospitality SuiteFriday, October 50700-0800 Continental Breakfast0800-0900 General Session0900-1100 Anchors Breakfast0900-1130 Committee Breakouts1200-2200 Tour of NSTC, Great LakesGuest Speaker:RADM Arnold O. LotringCommander, Naval ServiceTraining Command2200-2359 Hospitality SuiteSaturday, October 60700-0800 Continental Breakfast0800--0830 General Session0830-1130 Committee Breakouts1200-1330 Awards Lunch1400-1600 General Session/Elections1800-2200 Installation Dinner/DanceGuest Speaker:RADM Jon W. Bayless, Jr.Commander, Navy RegionMIDWEST2200-2359 Hospitality SuiteConference AdjournsCONFERENCE UNIFORMS:Meetings and Luncheons – Service Khaki orAppropriate Civilian AttireSaturday Installation Dinner/Dance – Dinner Dress BlueJacket or Black TieTour of Naval Service Training CommandOur Fall Conference will be a busy one given our annual elections and the Saturday evening dinner/dance. It will be different,however, in that we are going to take a “field trip” (spouses invited) to the Great Lakes Naval Service Training Center and BootCamp. We will leave around lunch time on Friday and travel by bus to Great Lakes. Box lunches will be provided on thebus. The afternoon will be spent touring the campus and getting an understanding of what our young people experience asthey become Sailors. It is guaranteed to be a great education. After the tour, we will have no-host cocktails at the Officers’ Club followedby dinner. The ride home, after traffic, will finish off the day with “hospitality” on the bus. CAPT John Farr and other members from ourChicago area have done a lot of work to make this a memorable event. More details will be provided in the registrant’s packet.20 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

The Chicago MarriottOak Brook Hotelis pleased to welcome:The Naval Reserve Association4-6 October 2007Experience a welcoming environment at the Chicago MarriottOak Brook, well known as one of the top hotels in OakBrook. A well-appointed lobby greets you and wonderfullycomfortable guest rooms and suites offer gracious amenities.Great dining begins in 1401 West, a restaurant serving an eclectic menufor breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can take a coffee break atStarbucks, or enjoy a cocktail in our lounge. Marriott Oak Brook alsooffers a fitness center, indoor pool, and whirlpool. The Butler GolfCourse is less than a mile from the hotel and shopping is just a fewminutes away at the Oakbrook Center.The Chicago Marriott Oak Brook is 100% smoke-free, including allguest rooms, restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms, public space, andemployee work areas.Guest rooms feature 32-inch LCD high definition TV, luxury bedding,in-room movies, daily newspaper, and coffeemaker.Oakbrook Center is one of the most prestigious and striking outdoorshopping destinations in the Chicago area. In fact, it’s the largestopen-air premier shopping center in the country! Always on the cuttingedge of fashion, Oakbrook Center was voted the #1 shopping destinationby Illinois shoppers. And no wonder. With six major department storesand over 160 upscale shops and restaurants – set amidst lush gardens andflowing fountains – it’s a spectacular outdoor shopping experience.Reservations: Call 1-800-228-9290 or 1-630-573-8555. Make sureyou tell them you are with the Naval Reserve Association to get thegroup rate.Rate: $99.00 per night plus tax (7%) for the period 3 October 2007 to8 October 2007.Rooms are limited: Reservations received after 12 September 2007 aresubject to availability and may not qualify for the group rate.Transportation from O’Hare Airport: The hotel recommends thatyou call American Taxi at 1-847-255-9614 after you pick up yourluggage. Rates are about 50% of standard airport taxi service.Naval Reserve AssociationFall National ConferenceThe Chicago Marriott Oak Brook HotelOak Brook, IL4-6 October 2007REGISTRATIONNAME/LIFERANK______________________________________ MEMBER: YES_____ NO_____(AS DESIRED ON NAME TAG)FIRST TIME CONFERENCE ATTENDEE: YES_______________ NO______________MAILINGADDRESS______________________________________________________________CITY_________________________________________ STATE______ ZIP__________PHONE_( ) __ ____ E-mail_______________________________SPOUSE’S NAME(IF ATTENDING)____________________________(AS DESIRED ON NAME TAG)LIFEMEMBER: YES_____ NO_____REGISTRATION FEES: MEMBER: $230.00 SPOUSE/ANCHORS: $230.00TOTAL FORWARDED: $_________REGISTRATION FEES INCLUDE:Thursday night President’s reception;Friday & Saturday continental breakfast;Friday & Saturday lunch; and Saturdaynight installation dinner/dance withDJ (Formal).Additionally, your registration fee includesour tour of the Great Lakes Naval TrainingCommand, followed by a dinner at thePort O’Call Officers’ Club._____________________________FINANCE CHAIRMANPLEASE INDICATE YOUR CHOICE(S) OF COMMITTEE(S) ON WHICH TO SERVE:____ ACTIVE DUTY PROGRAMS____ AIR PROGRAMS____ AWARDS____ BUDGET & FINANCE____ CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS____ EDUCATION & LEGISLATION____ HEALTH AFFAIRS____ JO PROGRAMSDO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE, FORCREDENTIALS COMMITTEE ONLY________ Delegate NRA Chapter_________________ Certified Delegate____ MEMBER SERVICES____ POLICY____ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT____ RESOLUTIONS____ RETIRED PERSONNEL____ SITE SELECTION____ SURFACE PROGRAMSAuthorized Signature:___________________________________________Credit card number:_____________________________ Exp. Date:_______Make checks payable to: NRA 2007 Fall National ConferenceMail this form to:NRA 2007 Fall National Conferencec/o Chief Financial Officer1619 King StreetAlexandria, VA 22314Fax: 703-683-3647 ☛ E-mail: cfo@navy-reserve.orgC O N F E R E N C E R E G I S T R AT I O N F O R M SNRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 21

Active DutyProgramsWhom Do We Represent?CDR Matt DuboisNational VP for Active Duty ProgramsThe United States finds itselfin a new strategic era andfaces a security environmentcomposed of numerous anddiverse challenges thatthreaten our nationalinterests. There are several national, military,and Navy strategies at work that willguide us during this extremely challengingtime in our nation’s history. In thebackground of all this, the Navy ReserveFull-Time Support (FTS) community ispatiently waiting for a clear vision of thecommunity’s future. There are flag polestudies, Active Reserve Integration, theNavy Operations Concept, the GlobalMaritime Partnership, the Navy Enterprisesystem, Sea Warrior, and a myriad of otherguiding principles that will point us in theright direction; but, ultimately, decisionsmust be made on how we will get there.Similarly, the Naval Reserve Association(NRA) finds itself in a new strategic era. Weappear to be struggling for membership. Weseem to get less than the desired turnout atour conferences. I think we need to askourselves, whom do we represent. Ourrecent inclusion of the enlisted Sailors waslong overdue. The FTS membership numberis far lower than I would have expected priorto taking this position.Full disclosure: As an Army brat, I wastaught at a very young age that if your areaof the military has a professional organization,you should join. It’s the Army way. Almostall, if not all, Army soldiers are membersof the AUSA. The Navy’s culture is a bitdifferent, but I am curious why more FTSare not members of the Naval ReserveAssociation, their professional organization.Whom do we represent? Do we as anAssociation seek FTS and enlistedmembership purely to bolster our membershipnumbers or do we really represent theentire Navy Reserve?I have asked the FTS members a fewquestions to find out what motivates themto be members. The answers I got back werevery insightful. First, very few FTS aremembers because they think the Associationhas their unique best interests at heart. A fewjoined because they assumed it was “thething to do.” A few more wanted to know asmuch as they could about Selected Reserveissues so they could better serve those, theirconstituency. The other most common reasonwas that they were “motivated” by a unitleader or other influential figure. Most feelthat MOAA provides the FTS all theinformation and service they need. Are weOK with that? I’m certainly not. Most feelthere is little or no value in attending an NRAconference. Are we OK with that? I’m not.Are we truly a Navy Reserve associationserving the entire spectrum of the NavyReserve? Where do the FTS fit in? Wheredo the enlisted Sailors fit in? Does theanswer change in an OperationalReserve? What do we think the future ofthe Navy Reserve FTS should be as acommunity? Should we take a position onthe subject? Should the Navy’s answer be theAssociation’s answer?I postulate that if the Association doesnothing, our answer will be given to us viaFTS attrition . . . in the Navy and in theAssociation. FTS presence directly impactsreadiness and is required to transitionefficiently and effectively from peacetimeto war-time posture. FTS equals increasedreadiness, agility, and responsiveness.FTS are in the business of taking care ofadministrative, maintenance, and planningfunctions to enable maximum training forthe unit and Sailors during training periods.They provide enormous bang for the buck.They should continue to be the best andbrightest, “franchise players” at the top oftheir game, who can lead, manage, andoperate. I’m not advocating an FTS jobsprogram. If there is a more efficient andeffective way to tend to the day-to-day needsof our drilling population, then let’s do it.Until that day, let’s not lose sight of why atalented FTS community is important to ourNavy.As an Association, we need to think bigger,younger, and more diverse than we currentlydo or we will never be the Association ofchoice for many very hard working, valuablemembers of the Navy Reserve. We need toprovide value to the membership, currentand future, that bonds us together with thepurpose of bettering