in memoriam - Fleet Reserve Association

A. National President 

B. National Vice President 

C. National Executive Secretary 

D. Finance Officer 

E. Jr. Past National President 

F. Regional Presidents 

Regional President New England 

Regional President Northeast 

Regional President East Coast 

Regional President Southeast 

Regional President North Central 

Regional President South Central 

Regional President Southwest 

Regional President West Coast 

Regional President Northwest 

G. National Chaplain 

H. National Service Officer, Veterans Affairs 

I. Director, Marketing and Communications 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

REPORTS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS 

REPORTS OF NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS STAFF 

REPORTS OF CHAIRMEN, STANDING NATIONAL COMMITTEES 

J. National Committee on Americanism-Patriotism 

K. National Committee on Budget and Finance 

L. National Committee on Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions 

M. National Committee on Employees Pension 

N. National Committee on FRA Building 

O. National Committee on Hospitals, Welfare and Rehabilitation 

P. National Committee on Legislative Service 

Q. National Committee on Membership and Retention 

R. National Committee on Public Relations 

S. National Committee on Youth Activities 

T. Special Committee to Evaluating the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions 

OTHER REPORTS 

U. National Board of Directors Resolutions for Ratification by the 80th National Convention 

V. Resolutions and Reports for Consideration of the 80th National Convention 

Nomination to National Office Resolutions 

Honorary Membership Resolutions 

Certificate of Merit Resolutions 

Constitution and Bylaws Resolutions, and Standing Rule Resolution 

Standing Rule 4 

W. National Convention Committees 

X. Voting Tally Sheet 

Y. Credentials Reports Form 

Z. Winners of National Committee Awards Tally Sheet

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT 

80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA 

31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 

Shipmate National Officers, Past National Officers, Regional Officers, Past Regional Officers and Shipmates. It is 

my pleasure and distinct honor to submit my annual report as the FRA’s National President. 

I was installed as National President on 23 September 2006 at the conclusion of the 79th National Convention in 

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Previous to that I served as FRA’s National Vice President from 1 October 2005 to 23 

September 2006 and as FRA’s National Financial Secretary from 1 June 1997 to 1 October 2005 retiring from FRA 

employment on that date. 

Those sixteen years were the highlights of my life and FRA membership, however, serving these past thirteen plus 

months as FRA’s National President climaxes any expectations that I may have had concerning this office. Throughout 

this Association wherever I traveled I received great hospitality and encouragement from the membership of 

FRA and the LA FRA. For all of this Sandy and I want to express our sincere thank you! 

It has been my pleasure to visit branches and shipmates in each of the nine regions this year as NP and last year as 

NVP. Inasmuch as Sandy and I are full time rv’ers (do not have a house) we were able to travel throughout the regions 

and visit as many branches as was possible. 

Attached to this report is a ‘National Vice President’s Travel Schedule’ showing the places I have visited this last 

year as NVP and a ‘National President’s Travel Schedule’ showing the places visited this year as NP. These are attached 

so they will be a part of the permanent record of this convention. 

Additionally, thanks to the convention delegates at the 79th Convention authorizing the travel money. I was able to 

travel to the overseas Pacific branches in Japan, The Republic of the Philippine Islands and Guam. This was the first 

time an incumbent NP was able to visit many of the overseas branches and I can tell you all of the branch members 

did appreciate the visit of a NP – it made them feel a part of the FRA. Hopefully money can be authorized in future 

years so a NP can again visit those shipmates. Attached to this report is NPSL 7-07 which reported on the trip along 

with comments/questions generated from the shipmates there. All of their questions and comments have been addressed 

by the National Headquarters Staff. Some were not to their satisfaction due to governmental and legal issues, 

but each one received a response. 

My travels throughout the Association have been very rewarding. All of the branches that I have visited are keeping 

with the Principles of the Association and most are involved within their local community with a highway clean up, 

Little League, Boy and Girl Scouts, NJROTC, community activities and many, many other projects too numerous to 

mention. To all of the branches I have visited – I thank you for the hospitality received – to the Ladies Auxiliary 

Units that provided those delicious snacks, lunches and dinners – “I say keep up the good work” – all were certainly 

appreciated and thank you. 

On the negative side, I am very concerned with the future of our FRA. Without exception, all of the branches I visited, 

the members who are attending the meetings and holding offices – a very large majority are in their late 70's, 

80's and low 90's. Ten years from now the high end of that spectrum will not be here and within the next few years 

the low end of that spectrum will have joined the Staff of the Supreme Commander. My question to you, who is going 

to keep the branches going and who is going to hold the required offices? There are no younger shipmates in the 

fold, except in a handful of branches. 

Within the next several years, I believe FRA will have fewer than 75 branches and the majority of our membership 

will be in the Membership-at-Large Rolls. 

Shipmates it is imperative that each one of us recruits members for the FRA – do not leave it for someone else to do. 

Additionally, we must curtail the suspension of our members – members who have been members for 25 plus years 

are not renewing their membership. Membership is the life blood of the great Association and without members, we 

are not going to be able to continue. 

NP-1

Last year as NVP, I traveled 9, 092 by air and 29,630 by motor home and automobile and this year as NP, I traveled 

75,971 miles by air and 34,370 miles by motor home and automobile and for the two-year period have visited twothirds 

of the FRA branches. 

I would like to thank the National President’s Advisory Committee for their advice and counsel this past year – all 

items were reviewed and many times I had to make the difficult choice on a matter which did not agree with every 

member of the committee. Having said that, I am sure the individual committee members had to do the same during 

their tenure as National President. 

A special thank you to National Parliamentarian PNP Eblen, for his invaluable counsel and advice during the year. 

Again many difficult decisions had to be made after opinions were given to me by the National Parliamentarian. 

To National Chaplain Patton – thank you so very much for your duties and assistance as National Chaplain – all 

were appreciated by this national president. 

Each member of the National Board of Directors, in my opinion have performed in an excellent manner in representing 

their regions this year and I thank each of you for your continued dedication to this great association. 

To the members of Navy Department Branch 181, thank you for your support these past several years. I am proud to 

be a member of Branch 181. 

Last but not least, thanks to our dedicated Staff at the National Headquarters. NES Joe Barnes and each member of 

the Staff, are without question, THE BEST! 

All of Association money received for Travel and Expenses has been expended in the performance of my duties as 

NP. 

NP-2 

In Loyalty, Protection and Service 

JERRY L. SWEENEY 

National President

NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT’S TRAVEL SCHEDULE 

DATE FUNCTION LOCATION 

10-05/08-05 NCPOA Annual Convention Bremerton, Washington 

10-11-05 Branch 29 Bremerton, Washington 

10-12-06 Branch 104 Tacoma, Washington 

10-14-05 Branch 363 Longview, Washington 

10-29/30-05 Teddy Roosevelt Pilgrimage Oyster Bay, New York 

11-10/11-05 National Veterans Day Ceremonies Birmingham, Alabama 

12-1/4-05 USS ARIZONA Memorial Services Tucson, Arizona 

12-6/7-05 USS ARIZONA Memorial Services Jacksonville, Florida 

01-04-06 Branch 168 Bainbridge, Maryland 

01-05-06 Branch 181 Arlington, Virginia 

01-06-06 Branch 6 Baltimore, Maryland 

01-08-06 Branch 50 Charleston, South Carolina 

01-09-06 Branch 184 Warner-Robbins, Georgia 

01-10-06 Branch 339 Albany, Georgia 

01-12/14-06 GA/SC Council Meeting McDonough, Georgia 

01-15-06 Branch 89 Atlanta, Georgia 

01-16-06 Branch 213 Jonesboro, Georgia 

01-17-06 Branch 202 Columbia, South Carolina 

01-18-06 Branch 291 New Port Richey, Florida 

01-19-06 Branch 126 Jacksonville, Florida 

01-21-06 Branch 15 Walhalla, South Carolina 

01-24-06 Branch 259 Fayetteville, North Carolina 

01-26/28-06 EC Region Midyear Meeting Greenville, North Carolina 

02-01-06 Branch 210 Milton, Florida 

02-02-06 Branch 220 Lake City, Florida 

02-05-06 Branch 179 Gainesville, Florida 

02-09-06 Branch 34 Tallahassee, Florida 

02-10/11-06 SE Region Midyear Meeting Chattanooga, Tennessee 

02-13-06 Branch 22 Pensacola, Florida 

02-14-06 Branch 91 Jacksonville, Florida 

02-15-06 Branch 183 Interlachen, Florida 

02-16-06 Branch 335 Port Orange, Florida 

02-19-06 Branch 102 Clear Water, Florida 

02-20-06 Branch 25 St. Augustine, Florida 

02-22-06 Branch 371 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

02-26-07 Branch 157 Yuma, Arizona 

03-04-06 Branch 70 – Mexican Dinner Poway, California 

03-08-06 Branch 289 Imperial Beach, California 

03-12-06 Branch 70 - Breakfast Poway, California 

03-13-06 Branch 108 Norco, California 

03-14-06 Branch 61 Chula Vista, California 

03-18-06 Branch 313 Oceanside, California 

03-19-06 Branch 95 Ridgecrest, California 

03-22/25-06 NW Region Midyear Convention Honolulu, Hawaii’ 