our Navy Reserve, notjust our retirement benefits. If we do that,membership will never be a problem.Guest Column – Cont’d. from page 7* Reinforce eroding alliances, eschewinclinations to take China’s rhetorical sideagainst Japan or against Taiwan, reinvigorateties in Southeast Asia, build on new ties withIndia, and reengage the Atlantic Communityin dialogue on shared global interests andvalues of human dignity and freedom.Conclusion. The Asian perception that theUnited States is a declining Pacific powermay or may not prove prescient, but China isclearly emerging as the preeminent power inthe Asia–Pacific. Faced with this reality, anengaged America can strengthen the currentrobust transpacific alignment, knittingtogether the democracies of the Americas andthe Western Pacific Rim, or a disengagedAmerica can allow a Sino-centric continentalaxis to crystallize as the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations, Taiwan, Korea, andeventually Japan, Australia, and South andCentral Asia bandwagon with China.The choices made in Washington on howto manage the emerging Chinese superpowerwill determine not only the direction ofAsian democracy, but also the prospects forglobal political and economic freedoms inthe 21 st century.22 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

NRA Searches for Nominationsfor NRA National OfficesIt’s that time of the year again, askingfor interested members to contributetheir skills and knowledge to the NavalReserve Association. The NominatingCommittee is looking for a few goodmen and women to guide ourAssociation for the next two years. YourCommittee has been working diligentlybehind the scenes to prepare a slate ofofficers to be elected in Chicago at our FallConference, 4-6 October.We are looking for those members whohave an interest in:Legislation & Education – Assist inachieving the goals set forth in the NRAStrategic Plan; coordinate and help toimplement legislative and educationalprograms and resolutions with the NationalHQ and other National VPs.Membership – Develop and implementmembership recruiting and retention programs.Prepare a periodic report to be published inthe NRA News magazine.Health Programs – Responsible forhealth affairs issues affecting reservemembership. Prepare an article each monthto be published in the NRA News magazine.Junior Officer Programs – Serve asa point of contact and primary advocatefor junior officers. Assist in developing andimplementing retention and recruitmentprograms. Identify issues impacting JO’s inareas of support where the NRA can provideleadership to the Navy Reserve leadership.Prepare an article each month to be publishedin the NRA News magazine.LCDR Gail W. Holzworth, NC, USNR (Ret)Chair, Nominations CommitteeFor further information about these and theother National Officer positions, please see theConstitution and Bylaws and the OperationsManual at Headquarters or NRA Web sitewww.navy-reserve.org.Elected Official Nomination Guidelines isavailable at http://www.navy-reserve.org/Home/Conferences/ElectedOfficialNominationGuidelines/tabid/1830/Default.aspx.The Naval Reserve AssociationHoliday Card AssortmentThe Naval Reserve Association is proud to present the 2007 holidaycards. This program provides you with unique, Navy-orientedholiday greeting cards unavailable anywhere else, and helps us toraise the funds necessary to further our Association’s goalsand projects in support of the Navy Reserve and our nation.This year’s holiday card package will consist of highqualitycards, unlike any others that we’ve published in thepast, utilizing all new, never before used, original artworkcommissioned exclusively for our use. Three new artists haveproduced outstanding artwork using updated subject matterand artistic styles. You can expect to receive yourcomplimentary holiday card package in October,well ahead of time for sending them to your family and friends thisseason. We believe you will be very pleased with the cards andwill use them with pride, knowing they reflect your Service as wellas support of our Association, the Navy, and our country.If you have participated in the past, thank youso much for your support. It has been instrumentalin our ability to move our Association forward.Our goal is to continue to build for the futureas the premier associationrepresenting members ofthe Navy Reserve. We have the vision, the strategicplan, the will, and the committed, growingmembership necessary to make a difference on theissues that count to each and every one of us. Yoursupport this year is vital to our continued success.NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 23

Legislation& EducationLT Marc J. Soss, SC, USNNational VP for Legislation & EducationOn 24 July 2006, PresidentBush signed into law theFreedom to Display theAmerican Flag Act (PublicLaw 109-243). The lawhas been codified underSection 5 of Title 4, U.S. Code and is designedto protect every individual’s right to displaythe U.S. flag on residential property.The law was designed to address thecontroversy surrounding patriotic Americans’desire to display the U.S. flag in the aftermathof 11 September 2001. Many deedrestrictedcommunities (as defined under26 U.S.C. 528), condominium associations,Protection of Our Rightto Fly the U.S. Flagand cooperative associations (as definedunder 15 U.S.C. 3603) attempted to restrictthis patriotic gesture. The law provides that“[a] condominium association, cooperativeassociation, or residential managementassociation may not adopt any policy, orenter into any agreement, that would restrictor prevent a member of the association fromdisplaying the flag of the United States onresidential property within the associationto which such member has a separateownership interest or a right to exclusivepossession or use.” The law protects therights of condominium, cooperative unit,and residential property owners to displaythe U.S. flag consistent with Chapter 1 ofTitle 4, United States Code.However, a deed-restricted community,condominium association, or cooperativeassociation may place reasonable restrictionsas to the time, place, or manner of displayingthe U.S. flag.Title 4 of the U.S. Code outlines the proper method and time to display the flag. It is customary for the flagto be displayed every day from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. The flag isrequired to be “hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously” and should not be displayed during inclement weather(unless it is an all-weather flag). In addition, the flag should be displayed on: “New Year’s Day, 1 January;Inauguration Day, 20 January; Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, third Monday in January; Lincoln’s birthday, 12February; Washington’s birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother’s Day, second Sundayin May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May; FlagDay, 14 June ; Independence Day, 4 July; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, 17 September;Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, 27 October; Veterans Day, 11 November; Thanksgiving Day,fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, 25 December; and such other days as may be proclaimed by thePresident of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.”ATTENTION – PLAN AHEADFOR NRA JUNIOR OFFICER OF THE YEAR FOR FY 2007JOY PROGRAM: Rank of O-1 through O-4, Not Selected to O-5.A. Selected Reservist – Two awards, one for line officer and one for staff officer.B. Full-Time Support – Two awards, one for line officer and one for staff officer.C. In regard to the exclusive NRA Bea Ratner Junior Nurse Corps Officer Award,if a Nurse Corps officer is selected as the Selected Reserve – Staff JOY, theselectee will also receive the Bea Ratner Award. If not, the Bea Ratnerawardee will be selected from the nominations submitted for the SelectedReserve JOY – Staff. Nomination and submission guidelines for the BeaRatner are the same as the other four JOY categories.D. Deadline for nominations is 18 January 2008. Nominations are now sentto Navy Reserve Force (N01A) instead of directly to NRA.E. A board will be convened at NRA Headquarters by mid February. NavyReserve Forces Command will solicit membership for this board by Navalmessage in Nov/Dec each year.F. The Navy Reserve Forces Command will fund travel for the recipients toattend the award event.G. Award presentation will take place at the Association’s Spring Conference.For 2008, the NRA Spring Conference will be in Hawaii, 27-29 March.REFERENCES:Expanded information on the NRA JOY program and nomination procedures willbe promulgated in a forthcoming COMNAVESFOR MESSAGE.NOMINATION FORMAT: Limited to three pages.JUNIOR OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD1. 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 CURRENT UNITH. NUMBER OF MONTHS AT UNIT/COMMANDI. ASSIGNMENT HISTORY (PREVIOUS COMMANDS, BOTH ACTIVEAND RESERVE, WITH INCLUSIVE DATES)J. PERSONAL AWARDS (SIGNIFICANT CIVILIAN AWARDS MAY BEINCLUDED)K. SELECTION JUSTIFICATION (SHOULD REFLECT “WHOLEPERSON” CONCEPT IN RELATION TO MILITARY PERFORMANCE,CIVILIAN INVOLVEMENT, AND FAMILY)(1) SIGNIFICANT MILITARY ACHIEVEMENTS WITHIN THE PASTYEAR WHICH WARRANT SELECTION. IF APPLICABLE,EMPHASIZE CONTRIBUTIONS TO GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR(2) CIVILIAN EXPERIENCE/ACHIEVEMENTS (LICENSES ANDCERTIFICATIONS COMMON TO CERTAIN PROFESSIONS)(3) COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT2. SELECTION CRITERIA: JUSTIFICATION FOR NOMINATION(Demonstrated leadership, performance, accomplishments, and contributions.)The justification must be submitted in the brief and concise “bullet” format, not toexceed three pages. DO NOT include fitness reports.3. ATTACHMENT: Full-length, b/w or color photograph in service khakiQUESTIONS:NRA point of contact is CAPT McAtee at (703) 548-5800 or bye-mail at stratcom@navy-reserve.org.24 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