03-30/04-01-06 WC Region Midyear Convention Placerville, California 

04-02-06 Branch 275 - Breakfast Placerville, California 

04-03-06 Branch 230 Roseville, California 

04-05-06 Branch 10 San Leandro, California 

04–07-06 Branch 287 Livermore, California 

04-08-06 Branch 48 San Francisco, California 

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04-09-06 Branch 69 Sacramento, California 

04-11-06 Branch 101 Santa Clara, California 

04-12-06 Branch 8 Vallejo, California 

04-14-06 Branch 113 Stockton, California 

04-18-06 Branch 178 Monterey, California 

04-21-06 Branch 137 Minden, Nevada 

04-22-06 Branch 261 Lemoore, California 

04-23-06 Branch 281 Redding, California 

04-26-07 Branch 275 Placerville, California 

04-27-06 Branch 274 Reno, Nevada 

05-03-06 Branch 161 Kansas City, Kansas 

05-04-06 Branch 276 Omaha, Nebraska 

05-06-06 Branch 267 St. Louis, Missouri 

05-08-06 Branch 206 Bowling Green, Kentucky 

05-10-06 Branch 105 Owensboro, Kentucky 

05-11-06 Branch 284 Lexington, Kentucky 

05-12/13-06 NE Region Spring Meeting Williamsport, Pennsylvania 

05-15-06 Branch 166 Virginia Beach, Virginia 

05-16-06 Branch 40 Chesapeake, Virginia 

05-17-06 DBPP Committee Meeting Alexandria, Virginia 

05-18-06 NBOD Capitol Hill Visits Washington, DC 

05-19/20-06 NBOD Meeting Alexandria, Virginia 

05-23-06 Branch 5 Norfolk, Virginia 

05-23-06 Branch 60 Norfolk, Virginia 

05-29-06 Breakfast at White House and Memorial Day Washington, DC and Arlington, Virginia 

Services 

06-03-06 Branch 242 Davenport, Iowa 

06-06-06 Branch 225 Poplar Bluff, Missouri 

06-13/16-06 Visit with PNP Stan Nahill in hospital Houston, Texas 

06-20-06 Branch 53 Gurnee, Illinois 

07-07/08-06 NE Region Convention Williamsport, Pennsylvania 

07-10-06 Branch 93 Lexington Park, Maryland 

07-12/24-06 Assist PNP Neoma Nahill with PNP Stan’s Sugar Land, Texas and Baton Rouge, Lou- 

Memorial Services 

isiana 

07-26/29-06 SC Region Convention Shreveport, Louisiana 

08-02/03-06 National Budget & Finance Committee Meeting 

Alexandria, Virginia 

08-05-06 Branch 4 Washington, District of Columbia 

08-07-06 Branch 132 Pawtucket, Rhode Island 

08-10-06 Branch 156 Topsham, Maine 

08-11-06 Branch 66 Rockland, Massachusetts 

08-15-06 Branch 42 North Kingstown, Rhode Island 

08-17-06 Branch 338 Hudson, New Hampshire 

08-19-06 Branch 235 Rutland, Vermont 

08-20-06 Branch 3 and Branch 66 Picnic Humarock, Massachusetts 

08-21-06 Branch 308 Red Bank, New Jersey 

08-24-06 Interment Services for PNP Stanley S. Nahill Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia 

08-25/27-06 NEng Regional Convention Woburn, Massachusetts 

08-31-06 Branch 229 New Windsor, New York 

09-05-06 Branch 124 Lakehurst, New Jersey 

09-11-06 Branch 106 Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 

09-12-06 Branch 258 Erie, Pennsylvania 

09-13-06 Branch 319 Mansfield, Ohio 

NP-4

09-18-06 NBOD Meeting Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 

09-19/23-06 79th National Convention Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 

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NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S TRAVEL SCHEDULE 

DATE FUNCTION LOCATION 

09-24-06 Post Convention NBOD Meeting Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 

09-24-06 Branch 14 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

10-05-06 Branch 98 Bossier City, Louisiana 

10-08-06 Branch 159 Pasadena, Texas 

10-10-06 Branch 311 Long Beach, Mississippi 

10-11/14-06 NCPOA Annual Convention Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

10-18-06 Branch 222 Slidell, Louisiana 

10-19-06 Branch 92 New Orleans, Louisiana 

10-20-06 Branch 162 Gretna, Louisiana 

10-21-06 Branch 239 Longview, Texas 

10-22-06 Branch 96 Dallas, Texas 

10-23-07 Branch 303 Sherman, Texas 

10-29-06 Theodore Roosevelt Pilgrimage Oyster Bay, New York 

11-02-06 Branch 133 Pocatello, Idaho 

11-06-06 Branch 63 Lewiston, Idaho 

11-08-06 Branch 212 Glen Burnie, Maryland 

11-09-06 Branch 67 Suitland, Maryland 

11-11-07 Veterans Day Ceremonies White House/Arlington National Cemetery 

11-12-06 Branch 299 Wilmington, North Carolina 

11-13-06 FRA National Headquarters Alexandria, Virginia 



11-21-06 Branch 191 Olympia, Washington 

12-02/16-06 65th Pearl Harbor Anniversary Honolulu, Hawaii’ 

12-19-06 Branch 151 Eugene, Oregon 

12-20-06 Branch 68 Grants Pass, Oregon 

01-03-07 Branch 198 Bend, Oregon 

01-06-07 Branch 174 Sequim, Washington 

01-11-07 Branch 328 Roseburg, Washington 

01-12-07 Branch 55 Portland, Oregon 

01-13-07 Branch 18 Seattle, Washington (Meeting Canceled) 

01-18-07 Branch 97 Oak Harbor, Washington 

01-22-07 Branch 279 Las Vegas, Nevada 

01-23-07 Branch 26 Bakersfield, California 

01-24-07 Branch 9 San Diego, California 

01-25/31-07 Omni Bayfront Tower Hotel Corpus Christi, Texas 

01-27-07 Branch 94 Corpus Christi, Texas 

01-28-07 Branch 203 San Antonio, Texas 

01-31/02-03-07 East Coast Midyear Convention Carolina Beach, North Carolina 

02-07-07 Branch 103 Yokosuka, Japan 

02-13-07 Branch 247 and 154 Dagupan City & Baguio City, Republic of 

the Philippine Islands 

02-14-07 Branch 367, 74 and 83 San Miguel, Olongapo City and San Narcisco, 

Republic of the Philippine Islands 

02-15-07 Branch 64 Iloilo City, Republic of the Philippine Islands 

02-16-07 Branch 127 Bico Nabau, Republic of the Philippine Islands 

02-18-07 Branch 73 Agana, Guam 

02-27-07 Branch 374 Salem, Oregon 

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03-03-07 Branch 312 San Diego, California 