Navy SabbathBy CAPT William D. Loockerman, USN (Ret)The NRA Western New York Chapter NavySabbath committee under the longstanding andsuperlative leadership of CAPT James Carlo, USN(Ret), continues the legacy of sponsoring the NavySabbath and Armed Forces Sabbath in cooperationwith the National Conference on Ministry in theArmed Forces on the weekend preceding Veterans Day.This past year on Sunday, 5 November 2006, eleven colorguards led the assembled clergy into the beautiful Saint Joseph’sCathedral located in downtown Buffalo, NY. The first color guardto step off was composed of an all service unit, followed by colorguards representing their respecctive service/organizations –Coast Guard, retired Marine vets, VFW, AROTC (3), NROTC,NJROTC, Sea Cadets, and Air Cadets.The principal celebrant was The Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec,Bishop of Buffalo. RADM Louis V. Iasiello, CHC, USN (Ret),delivered the Homily, Father Iasiello is a former Chief of Chaplainsand currently serves as the President of the Washington TheologicalUnion in Washington, DC. Other uniformed military assisted in theMass by rendering readings, offertory presenters, and the playing ofTaps. The service concluded with the posting of colors and theCathedral choir leading the attendees in the singing of the entire“Navy Hymn.”During the special Mass, prayers of thanksgiving were offered forpast service to our Nation and intercessions for the present and futureneeds of the Armed Forces and their families. The Mass was wellattended by military personnel of all services and faiths as well as theirfamilies and the public at large. At the conclusion of the Mass, BishopKmiec invited all attendees to a delightful reception.The Committee continues to plan for this year’s observance onSunday, 4 November 2007. All are welcome to attend.Navy Sabbath BrochureThe Naval Reserve Association sponsorsNavy Sabbath on the weekend precedingVeterans Day (11 November) in conjunctionwith the Armed Forces Sabbath.On Navy Sabbath, we recognize the men andwomen of our Armed Forces who stand on thefront lines of defense of our great nation andwho represent our ability to defend freedom.We salute those who, by their dedicatedservice, make it possible for all Americansto maintain a democratic way of life.Clergy and congregations are invited tocelebrate 2-4 November as a period of prayersof thanksgiving for past service and ofintercession for present and future needs of ourArmed Forces family. Some mention in a sermon,use of the “Navy Hymn,” or of the Navy SabbathPrayer during worship services will demonstrate oursupport for their sacrifices. Clergy are encouragedto invite Armed Forces personnel to attendtheir services in uniform and to assist in theliturgy or to participate in a color guard ceremonyand the Pledge of Allegiance by the congregation.Especially, we want to remember those killed ormissing in action.Additional Courtesy CopiesAvailable on Requestfrom Naval Reserve Association1619 King StreetAlexandria, VA 22314Tel. (703) 548-5800NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 25

MembershipIMPORTANT MEMBERSHIPQUESTIONS COMING UPRADM Richard E. Young, USN (Ret)National VP for MembershipYour input isrespectfullyrequested.At our upcoming NationalNRA Conference in Chicago,Illinois (4-6 October 2007),our National MembershipCommittee will be makingits report on our efforts todate and looking at our future efforts. You,as an NRA member, need to know of these;and your input is not only requested; it isneeded. We are a member-led and memberrunorganization. That means each memberneeds to have the opportunity to have a sayin its management – in its future – in itsdirection.The best way for you to do this is to attendour National NRA Conferences to have yoursay, to propose, to debate, to vote on theseimportant matters. October 2007 is right aroundthe corner; not too late to sign up to attend.If you cannot attend, your voice still needsto be heard. You do this by making sure thosefrom your Chapter, from your District who doattend know of your thoughts and your ideas.As of the writing of this article, the numberof new dues-paying members joining theNRA this year is up over last year. But tomake the goals we have set, means you, eachmember of the NRA, has to carry your shareof the load. Statistics tell us that the surestway to find and sign up new members isthrough individual one-on-one efforts. You, asan NRA member, are half of that equation.So make that effort to talk to the person youknow who should belong to the NRA. Bepolite, be accurate, be positive, be persistent.And have him/her join you in the premierprofessional organization for Navy Reservists.Enough of us pulling together, we’ll get there.Remember to have your new member showyou as his/her sponsor on the membershipapplication form.This is your organization. It needs yourdirect input, so why don’t you plan onattending the October 2007 National NRAConference in Chicago. Your input isrespectfully requested.New Life