03-04-07 Branch 302 Carson, California 

03-07-07 Branch 47 El Cajon, California 

03-09-07 Branch 176 Tucson, Arizona 

03-10-07 Branch 163 Phoenix, Arizona 

03-13-07 Branch 77 Amado, Arizona 

03-18-07 Branch 175 Garden Grove, California 

03-20-07 Branch 43 Long Beach, California 

03-22-07 Branch 192 Fallon, Nevada 

03-24-07 Branch 158 Fountain, Colorado 

03-29-07 Joint House/Senate VA Hearing Testimony Washington, DC 

03-30/31-07 WC Regional Midyear Convention Auburn, California 

04-12-07 Branch 117 Orlando, California 

04-13/14-07 Florida Council of Branches Meeting Jacksonville, Florida 

04-15-07 Branch 51 Miami, Florida 

04-17-07 Branch 248 St. Marys, Georgia 

04-18-07 Branch 188 Seffner, Florida 

04-19-07 Branch 186 Inverness, Florida 

04-22-07 Branch 144 Lehigh Acres, Florida 

04-25-07 Branch 366 Palm Bay, Florida 

04-27/29-07 USS Hobson Memorial Society Charleston, South Carolina 

05-03-07 Branch 293 Elizabeth City, North Carolina 

05-08-07 Branch 141 Havelock, North Carolina 

05-09-07 Branch 99 Virginia Beach, Virginia 

05-10-07 Branch 172 Grafton, Virginia 

05-05-07 Branch 207 Dale City, Virginia 

05-15-07 Branch 369 Laval, Maryland 

05-16-07 FRA Employee’s Pension Committee Meeting Alexandria, Virginia 

05-17-07 Capitol Hill Visits Washington, DC 

05-18/19-07 NBOD Meeting Alexandria, Virginia 

05-20-07 LA FRA Annual Pilgrimage Arlington, Virginia 

05-21-07 Branch 347 Salisbury, Maryland 

05-22-07 Branch 204 Rocky Mount, North Carolina 

05-23-07 Branch 142 Frederick, Maryland 

05-24-07 Naval Academy Award Presentation Annapolis, Maryland 

05-28-07 White House Breakfast and Arlington Ceme- Washington, DC and Arlington, Virginia 

tery Memorial Day Services 

05-31-07 Branch 33 Fairmont, West Virginia 

06-03-07 NENG Regional Quarterly Meeting Groton, Connecticut 

06-06-07 Branch 72 Fall River, Massachusetts 

06-12-07 Branch 75 Grafton, Massachusetts (meeting canceled 

by branch) 

06-13-07 Branch 237 Niantic, Connecticut 

06-16-07 Branch 344 South Portland, Maine (meeting date 

changed by branch to 06-25-07) 

06-19-07 Branch 246 Chicopee, Massachusetts 

06-20-07 Branch 31 Peabody, Massachusetts (meeting canceled 

by branch) 

06-21-07 Branch 20 Groton, Connecticut 

06-29-07 Branch 226 Staten Island, New York 

07-02-07 Branch 1 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

07-05-07 Branch 232 Cape May, New Jersey (no one showed up 

from branch even after confirmation) 

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07-08-07 PRPEC Edward Huylebroeck, Jr. Memorial 

Services 

Fairfax, Virginia 

07-10-07 Branch 146 Warminster, Pennsylvania 

07-11-07 Branch 71 Sayville, New York 

07-17-07 Branch 13 Northfield, New Jersey 

07-18-07 Branch 57 Wenonah, New Jersey 

07-19-07 Branch 87 Bedford, Pennsylvania 

07-21-07 Branch 258 Picnic Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania 

07-26/28-07 NE Regional Convention Dunmore, Pennsylvania 

08-02-07 Branch 377 Brazil, Indiana 

08-04-07 Branch 130 Picnic Indianapolis, Indiana 

08-06-07 Branch 130 Indianapolis, Indiana 

08-08-07 Branch 130 Ottumwa, Iowa 

08-09/11-07 NC Regional Convention Omaha, Nebraska 

08-12-07 Branch 380 Jefferson City, Missouri 

08-14-07 Branch 379 St. Joseph, Missouri 

08-15-07 Branch 348 Ft. Wayne, Indiana 

08-16/18-07 NW Regional Convention Oak Harbor, Washington 

08-20-07 Branch 327 Dayton, Ohio 

08-21-07 Branch 223 Paducah, Kentucky 

08-23/25-07 SC Regional Convention Shreveport, Louisiana 

08-27/28-07 FRA National Headquarters Alexandria, Virginia 

08-29/30-07 FRA Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Alexandria, Virginia 

08-31/09-01-07 WC Regional Convention Sacramento, California 

09-05/08-07 SE Regional Convention Chattanooga, Tennessee 

09-11-07 Branch 28 Cincinnati, Ohio 

09-12-07 PRPEC Edward Huylebroeck, Jr. Burial Services 

Arlington, Virginia 

09-13-07 Branch 365 Evansville, Indiana 

09-14-07 Branch 376 Windsor, Wisconsin 

09-15-07 Branch 12 Chicago, Illinois 

09-16-07 Branch 324 Massillon, Ohio 

09-20/22-07 NEng Regional Convention Tewksbury, Massachusetts 

09-24-07 Branch 17 Cleveland, Ohio 

09-27-07 Branch 298 Wyoming, Michigan 

10-04-07 Branch 44 Columbia, Tennessee 

10-07-07 Branch 194 Knoxville, Tennessee 

10-08-07 Branch 234 Anderson, South Carolina 

10-10/13-07 NCPOA Annual Convention Charleston, South Carolina 

10-16-07 Branch 334 Alpena, Arkansas 

10-18-07 Branch 119 Monroe, Louisiana 

10-21-07 Branch 282 Little Rock, Arkansas 

10-28/29-07 Omni Bayfront Tower Hotel Corpus Christi, Texas 

10-30-07 Pre-Convention NBOD Meeting Corpus Christi, Texas 

10-31/11-03-07 80th FRA National Convention Corpus Christi, Texas 

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BRANCHES VISITED BY REGION 

REGION NUMBER OF 

BRANCHES 

NUMBER VISITED % 

NEW ENGLAND 15 11 73.33% 

NORTHEAST 21 14 66.67% 

EAST COAST 37 25 67.57% 

SOUTHEAST 48 30 62.50% 

NORTH CENTRAL 47 26 55.32% 

SOUTH CENTRAL 23 15 65.22% 

SOUTHWEST 26 19 73.08% 

WEST COAST 25 17 68.00% 

NORTHWEST 36 26 72.22% 

NW - STATESIDE 24 17 70.83% 

NW - OVERSEAS 12 9 75.00% 

TOTAL 278 183 65.83% 

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NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S SERIAL LETTER 7-07 

From: National President 

To: National Mailing List 

NP-10 

18 May 2007 

Subj: Travel Report of National President’s Overseas Pacific FRA Branch Visits 

Sunday, 4 February 

TRAVEL REPORT 

OF 

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S 

OVERSEAS PACIFIC FRA BRANCH VISITS 

Sunday, 4 February through Thursday, 22 February 2007 

After attending the East Coast Midyear Meeting in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, Sandy and I departed 

Carolina Beach at 0200 EST by auto and drove to Raleigh-Durham North Carolina International Airport. We departed 

RDU on Continental Express Flight #2216 at 0740 en-route to Newark-Liberty International Airport, New 

Jersey (1 hr 30 mn -156 miles) arriving at 0910. 

We departed Newark-Liberty on Continental Airlines Flight #9 at 1110 (14 hr 0 mn -7,232 miles) to Tokyo 

(Narita) International Airport, Japan. 

Monday, 5 February 

CROSSED INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE 

JAPAN 

Arrived at Narita International Airport at 1500 (0100 EST). We were processed through Immigration and 

Customs within ten minutes and were met by Branch 103 (Yokosuka, Japan) President Frank Misiura. Shipmate 

Misiura drove us to the Yokosuka Naval Base arriving at 1730 (0330 EST). We were billeted at the Distinguished 

Visitors Quarters (DVQ), Room 1471-B. This was to be our quarters for the entire seven day stay at Yokosuka. The 

Quarters were excellent accommodations, consisting of a living room, dining room, kitchen (with washer and dryer), 

bedroom, bathroom (and a patio). Branch 103 had supplied food and snacks, sodas and beer for our stay. 

Tuesday, 6 February 

After a much needed night of sleep and adapting to the 14 hour time change, we were picked up at the DVQ 

by Shipmate Misiura at 1115 and had lunch at the Officers Club, followed by an auto tour of Yokosuka Naval Base 

and a short tour of parts of the City of Yokosuka. 

At 1730 Shipmate Misiura and Mrs. Misiura picked us up at the DVQ and had dinner at the Chief Petty 

Officers Club. We were joined by Branch 103 Vice President Bill and Mrs. Beckwith. After dinner and some social 

time, we returned to the DVQ. 

Wednesday, 7 February 

Shipmate Misiura picked us up at 1000 and took us to Navy Exchange. From the NX we took a short auto 

tour of another part of Yokosuka, then drove to the CPO Club for a Senior Enlisted Luncheon in the Major Room at

1100. There were 18 senior enlisted personnel plus two Branch 103 members present. Lunch was served followed by 

an FRA Indoctrination/Legislative Brief by the National President at 1200. The lunch was funded by the FRA and 

the cost was $620. 

At 1715, Shipmate Misiura picked us up at the DVQ and took us to FRA Branch 103 Club in Yokosuka for 

their Branch General Assembly Meeting which was followed by lunch. 

After visiting with the shipmates present, we returned to the DVQ around 2100. 

Thursday, 8 February 

Shipmate Misiura picked us up at 0830 at the DVQ, we then proceeded to the CPO Club for the first of two 

Active Duty Briefs on FRA Initiatives by the National President at 0900. Unfortunately, only two active duty personnel 

(one Chief Petty Officer and one 3rd Class Petty Officer), plus one member of Branch 103 attended. Neither 

of the active duty shipmates was familiar with the FRA (a constant repeat of previous comments from many active 

duty members and a continuous public relations problem within the FRA). 

Both of the shipmates who attended had received the information from their commands on the brief and 

came to “see what it was all about.” When the CPO left, she said “you have me as a new member and indicated she 

was going to sign up on-line. 

We then returned back to the DVQ until 1130 when Shipmate Misiura picked us up at the DVQ and we 

went to lunch at the Seaside Restaurant. After lunch we did another auto tour of the local visitor areas within the 

City of Yokosuka. 

Following lunch, we returned to the CPO Club for the second Active Duty Brief on FRA Initiatives at 1400. 

We had 50% of the attendees at the 0900 Brief – one Chief Petty Officer. Once again the Chief was not a member of 

the FRA and did not know of our existence. We had a casual “one-on-one” visit with him for about twenty minutes. 

During this visit, one retired CPO who is an employee of the Chief Petty Officers Club partook in the discussion. 

After the Chief departed, I was interviewed by the Armed Forces Pacific Network and talked about what 

FRA does, our legislative agenda and the benefits of membership. 

Shipmate Misiura then returned us back to the DVQ for the rest of the afternoon and evening. 

Friday, 9 February 

At 1100 Shipmate Misiura picked us up at our quarters and we went to the Officers Club for lunch. After 

lunch we took another short auto tour of a shore-side drive on Tokyo Bay. We then returned to quarters and dropped 

Sandy off. Shipmate Misiura and I went to the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and met with CMDCM Ashley Smith 

briefly, who presented me with two USS Kitty Hawk ball caps. We were taken on an extensive tour of the ship and I 

was interviewed by the Public Affairs CPO, MCC Jason Chudy on what the FRA was and why I was visiting Japan. 

At 1500 we met for a courtesy call with Rear Admiral James D. Kelly, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Japan. 

We discussed quality of life issues and military readiness. Admiral Kelly is keenly aware of the FRA and promised 

his command support of FRA at both the local and national levels. 

Shipmate Misiura then dropped me off at our quarters after another busy, but eventful day. 

Saturday, 10 February 

Shipmate and Mrs. Misiura picked us up at the DVQ at 1145 and the four of us went to lunch at the Seaside 

Restaurant. After lunch we did an auto tour of the country side between Yokosuka and Yokohama and the City of 

Yokohama. We stopped at Neguishi for refreshments 

NP-11

We returned to the DVQ at 1630 for a couple hours of rest before going to the CPO Club for dinner. 

Shipmate Misiura picked us up at the DVQ and drove to the CPO Club. Shipmate Vice President Bill and 

Mrs. Beckwith joined us for a steak dinner. As the steaks were ordered, they were cut and weighed (any size one 

wanted – $2.00 an ounce.) After a delicious dinner, we proceed to the Cove Bar in the Club and were entertained by 

Nashville recording artist Floyd VanLaningham who is touring military bases in Japan. 

During the evening, I was introduced as the National President of the FRA and Floyd presented us with two 

of his CD albums – Nice Guys Finish Last and Here I Am Again. He is planning to tour parts of Texas this Fall – I 

invited him to come to Corpus Christi for the convention. 

Around 2300, we took a base taxi back to the DVQ. 


We awoke to a beautiful sun-shiny day (one of several we had while in Yokosuka) and Shipmate Misiura 

picked us up at the DVQ .We drove towards Mt.Fuji for a couple of hours to view the country side and the mountain. 

When we got near the base of the mountain, we stopped at a Japanese McDonald’s and had lunch. We returned 

back at the DVQ around 1330. 

It then became apparent our trip to Japan was drawing to a close as we began packing for departure for the 

Philippine Islands the next morning. 


Shipmate Misiura picked us up at the DVQ at 0630. We then proceeded to the Tokyo (Narita) International 

Airport, arriving at 0800. 

At 1105 (2105 EST Sunday,11 February) departed Tokyo on Continental Micronesia Airlines Flight #962 

for Agana International Airport, Guam, (3 hr 30 mn -1,558 miles) arriving at 1515. After a 5 hour layover, we departed 

Agana on Continental Micronesia Airlines Flight #933 at 2015 for Manila International Airport, Republic of 

the Philippines, (3 hr 40 mn -1,597 miles) arriving at 2145 (0845 EST). 

Monday, 12 February – Continued 

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 

After processing through Immigration and Customs, we were met by Shipmate Roberto G. Macaraeg, 

President of Dagupan City Branch 247, Branch Master-At-Arms Teddy Coquia and driver Leslie Degano, nephew of 

Shipmate Macaraeg. Sandy and I were presented caps denoting me as the National President and Sandy as a Past 

National President. 

We departed by auto on a five hour drive from Manila to Dagupan City, stopping en-route at a local vendor so 

Shipmate Macaraeg could pick up some items they had ordered that morning going to Manila. We also drove 

through parts of the old Clark Air Force Base and noted some of the devastation from the volcano eruption. We arrived 

at and checked into the Star Plaza Hotel in Dagupan City at 0230 on Tuesday morning. We both were totally 

exhausted after flying 3,155 miles, a five hour layover in Guam, and the five hour auto trip from Manila. The Star 

Plaza Hotel would be our abode for the rest of that night and Tuesday night. 


At 0830 we were met by Shipmate and Mrs. Macaraeg and Shipmate Coquia for breakfast in the hotel restaurant. 

At 0915 we departed the hotel for Branch 247’s Branch Home. Many Shipmates and Ladies from Dagupan 

City Branch and Unit 247 and Baguio City Branch and Unit 154 were awaiting our arrival and we each received a 

NP-12

warm Pilipino welcome, complete with a “welcome aboard banner” on the street into the branch home and at the 

branch home. 

A combined meeting of Branch/Unit 247 and 154 was held at 1000 followed by a delicious lunch. 

Unit 247 presented Sandy and I with a lei, Branch 247 presented me with a monkey pod desk plate and the 

unit presented Sandy with a monkey pod desk plate and purse. 

After the meeting, the Ladies of Unit 247 took Sandy shopping in Dagupan City and I returned back to the 

Star Plaza Hotel to finalize the remaining schedule in the Philippine Islands by telephone with San Miguel Branch 

367 Secretary Dan Steakley. 

A dinner was held in our honor at 1900 at the hotel and was attended by approximately 30 shipmates and 

ladies. I was then presented a beautiful FRA plaque and a US Navy plaque, both made from monkey pod. 

We then returned to our room to get some much needed rest, knowing we were going to have “another full 

day” tomorrow. 


At 0800 we were met in the hotel lobby by Shipmate Joe (Smoky) Freeland, San Miguel Branch 367 and 

Lady Annie Phillips of Unit 367. We were both presented leis by Lady Annie. Shipmate ‘Smoky’ and Lady Annie 

had left San Miguel at 0200 for a four hour – thirty five minutes trip by auto to Dagupan City to pick us up. 

The four of us (and their driver) departed Dagupan City at 0830 for a four hour trip back to San Miguel 

arriving at Branch 367’s Home at 1230. Again, a very warm welcome was received from members of Branch/Unit 

367 and Olongapo City Branch 74 and San Narcisco Branch/Unit 83 who had driven to San Miguel for a combined 

meeting. Again, another large “welcome aboard” banner was prominently displayed in the drive way to the branch 

home. 

Another delicious lunch was served and the combined branches/units general assembly meeting convened 

at 1400. After the meeting Sandy and I were presented FRA caps and golf shirts depicting Branch 367. 

At 1630 Lady Annie, Sandy and I (and the driver) departed on a 4 hour – 30 minute drive to Manila and 

checked into the Heritage Hotel Manila at 2100. The hotel was about 10 minutes from the Manila Airport which was 

convenient inasmuch as we would be going to and from the airport for the next three days. 

Lady Annie and the driver then went back to San Miguel on another 4 hour – 30 minute drive – a very long 

day indeed for the two of them! 


After yet another early reveille, we departed the hotel by hotel taxi at 0645 and went to the airport – checking 

in for our flight on Philippine Airlines to Iloilo to visit Miago Branch and Unit 64 (Iloilo City). Left Manila 0900 

and arrived Iloilo City at 1010. It was noted the airport had only one taxiway/runway. The plane landed, went to the 

end of the runway and then used the runway to taxi back to the terminal. 