Members – From 1 April through 30 June 2007CDR Larry J. Arrington, SC, USNCDR Susan L. Bacher, NC, USN (Ret)CAPT John A. Bales, JAGC, USNR (Ret)LCDR Gerald W. Beam, CHC, USNR (Ret)CDR Francis J. Blaise, USNR (Ret)LCDR Joseph A. Blasko, USNR (Ret)RADM (Sel) Kenneth J. Braithwaite II, USNCAPT Gregory W. Brose, USNR (Ret)LCDR William D. Bunch, Jr., USNR (Ret)CDR Kevin M. Callahan, USNBU1 John F. Carrier, USN (Ret)CAPT Arlene E. Chriswell, NC, USN (RC)CDR Monica Sheil Churchill, MSC, USNCAPT Matthew J. Coffey, USNR (Ret)CAPT Susan G. Cooksey, NC, USN (Ret)CAPT R. Michael Dash, MSC, USNCAPT Johnna L. Dettis, NC, USN (Ret)LCDR Mark Stephen Dunnagan, USNLCDR Gregory J. Erickson, USNCDR R. John Feely III, USNLCDR Edward C. Garrant, USNCAPT Erick William Gerdes, USNACC William S. Gillespie, USNCDR Shane A. Gray, USNLT Thelma D. Haile, NC, USNCAPT Paul V. Halberg, USNR (Ret)CAPT Paul R. Haley, USNCDR Nickolas K. Hanby, USNCAPT David L. Hardwick, USNCAPT Horace Harrison, USNR (Ret)LCDR Kenneth L. Hauser, USNR (Ret)CDR John E. Hottendorf, USNCWO4 DeVon L. Hough, USNR (Ret)LT John E. Ingham, USNR (Ret)CAPT John W. Johnston, USNR (Ret)LCDR Joseph F. Kasinac, USNR (Ret)LTJG Michael G. Kelso, USNLCDR Gregory D. Kempi, USNCDR Robert M. Larwood, USNLT Kristen Loupassakis, USNCDR Brian G. MacKercher, USNRADM Robert C. Marlay, CEC, USNR (Ret)RADML David L. Maserang, MSC, USNLT Darlene McMiddleton, NC, USNCAPT Robert H. McNamara, USNR (Ret)CDR Gordon E. Meek, USNR (Ret)CAPT Charles B. Merrill, Jr., USNR (Ret)CAPT Victor A. Meyer, USNR (Ret)CDR Eric B. Milstein, USN (Ret)ENS Glenn Edward Mowder, USNCDR John Tholfsen Mullen, USNLTJG Reid H. Nagao, USNCDR David L. Neilsen, USNCDR Richard G. Norris, USNCDR Ralph J. Ortolano, Jr., USNLT James L. Peck, USNR (Ret)LCDR Jeff D. Pizanti, USNCAPT William F. Pomputius III, MC, USNRADM Carol M. Pottenger, USNCAPT Lawrence W. Raymond, MC, USNR (Ret)CAPT J. C. Redd, USNR (Ret)LTJG Kevin D. Robinson, USNPSC Brian S. Robinson, USNCDR Charles T. Rosenberg, USNR (Ret)CAPT John M. Roths, USNR (Ret)CAPT Donald D. Routier, DC, USNLT Bret Arthur Sealey, USNCDR William K. Shaughnessy, USNR (Ret)CWO2 Eugene J. Shiber, USNR (Ret)LCDR Stephen B. Sloat, CHC, USNLTJG Brian K. Smith, USNLCDR Stephen Edward Spratt, USNCWO2 Gary Stallcup, USNCAPT Mark E. Stange, CEC, USNR (Ret)CDR James E. Sullivan, USNR (Ret)CAPT Samuel G. Sumwalt, USNCAPT James R. Thomas, USNCAPT Craig S. Tomlinson, USN (Ret)CAPT Helmut A. Torok, USNR (Ret)CDR Jess H. Umphenour, USNCDR John S. Van De Mark, USNR (Ret)LCDR Henry T. Vande Kerkhoff, USNR (Ret)CDR Michael A. Varias, USNCAPT Lawrence B. Vorse, USNR (Ret)CAPT Jonathan C. Waldron, DC, USNR (Ret)CDR Stuart Glen Wauchope, USNCAPT Brian D. Weltzien, SC, USNMAJ G. Robert White, NYG/USARENS Francis E. Wilde, USNCAPT Mark E. Woodall, USN26 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

(L to R) PMW-146 LCDR Ken Ebert, USN,and LCDR Michael Mattis, USN11 TH DISTRICT UPDATEBy LCDR David M. Bradley, USNR (Ret)11 TH District PresidentLCDR Michael Mattis, USN (USNA ‘94)received the Naval Reserve Association 11 thDistrict Junior Officer of the Year Award(Surface) for outstanding contributions to theNavy’s Communications Satellite Program Office(SPAWAR PMW-146) and PEO Space Systems.The Operations Officer for SPAWAR HQ 0466,Naval Air Facility Washington and a member ofthe Navy Space Cadre, LCDR Mattis spearheadeda multifaceted systems engineering approachfor resolving several outstanding geolocationrequirements issues with the Mobile UserObjective System (MUOS), the DoD’s nextgeneration UHF satellite constellation under Navyacquisition leadership. Working with PMW-146,LCDR Mattis and his active/reserve team developeda MUOS geolocation CONOPS and tested itsviability during a three-week exercise, mitigating multiple system risks during the MUOSpre-PDR design phase and keeping geolocation off the program’s critical path. LCDR Mattisreceived his award from SPAWAR HQ 0466 Commanding Officer CAPT Jim Rodman, USN,during a unit ward room dinner on 28 July 2007 and was recognized by PMW-146 LCDR KenEbert, USN, during a separate awards ceremony held in the Program Office on 29 July 2007.LT DANIEL F. RHAMY,USNR, VR-61, received theNaval Reserve Association 11 thDistrict Junior Officer of theYear Award (Air) for his positivecontributions to every aspect ofVR-61’s mission. He performedsuperbly in his ground jobs andvolunteered for arduous dutyunder combat conditions inBasrah, Kirkuk, and Baghdad, Iraq,filling a high-priority O-5 billet.Additionally, he is an exceptionalaviator with numerous advancedflight qualifications and hasbeen awarded the DefenseMeritorious Service Medal, AirMedal (Strike/Flight Award), andthe Navy Achievement Medal.