We were met at the airport by Shipmate Serafin N. and Lady Moreno, Shipmates Edmardo G. Monteclaro, 

Willy Napatang, Mike Canones and Lady Elsie Flores. We then were driven a short distance to the Marina Resort 

and Restaurant which was next to a small lake for the branch and unit meetings at 1100. Sandy was presented with a 

beautiful table runner and place mats from the unit which were made in Iloilo and I received a desk certificate of 

appreciation – also made locally. 

NP-13

Lunch was served after the meeting (it seems all we did was eat the entire time in the Philippine Islands). 

After lunch we had a nice visit with many of the shipmates and ladies, before returning to the airport for the return 

flight to Manila, arriving at 1815 and then back to the Heritage Hotel. 

Friday, 16 February 

We departed the hotel at 0445 by hotel taxi for the airport and checked in for the 0700 flight on Philippine 

Airlines to Legaspi arriving at 0815. The same one runway/taxiway provisions as in Iloilo were at Legaspi. Additionally, 

as we taxied to the terminal, we noted that around 25 shipmates and ladies from Bicol Region Branch and 

Unit 127 (Bicol Nabau) were out on the tarmac outside of security. 

Shipmate Branch President Amador Oida lead the welcoming party. When I quarried him on how the shipmates 

and ladies were able to get on the tarmac away from security he said that he knew one of the security guards 

and asked if they could go on the tarmac to greet us. The guard authorized five to go outside of security, then asked 

who was arriving on the airplane. He was told that the National President of the FRA was on the airplane and was 

coming from Washington, DC. The guard said “he must be important” and was so impressed he allowed all to go on 

the tarmac! Talk about being influential!! 

After retrieving our luggage, we departed on a tour of the local country side en-route to Bicol Nabua. We 

were driven to a high view point where we had a good view of Mayon Volcano. We then drove through part of the 

Cagsawa Ruins from the eruption of Mt. Mayon Volcano and saw the destruction of the eruption and two typhoons 

within a period of two months last October and November. 

We arrived at Branch 127’s Home around 1130 – and once again there were around 50 shipmates and ladies 

waiting for our arrival – complete with the “welcome aboard banner.” After a social period and another lunch, a 

combined branch and unit meeting was held. The branch had contacted the city mayor and asked if three police officers 

could be assigned to the area for the entire period of time we were there. The officers joined us for lunch, then 

stood outside the branch home during the meeting, looking in through the windows while we were inside. 

After the meeting, we were taken to our hotel – the Moraville Hotel Nabua to rest up for yet another dinner 

party at the branch home that evening. We were then picked up at 1800 and driven the short distance back to the 

branch home. A big dinner was served, with the mayor in attendance, a floor show and dancing followed. 

After a very busy and rewarding day and evening, we were taken back to the hotel to get some much 

needed sleep and prepare for the flight back to Manila the next morning. 

Saturday, 17 February 

At 0500 we were picked up by Branch 127 President Amador Oida and taken to his home for breakfast. 

Had a delicious breakfast and a tour of his beautiful home. After breakfast Shipmate Oida and Lady Oida, along with 

one of his cousins who is a shipmate, drove us to the Legaspi Airport which was about an hours drive from Shipmate 

Oida’s home. We took our luggage out of Shipmate Oida’s car and transferred to the other car, arriving at the airport 

around 0700 for a 0840 departure back to Manila. Once we arrived at the airport, there again were many shipmates 

and ladies there to say good-bye. 

Up to this point the entire trip had been pretty “uneventful” as far as schedules were concerned, but when it 

came time to get our passports ready for inspection at the terminal, Sandy could not find hers and we were scheduled 

to leave in an hour and forty minutes. Thank heavens, we had shipmates and ladies with us at the airport – or we may 

have still been there! 

Lady Oida called back to their home and asked the maids if Sandy had left her passport in the house after 

breakfast. The maids could not find it in the house so checked the Oida’s car and it was in the car seat. Problem was 

we did not have time to return back to their house and get back to the airport in time to catch the flight. Oh, by the 

way this was the only flight from Legaspi to Manila for the day – the next flight would be tomorrow morning. 

NP-14

Fortunately the Oida’s knew of a shipmate who was flying to Manila at 1100 from another airport, so with 

their help, one of the unit members drove to the Oida’s home, picked up the passport and then delivered it to the 

shipmate at the other airport. The shipmate was to take the passport to Manila and deliver it to our hotel. True to 

form with Loyalty, Protection and Service, the shipmate delivered the passport to his son who is a Lieutenant Colonel 

in the US Army stationed at the United States Embassy. The Colonel had one of his drivers deliver the passport 

to us at the hotel in Manila. 

Thanks to the local shipmates and ladies, they were successful in convincing security at the Legaspi Airport 

to let Sandy board the airplane for our flight to Manila. Once we arrived at Manila, we went back to the Heritage 

Hotel to rest and pack for the departure that evening. 

We were scheduled to depart from Manila that evening at 2310 for Guam and of course could not get out of 

the Philippines without her passport. 

Talk about being nervous and concerned – we both were for several hours. This episode was without a 

doubt, the most traumatic part of the trip. 

At 2000 we departed the Heritage Hotel Manila for the last time en-route to the airport for our scheduled 

departure at 2310 to Guam. After processing through the airport we departed on time for Guam. 


GUAM – USA 

After a 1,597 mile, 3 hours – 30 minute flight from Manila, we arrived at Agana, Guam at 0440. Even at 

that early hour of the morning, Latte Stone Branch and Unit 73 (Agana) Presidents Shipmate Enrique (Rick) and 

Lady Sophie Losongco, Branch VP Jim and Lady Sullenger, Branch Secretary/Treasurer Scott and Lady Carrie Duenas, 

Tony and Lady Millie Artero, and Jack and Lady Terry Shimizu met us at the airport – and yes, with another 

“welcome aboard banner!” 

We were then taken to the Royal Orchard Hotel Tumon Bay and checked into room 617. We slept fast as 

the branch and unit had scheduled a National President’s reception at 1400 in the hotel and wanted us down to the 

meeting room by 1300. 

After the reception, a combined branch and unit general assembly meeting was held at 1500 with about 60 

shipmates and ladies present. The rest of the afternoon and evening was “leisure time” which was really appreciated 

by both of us. 


At 0830 all of the shipmates and ladies who met us at the airport on Sunday morning and PUP Lady Joyce I 

Martratt, left for an office call with Fred Gofigan, Veterans Affairs Administrator. We then toured the War in the 

Pacific Memorial Park in Asan, the Veterans’ Cemetery in Piti, WWII Memorial Site, at the Asan Overlook and 

other local historical sites. All of us then went to lunch at a local restaurant. 

After lunch we departed for the Lt. Governor’s Office at Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo’s Complex in Adelup. 

While there we had a courtesy call with Lt. Governor Mike Gruz and we discussed legislative and military issues 

concerning Guam. 

At 1400 we arrived at the Guam Legislature Building for an office call with Senator (and former Speaker) 

Antonio “Tony” Unpingco, Military and Federal Affairs Chairman. During the visit, Speaker Mark Forbes came in 

and we all had a lengthy conversation concerning the proposed move of two U.S. Marine Corps Battalions from 

Okinawa to Guam and the additional assignment of more U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army personnel between now 

and 2014. 

NP-15

office. 

The Speaker presented me with two Guam coffee mugs as a remembrance to visiting his and the senator’s 

We then departed for the “I Guma I Taotao Tano” (Government House) at Agana Heights and were met by Ms. Di 

Cruz, Governor’s Chief of Protocol who gave us an extended tour of the Government House. 

After the tour was complete, we returned to the hotel. 


What a busy and full day this would turn out to be. All of the branch and unit members from yesterday (minus 

Shipmate Jim and Lady Margie Sullenger – Jim had some medical problems the evening before and was unable 

to join us) departed the hotel at 0800 and proceed to the USCG Sector Guam Commander’s Office for an office call 

at 0900 with Captain William Marhoffer. We received a very warm ‘Coast Guard’ welcome. The Captain was well 

aware of FRA’s legislative and quality of life issues before the Congress and pledged his full support. 

The next visit would be a very pleasant surprise for me. We departed Captain Marhoffer’s office for an office 

call with Captain Jan Wynn, Chief of Staff and Regional Master Chief Tony Graham at the COMNAVMAR 

Headquarters. Captain Wynn is the daughter of Shipmate PRPNW Floyd and Gwen Solum in Oak Harbor, Washington. 

What a surprise to me – the Captain knew before hand! Sandy and I lived in Oak Harbor for 19 years and knew 

Janice when she was in high school. In fact she reminded us that she had won one of Branch 97’s Americanism Essay 

Contests and had received a $100 Savings Bond. All these many years later – she is the Chief of Staff at 

COMNAVMAR – what a small world! 

At 1035 we proceeded to the Guam Naval Base for an office call with Commanding Officer Captain Ken 

Freeman. We then departed for the Club Typhoonz for a luncheon with Regional Leadership. After lunch, I hosted a 

Question and Answer Period with approximately 30 senior leadership personnel in attendance. One of the Master 

Chiefs’ was so impressed with FRA’s action that he said he was going to sign up for membership on line that afternoon. 

(When we saw him the next morning, he told us that he in-fact had gone on-line and was FRA’s newest member!!) 

After lunch, a tour of Naval Base Guam’s Historical Monuments was conducted by Regional Master Chief 

Tony Graham and the Naval Base Guam Command Master Chief. After a very interesting and productive tour we 

proceeded to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam in Agana Heights for an office call with Commanding Officer Bob Kellogg 

and Command Master Chief Sam Lovette. The Captain discussed all of the medical challenges on Guam and the 

working relationship with the local civilian hospital. After an extended tour of the hospital, we returned to the hotel 

to get ready for the dinner reception at 1830. 

The dinner reception was hosted in our honor by Branch and Unit 73. Attendees were Branch and Unit 73 

members, key military leadership (many of the ones we had met during the day) from the United States Navy, Marine 

Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force. Also in attendance were representatives from the local veteran organizations, 

the Lt. Governor, Speaker and Senate Chairs, and military-federal affairs department heads. 

After dinner, Captain Wynn was asked to introduce me to the audience – what an honor for me for her to do 

that – I then informed all in attendance on the function of FRA, all of our legislative work done on Capitol Hill and 

many of the programs sponsored by FRA. This was followed by a question and answer period. 

Guam. 

After my presentation, the Branch and Unit presented Sandy and I with many mementos of our visit to 


Today, we could sleep in – nothing on the agenda until 0900 when we all met for breakfast. 

NP-16

After breakfast the group departed for Andersen Air Force Base where we met with the Base Commander, 

Brigadier General Douglas H. Owens, Vice Commander Colonel Joel S. Westa and Command Chief Master Sergeant 

Robert D. Wicks at 1115. 

The entire group went to lunch at the “Top of the Rock.” From the club, we departed for an office call with 

the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Command Master Chief (CDR Chris Brunett, CDR John Menoni 

and Roger Etienne respectively) of HSC-25. This naval command is a tenant on Andersen AFB and they are very 

proud of that fact – U.S. Navy was very prevalent everywhere within the command. The CO and XO took us on a 

tour of the hangar and were allowed to view the helicopters close up. 

After a busy afternoon, we returned to the hotel in Tumon Bay. Later that evening, Presidents Shipmate 

Rick and Lady Sophie picked us up and took us out for a delicious dinner. We then returned to the hotel to prepare 

for departure back to the States after an extensive 18 day trip to overseas Pacific. 


Departed the hotel at 0500 via the hotel courtesy van for the airport for our scheduled 0710 [Continental 

Micronesia Airline (3,801 miles)] departure to Honolulu, Hawaii. 


CROSSED INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE 

After the 7 hour – 5 minute flight, we landed in Honolulu on schedule at 1815. We were scheduled to 

change to a Northwest Airline flight from Honolulu to Seattle, so after clearing customs and immigration, rechecked 

our luggage at Northwest baggage. When we arrived at the Northwest ticket counter, we were informed the flight 

had been canceled because of a generator problem on the engine (was glad it canceled before we got in the air), so 

we were transferred to United for a flight five hour flight to Los Angeles. 


After the 2,556 mile flight from Honolulu, we arrived in Los Angeles at 0530, then departed Los Angeles at 

0630 on a 2 hour – 40 minute (954 miles) flight to Seattle, arriving at 1010. 

Our son met us at the airport, Sandy then returned home with him and I continued on to Washington, D.C. 

for a business meeting on Friday. 

CONCERNS OF THE OVERSEAS PACIFIC BRANCHES AND MEMBERS 

Submitted by President Frank Misiura, Branch 103 

YOKOSUKA BRANCH 103 

1. TRICARE OVERSEAS: The existing Provider (WPS) is difficult to contact regarding claims. They have no 

e-mail address or web site. All correspondence is transmitted via the postal service which significantly adds to the 

time claims are processed. There is no way of knowing the status of your claim from the time it is sent and during 

processing by the provider. WPS Staff can only be contacted by telephone during their normal working hours which 

is on Wisconsin time. This requires that Pacific Beneficiaries call between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. local 

time. Local TRICARE Representatives (when available) are under staffed and do not provide assistance to retirees 

with regards to filing claims. Proposal: Have WPS develop an online claim submission process with a means to 

track status. Provide email addresses to a help desk that Beneficiaries can submit questions to when having problems 

getting claims processed. Provide an extended hours of operation Telephone Help Desk that overseas members can 

contact at reasonable local times. 

NP-17

2. FRA PCT PAYMENTS: Current National PCT Payouts are via check made out to the Branch Secretary by 

name. This has presented problems where if the Branch Secretary is unavailable for extended periods due to illness 

or other unforeseen circumstances, checks cannot be endorsed for deposit. Proposal: Set up electronic deposit to 

branches that have accounts that can support. In doing so there would also be a savings realized in postage expenses. 

3. FRA WEBSITE: The existing FRA website is an excellent tool for members to stay on top of current affairs. 

However, some areas of the site are difficult to navigate and offer little member interaction: Some examples: 

A. Member profile: Edit function does not allow all aspects of member information provided to be edited. 

(e.g.: my current status is shown as active. When going to edit function there is no offer to change my status to retired). 

B. Membership renewal: The current method of renewing membership online requires that the member go 

to his or her profile and locate a notice that offers the member to renew. This can easily be overlooked. Recommend 

creating an alert that notifies members their dues are past due and that access to their MY FRA profile be restricted 

until payment is made. 

card. 

C. Create a site function that allows members to place an online request for a replacement membership 

4. CNFJ HOMEPORT ASHORE INITIATIVE: FRA BRANCH 103 strongly endorses Commander Naval 

Forces Japan initiative to house all FDNF sailors in their homeports of Yokosuka and Sasebo. Currently approximately 

50% of the 3400 E-4 and below who are not eligible to receive housing allowance are being provided with 

off ship quarters. Additional funding will be required to provide for the remaining 50%. FDNF Sailors typically endure 

significantly higher OPTEMPO than their CONUS counterparts. Off ship housing significantly contributes to 

higher moral and productivity. Proposal: Request FRA support in making Lawmakers and Senior Leadership aware 

of CNFJ’s Initiative and the need for additional resources to make the project a success. 

Submitted by Thomas B. Morado, Branch 154 

DAGUPAN CITY BRANCH 247 AND BAGUIO CITY BRANCH 154 

1. What ways can FRA do to ease up the restrictions on U.S. military retirees who lost their wives and decided 

to marry local Filipino girls (non-US citizens) but are not or totally recognized by the US Government, through the 

US Embassy and therefore, cannot obtain US Visa and no US benefits, whatsoever. 

2. What is or where is the most reliable venue for obtaining US Military dependents ID card? 

Submitted by Secretary Romeo C. Estacion, Branch 154 

1. VA disability medications – For the past 12 months now outpatient pharmacy can’t give some of our medicine 

on time because it is out of stock. I already mentioned this to VA representative and until now, the problem is 

still the same “out of stock”. Pharmacy advise us to buy the medicine and reimburse it later. Again reimbursement 

takes months. This is for us retirees with a VA disability. 

Submitted by Rufino Abulencia, Branch 247 

1. Not receiving retired pay for the months of October, November, and December 2006. Needs confirmation 

from FRA that I am still alive. 

Submitted by Florencio Dictado, Branch 247 

1. Wife married to US citizen (USN Retired) She never set foot in America – can she claim Social Security 

and/or widow benefits? 

NP-18

Submitted by Vecinte Arzas, Branch 154 

1. Why do we not have life membership? 

2. Why is it the FRA do not have financial support for members burial expenses? 

Submitted by Secretary Rudolf P. Lomibao, Branch 247 

1. Have not received retired pay checks for September, October, and November 2006 – have received December 

2006 and January 2007. 