(L to R) CAPT Loren Page, CDR Bill Crump (PXO VR-57),LCDR Dan Rhamy, LCDR Thomas Rhamy (Dan Rhamy’sfather)Serving as the Commanding Officer of Iraqi Air Force Squadron 3, he was responsible for thestandup in Basrah, Iraq and training of his initial aircrew cadre to accomplish its reconnaissanceand surveillance mission. As the lone coalition point of contact, he received minimal training onthe aircraft and led the transfer via formation flight of the seven Compare 7SL (experimentalfiberglass kit planes with no offensive or defensive capability) aircraft from the United ArabEmirates Special Operations Command to Iraq. Under his leadership, Squadron 3 was the firstIraqi-generated intelligence provided to coalition forces and then, again, the first to be used forraids on terrorist groups. His dynamic leadership and numerous achievements contributedsubstantially to the MultiNational Security Transition Command-Iraq mission of developing andsustaining Iraqi security forces.District NewsBriefsCAPT G. Mark Hardy III, USNChair, District Presidents CouncilNAVAL RESERVE ASSOCIATIONDISTRICT PRESIDENTSFIRST DISTRICTCAPT William S. Joransen, USN (Ret)E-mail: wsjor@weathereye.comTHIRD DISTRICTCAPT Lance R. Mauro, SC, USNE-mail: lmauro58@yahoo.comFOURTH DISTRICTCDR Edward “Andy” Yeaste, USNE-mail: eyeaste@packagingcorp.comFIFTH DISTRICTCAPT G. Mark Hardy III, USNE-mail: nra@gmhardy.comSIXTH DISTRICTLT Louise Anderson, MSC, USNE-mail: louise_anderson@bellsouth.netEIGHTH DISTRICTCAPT Larry W. Roy, USNR (Ret)E-mail: lwroy@prodigy.netNINTH DISTRICTCAPT Merton D. Nason, USN (Ret)E-mail: imaginason@msn.comELEVENTH DISTRICTLCDR David M. Bradley, USNR (Ret)E-mail: bradsmgtd@msn.comTWELFTH DISTRICTCAPT David Epstein, USNR (Ret)E-mail: davidepstein@sbcglobal.netTHIRTEENTH DISTRICTCAPT Marshall A. Hanson, USNR (Ret)E-mail: pacnwmailbuoy@juno.comFOURTEENTH DISTRICTCAPT Gayle Lau, JAGC, USNR (Ret)E-mail: laug004@hawaii.rr.comFIFTEENTH DISTRICTCAPT George Westwood, USNE-mail: gwestwood@earthlink.netNRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 27

Retirees’ CornerLCDR Joseph P. Golding, USNR (Ret)National VP for Retired PersonnelRetired service members,except those who electto waive all their pay infavor of VA compensationor civil service annuity,will have their retiredpay electronically sent to their financialinstitution on the last business day of themonth. The following article will describethe application process for retired pay;information available in the RetireeAccount Statement; the method of viewingthe retiree’s account through themyPay system; how the retiree is paid;direct deposit abroad; and where to sendchanges of address for retirees.Establishing the AccountPrior to retirement, the retiree mustcomplete and submit a form entitled Datafor Payment of Retired Personnel (DDForm 2656). The retiree must provide theDefense Finance and Accounting Service(DFAS) with dependency information, theSurvivor Benefit Plan (SBP) election,beneficiary information upon death, andwithholding information for federal andstate taxes. Retirees are responsible formaking the necessary arrangements forreceipt and deposit of retired pay, and fornotifying DFAS to forward the paymentsto a financial institution.The Retiree Account StatementThe Retired Pay Operations inCleveland will mail a Retiree AccountStatement (RAS) when an account isestablished. A revised RAS will be mailedRetiree PaymentProceduresonly when there is a change in retired pay.To make changes, the retiree must submitthem prior to the 10 th day of the monthpreceding the month of payment. Theretiree must provide his/her signature andSocial Security number to make a changerequest. Otherwise, the retiree can managehis/her account through the myPay systemon-line.The myPay SystemMyPay is only available for retirees whoreceive their pay through DFAS. A retireecan make changes to his/her account andprint copies of the RAS and IRS Form1099 by accessing the myPay system.Information that is accessible includes,but is not limited to, federal and statewithholding information; financialinstitution information; home address;allotment information; and deductionsfor a U.S. savings bond. It should benoted that retirees who waive all retiredpay in favor of VA compensation will bepaid by the VA. Those who waive only apart of their retired pay and who alsoreceive VA compensation will be paid byboth agencies.In managing allotments, a retiree isauthorized up to six discretionary onesfrom retired pay. Examples of discretionaryallotments include savings allotments,home loans, dependency allotments, lifeinsurance, and premiums for healthinsurance. Retirees are authorized anunlimited number of non-discretionaryallotments which include U.S. savingsbonds, payment of delinquent federaland state taxes, and Court-orderedgarnishments. Retirees should submitrequests for allotment actions to DFAS inCleveland.Method of PaymentService members who retired on or after1 October 1990 must have their retired paysent by electronic funds transfer to adesignated financial institution. To initiatedirect deposit, the retiree should obtain aDirect Deposit Sign-Up Form (SF Form1199A) from his/her financial institution.The financial institution completes theform and the retiree submits it to thefinance activity.DFAS