Submitted by interested Shipmate, Branch 247 

1. TCF program doctors and hospitals are not receiving payments for services rendered to retirees here in a 

timely manner. Example a retiree would be hospitalized then the hospital bills TRICARE. The TRICARE office 

rejects the paperwork, then the hospital resubmits the required info as requested to the TRICARE office, the claim is 

then either lost or rejected again, this then goes back and forth between hospitals and TRICARE 4 months. Retirees 

are then restricted from care from most local providers because of this, mot of them are owed thousands of dollars. 

When retiree contacts TRICARE they tell us don’t worry it’s the providers fault and that we can not be held responsible 

for said charges. This is the Philippines foreign government not withholding to U.S. laws. Some members are 

being told they must pay for charges by the providers. We are subject to the laws of Philippines in this case, not the 

laws of the United States. 

2. There have also been problems in getting spouses of members visa’s from the U.S. Embassy to travel to 

national and regions conventions. The problem is mostly for those members who marry the local residents of the 

Philippines. The US Embassy is not recognizing the FRA as a ligament association. On the other hand the American 

Legion National Office has a liaison who helps in processing their members visa. This should also be addressed by 

national to work with US State Department and help the local units get the required visa for their spouses and other 

recognized LA FRA members. 

3. Veteran Disability Commission has proposed to VA Compensation Offset with Social Security Benefits. I 

am completely opposed to this and hope our organization is fighting against this. 

SAN MIGUEL BRANCH 367 – SAN NARCISO B RANCH 83 – OLONGAPO CITY BRANCH 74 

Submitted by Ted L. Phillips, Branch 367 

1. TRICARE is a major problem for all retirees in the Philippines. It appears that TRICARE has and is punishing 

all retirees for a few unfavorable characters in the health business. TRICARE should have a representative in the 

PI to assist us instead of sending snoops or undercover agents to catch the worst offenders. 

2. FPO treats U.S. retirees like criminals, restricting mail privileges, size of packages, etc. Punish those who 

do the offenses – not all retirees. 

Submitted by Amando F. Florenca, Branch 83 

1. What is the value of our “Part B” in the Philippines? 

2. Who are our TRICARE providers? 

Submitted by L.P. Kane, Branch 367 

1. With all benefits we’re giving to illegal Mexicans in U.S., it would be nice if RAO, FPO’s in the PI could 

get an exemption for packages. Now all we get is letters, prescription drugs. We’re providing Philippine military 

millions of U.S. dollars in aid. 

NP-19

Submitted by Christopher Schrauben, Branch 74 

1. TRICARE ISSUES – specific TRICARE does not allow medical check-ups or physicals. 

2. Common medical practice is annual/bi-annual checkups. 

3. I recently lost my wife (23 Dec 2006) due to liver cirrhosis (age 38). A regional checkup may have discovered 

the problem soon enough to prevent her death. 

4. Having to pay for out-of-pocket expenses discourages retirees from getting physicals. 

Submitted by Jack Lee Clark, Branch 367 

1. TRICARE claims from October ’05 to date have not been paid. Wife died November 30, ’05. Elena P. 

Clark. DEERS – yes. Married March 20, 1978. 

Submitted by Jesus N. Tesoro, Branch 64 

MIAGO (ILOILO CITY) BRANCH 64 

1. We are only handful of members of Branch 64 in this area. There are few U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force 

retired also in this area. They don’t have their own association in this area. Can the National Headquarters allow us 

to accommodate them as honorary members? 

Submitted by Wilfredo Saquibal, Branch 64 

1. I lost my naturalization certificate. I have a hard time trying to get it replaced. Immigration & Naturalization 

office tells me that I should give them my “A” number. I don’t know where to get this number. Could you help me? 

Submitted by Interested Shipmate, Branch 64 

1. Why should we have to be enrolled in Medicare and pay premiums in order to use TRICARE for life, when 

we can not use Medicare outside of CONUS. Our premiums should be waived if we live outside of CONUS if this 

continues to be the law. 

2. Need an asbestos testing machine at the VA in the Philippine Islands. 

Submitted by Antonio M. Buni, Branch 64 

1. My wife receives SS as part of my SS entitlement. Out of what she gets, 1/3 or 33% of the amount is withheld 

for taxes. Comes time to file an income tax return or refund, I cannot get back what they had withheld. We are 

filing joint return. Her share of the SS was taken out of my own. Why, am I not entitled to a refund? 

2 If there is an existing law to this effect, I suggest for an amendment of the said law in favor of thousands of 

dependent wives who experienced the same fate. 

Submitted by Secretary Eduardo G. Monteclaro, Branch 64 

Subject: TRICARE Standard Issues and Problems in the Philippines 

1. This topic was not brought up during your personal visit at Branch 064 in Iloilo due to sensitive issues. 

Most of our FRA members with Branch 064 are using the services of a TRICARE provider in the area without paying 

their share of deductibles and co-pays, which is a violation of Code of Federal Regulations, (332 CFR 199.9). 

However, for some of them, they are doing it because they are frustrated with filing direct claims to WPS TRICARE. 

NP-20

Either, the claims were lost, disallowed for unexplained reason, additional documentations needed, and payment 

made to the hospitals in spite of the fact that the TRICARE beneficiary paid the hospital bill with his/her funds. Others 

enroll with the TRICARE providers in the area with full knowledge of fraud and abuse committed by the provider 

just to get a free ride, a waiver of deductibles and co-pays. 

I have written several times, and also several other TRICARE beneficiaries in the area to WPS TRICARE 

regarding the fraudulent and abusive practices of a TRICARE provider in Iloilo namely, Global Medical Network, 

however, we have yet to see any action taken by WPS TRICARE to investigate the report of violations. Global 

Medical Network continues to operate, milking the precious financial resources of TRICARE. Verification with 

other TRICARE beneficiaries residing in other areas of the Philippines shows that TRICARE providers in the Philippines 

as a whole are defrauding the U.S. government and TRICARE Standard. The following are lists of abusive 

and prohibited practices violated by TRICARE providers operating in the Philippines which is in violation of the 

Code of Federal Regulations (32 CFR 199.9): 

Charging WPS TRICARE for medical services and supplies provided to TRICARE beneficiaries using the 

maximum amount allowed under the Puerto Rico rate which is 10-20 times higher than what is routinely charged to 

the general public for the same services. Examples; Doctors consultation which locally cost $6-$10, TRICARE providers 

bills WPS TRICARE $60-$120. In most cases WPS TRICARE pays without questions. TRICARE beneficiaries 

just sign in exchange for non-payment required deductibles and co-pays; 

TRICARE providers, illegally and knowingly waiving TRICARE beneficiaries deductibles and co-pays 

with the basic knowledge that the practice is prohibited under the Code of Federal Regulations; 

Several TRICARE providers created a sham TRICARE Supplemental Insurance, collecting insurance premiums 

from TRICARE beneficiaries, where as, the insurance company never existed. Pocketing the insurance premiums 

paid by the TRICARE beneficiaries and waiving deductibles and co-pays; 

Design a scheme to inflate medical bills and supplies from what was actually paid to the medical subcontractors. 

These medical sub-contractors were paid by the TRICARE provider using the local reimbursement rate 

generally charged to the general public. However, the TRICARE provider bill WPS TRICARE the maximum 

amount allowable under the Puerto Rico rate; 

In some cases, TRICARE providers and the TRICARE beneficiaries enter into a kickback agreement. 

Medical supplies, procedures and services that were already paid by the TRICARE beneficiary, which he/she could 

file directly to WPS TRICARE for reimbursement. However, the TRICARE provider will convince the TRICARE 

beneficiary to allow them to file claims to WPS TRICARE using the maximum amount allowed under the Puerto 

Rico rate. When payment was received from WPS TRICARE by the TRICARE providers, the profit over what was 

actually paid based on the prevailing local rate will be shared with the TRICARE beneficiary. 

There are other violations, however, the list above has been verified, though most TRICARE beneficiaries are hesitant 

to talk in fear of retaliation from the TRICARE providers. I felt that there are several factors that allow these 

abusive and prohibited practices from flourishing: 

1. The direct cooperation of many TRICARE beneficiaries are hesitant to talk in fear of retaliation from the 

TRIACRE provider to commit fraud, thus bleeding the direct cooperation of many TRICARE beneficiaries to sign 

billing documents without any regard to the fraudulent aspect in exchange for the waiving of deductibles and copays; 

2. The historical inept and slow response from WPS TRICARE investigators in acting to stop the fraudulent 

and abusive practices right away, thus allowing greedy TRICARE providers to operate and milk the financial resources 

of TRICARE illegally for many years before action is taken by WPS to stop payment of billings; 

3. The very light sentences meted out to erring TRICARE providers, through plea bargain for lesser penalties 

in exchange for pleading guilty to the offense; 

NP-21

4. The inability of TRICARE to arrest and, prosecute Filipino Citizen TRICARE providers who abused and 

defrauded the U.S. Government and TRICARE; 

5. The difficulty in filing direct claims to WPS TRICARE by TRICARE beneficiaries who are in most cases 

living out of their pension for their survival. 