does not send checks to retireeswho are found mentally incompetent.With proper documentation, DFAS willmake them payable to a legal guardian orother legal representative.Direct Deposit AbroadFor those retirees living outside theUnited States, DFAS mails checks to themdirectly. DFAS does not address checks toa U.S. consulate, embassy, or militaryattaché unless the retiree is employedthere. Retirees can also elect to have theirmonthly checks directly deposited intotheir accounts. The international directdeposit option is available in Australia,Canada, France, Germany, and the UnitedKingdom. There are more countriescoming into the program.ResourcesChanges of address should be sent to:Retired Pay OperationsDFAS – Cleveland CenterP. O. Box 99191Cleveland, Ohio 44199-1126The telephone number is 1-800-321-1080 and their fax number is 1-800-469-6559. The Web site is www.dod.mil/dfas.Information on the international directdeposit can be located on the Web site.The telephone for this office is (216) 522-5955.For those individuals who call to reportthe death of a retiree, the telephonenumber is 1-800-269-5170.28 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

Sailor of the YearCeremonyReservists in ActionEarlier this year, we sponsored the Top Five ReserveSailor of the Year luncheon in Washington; and weprofiled those great petty officers in our July edition.The culmination of the annual Sailor of the Yearprogram is the meritorious advancement of the ReserveSailor of the Year, the Pacific Sailor, the Fleet ForcesCommand Sailor, and the Shore Sailor of the Year to chief pettyofficer. This year, the Navy Memorial wanted to sponsor the event aswell as to create a permanent exhibit to honor their service. In order tofund that effort, the Memorial reached out to other Associationsand corporations for sponsorship. We, in turn, reached out to our flagofficer members and asked them to help us make this possible. Theadmirals listed below did that; and we thank them sincerely for gettingbehind our Sailor of the Year, Todd Brooks.As these great Sailors and their families came to town to be honored,there were a number of events. Your Association was present at thereception at the Navy Memorial which was followed by the first NavyBand concert of the summer season. We were also there for the officialribbon cutting of the new exhibit and the advancement ceremony. Thesefour petty officers, now chiefs, are truly remarkable individuals; andyou can be proud.List of contributing admirals:RADM Herbert M. BridgeRADM John CostasRADM Dirk DebbinkRADM Jim EastwoodRADM Gerald GilbertVADM Howard GreerRADM Paul KayyeRDML Daniel MastagniRDMLJohn MesserschmidtRDML Carol PottengerRADM Robert Smith IIIRADM John TillRADM Lemuel WarfieldRADM Robert ZralekRADM Casey CoaneVADM John CottonRDML Marianne DrewRADM Ben GaumerRADM James GrealishRADM Stephen IsraelRDML William LoefflerRADM John McKinley, Jr.RADM Roger NolanRADM Paul QuinnRADM Cliff SturekRADM Roger TriftshauserRADM Richard YoungRADM Jerry D. WestNRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007 29

Reservists in ActionDenver NRA Members Among 3,000 HonoringNavy Cross Hero Petty Officer DietzBy CDR Frank Evans, USNR (Ret)Public Affairs OfficerRear Admiral Dick Young, USN (Ret), President of theDenver NRA Chapter and National VP for Membership,praised his 35-40 NRA members who found time to joinwith 3,000 other military and civilians in attending theunveiling statue (photo on the right) ceremony forColoradoan Gunner’s Mate 2 nd Class Danny Dietz.“I want to personally thank you for honoring one of our local Sailorswho exemplified heroism and dedication to his country,” he said. “Icouldn’t believe how large a turn-out we had from our NRA Chapter,” hesaid.“It was moving to see so many white uniforms at the ceremony. And, thatincludes officers and enlisted personnel from Recruiting and the NavyReserve Center.”He added, “I thought it was a very emotional and meaningful ceremonythat paid tribute to a true Navy hero. Yet at the same time, as DannyDietz’s father told me just before the start of the ceremonies, he wantedthe event to be a celebration. And though somber, I came away with thefeeling that we had, indeed, celebrated the life of a fine young Sailor.”“I do hope that our local Chapter, through more members, can becomemore involved in those activities where we can be of real ongoing help toour Navy, to our Navy’s Reserve, and to our country. We certainly havethe numbers. We certainly have the people with real dedication . . .and we certainly have the talent.”NAPS 2007Outstanding Cadet(Left photo)(L to R) Commanding Officer Naval Academy PreparatorySchool and Midshipman Joshua HerdersonMidshipman candidate Joshua Hendersonreceives a watch from the Naval ReserveAssociation for being selected as theoutstanding cadet for this year’s class atthe Naval Academy Preparatory School.30 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007

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