The following are my recommendations that could minimize the abusive and fraudulent practices of 

TRICARE providers in the Philippines: 

1. Set up a reimbursement rate for the Philippines based on the true cost of medical procedures, services and 

supplies to the general public in this country plus the TRICARE provider cost for providing these services to the 

TRICARE beneficiaries. The Puerto Rico rate is too high, and it does invite the temptation for TRICARE providers 

to commit fraud, thus bleeding the precious funds of TRICARE; 

2. Terminate the TRICARE provider services in the Philippines from providing medical procedures, services, 

and supplies to the TRICARE beneficiaries. Set up an easy and effective direct reimbursement system to allow for 

faster reimbursement of claims submitted by TRICARE beneficiaries. Establish a TRICARE Management Activity 

(TMA) in the Philippines to manage the filing of direct claims effectively; 

3. Adopt the reimbursement system used by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Manila Regional Office. VA 

Outpatient clinic contract out veterans medical procedures, services and supplies directly from the medical contractors 

using the local rate generally charged to the general public. 

I also wrote a letter to William Winkenwerder, Jr., MD, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs 

on January 15, 2007. I have not received any reply from him or WPS TRICARE to date. The light sentence and 

fine meted out to Health Visions Corporation of 5 years imprisonment and $250,000.00 fine for milking TRICARE 

almost 170 million dollars is still fresh in my mind. As a TRICARE beneficiary and a tax payer, I am disturbed by 

the non-action to stop these abusive practices. 

Currently, I know that DOD is bent on their plans to increase the share of TRICARE beneficiaries in the 

form of enrollment fees, higher deductibles, and co-pays. Instead, a concentrated effort should be made to stop the 

fraudulent and abusive practices of the TRICARE providers, thus sparing us from should erring the additional burden 

because of their negligence to run the TRICARE program efficiently and effectively. 

I am hoping that you could do something in this regard. After all, you are also a TRICARE beneficiary and 

tax payers like us. Lastly, if you could get me an address where I could send a letter to Major General Elmer 

Granger, Deputy Director of the TRICARE Management Activity (TMA).I would appreciate all the help you could 

provide. Once more, thank you for visiting FRA Branch 064. Best wishes and regards to your wife Sandra. 

BICOL REGION (BICOL NABUA) BRANCH 127 

Submitted by Branch President Amador R. Oida, Branch 127 

Letter sent to Social Security Administration dated February 15, 2007. 

This letter is for an appeal to consider liberal application of the law and its implementing rules and regulation 

on the grant of benefits for dependents. My sole and only child, is a natural born U.S. citizen and he will be 18 

years old on May 5, 2007 and right now a college student in the Philippines. 

The social security law applicable for my said child requires among others, for him to enjoy his social security 

educational benefits as my dependent is that he must not be more than 19 years old and still in pursuit of high 

school education. 

NP-22

By reason of circumstances attendant to the differences between the Educational System of the United 

States and the Philippines, my said child stands to lose his enjoyment of the social security benefits due him, if and 

when strict application of the social security law shall be resorted to. 

Such differences between the two (2) educational systems of the United States and the Philippines are that, 

a person/child attending schools in the United States is still in school age of 19 years old, while in the Philippines, a 

child 18 years old is already a freshman in college education. 

Why it is so in the Philippines? Please consider the following educational ladder in the Philippines, to wit: 

A. Age 6-12 old, elementary level, on which at 12 years old a person studying in the Philippines is already 

a graduate of the elementary course. 

B. The elementary course graduate, then enrolls in high school, barring unfavorable circumstances, subject 

person/child becomes a school graduate at 17 years old, high school education in the Philippines being only for four 

(4) years. 

C. Thus, at age 18 years old, or late 17 years old, subject child is already in college. 

The spirit of the social security law is to insure that the dependent, like my child, has that chance to attain 

his desired education for his bright future so as to be not a liability but an asset of society. 

With due respect, this appeal for liberal application of the social security law is premised on the timehonored 

maxim, to resort to the spirit of the law that gives life rather than sticking to the letter of the law that kills.. 

Thank you very much for the kind attention and in anticipation of a favorable action. 

Submitted by Nestor F.Zabala, Branch 127 

1. Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA) is very much unfair to the service member. 

2. Reason: The service member is suffering from his disability, while the former spouse is enjoying the benefit 

that is taken from his disability pay. If the spouse is also disabled, I think she can get a portion of disability benefit 

of the service member. 

Submitted by Loreto S. Delos Santos, Unit 127 

1. The ladies who are receiving social security checks, but are not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the 

States are being deducted 30% as tax. How did this come about? 

Submitted by Nestor F. Zabala, Branch 127 

1. I submitted by application for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) last July 4th, 2006 but no 

answer up to this time. I want an answer. Thank you. 

Submitted by Modesto E. Agnas, Jr., Branch 127 

1. I am a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 127, Bicol Region, Nabua Camarines Sur Philippines. 

I was born on February 17, 1937. Tomorrow I will celebrate my 70th year. In this connection, may I ask your 

help on how to become an American citizen. In view thereof, your usual favorable action will be highly appreciated. 

Submitted by Rogelio Hugo Boilina, Branch 127 

1. Thank you for coming to our place and it is a great pleasure and honor to have you here with us in FRA 

Branch 127 Bicol Region with Headquarters in Nabua, Camarines Sur, Philippines. 

NP-23

I found it very interesting being a member of the FRA. I enjoy reading the monthly magazine the “Naval 

Affairs” and now “FRA Today” as its new name, a very informative reading material regarding health care, benefits, 

about legislation, for the welfare of the members. 

I am proud as a member of FRA, a veteran of the Vietnam Era, enlisted in the U.S.Navy on October 28, 

1966 and served honorably with the Navy with continuous sea duty until I got out on November 20, 1970. I was a 

Captain Steward for 3 ½ years aboard the USS Little Rock CLG4 Flagship of the 6th Fleet until I was transferred in 

USS Bryce Canyon AD36 home-ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 

In view of this, I would like to ask help from you regarding my desire to becoming an American Citizen. 

There are many shipmates like me who were not able to get their American Citizenship because of different provisions 

that we should have reenlisted. If a World War II veteran can get their American citizenship why a Vietnam 

veteran like me cannot? With your representation together with our voice as a whole in the Capitol Hill, they might 

modify or change those provisions. 

Affairs. 

At present, I am very grateful receiving a disability compensation pension from the Department of Veterans 

I hope that my dream of becoming an American Citizen will come true in the near future. 

We hope your visit to the Philippines with your wife Sandy will be a memorable and enjoyable one. 

May God bless us all. 

Submitted by Tony Artero, Branch 73 

LATTE STONE BRANCH 73 

Guam’s present socioeconomic and environmental conditions are the result of the upside-down government 

where the people serve the bully government officials at both federal and local levels. 

Freedom and justice on Guam should not even be an issue after having been under the U.S. Flag since 

1898. After serving America all these years, we on Guam are not any freer or more productive. Economic freedoms 

and justice are still denied today. Americans in Guam are shackled, perpetually fight city hall to improve their life 

against all odds. 

The elected officials in the U.S. government and the government of Guam have indeed wronged the people 

of Guam and the taxpayers of America. People in Guam put up with economic suppression and injustices day in and 

day out. Not a single effort was ever put in motion to address and resolve, once and for all, the government-made 

dilemmas. Through the runaway corruption, people are constantly being assaulted, psychologically and financially. 

This intolerable mistreatment of the people of Guam translates into politically correct policies to grow up 

expecting to be working for the government, and/or surviving on food stamps, living in subsidized housing and on 

welfare. 

The bully powers that be, without protecting the fundamental rights of the people, have made life tolerable 

with meager handouts. Guam has been a big part of America’s national deficit spending, for all the wrong reasons. 

What’s worse, the American people in the mainland are kept ignorant, are not aware of and cannot know what’s 

really going on in Guam. Guam is obviously American’s biggest dirty little in-house secret. 

The undesirable conditions in Guam are the result of the denial of economic freedoms and justice since after 

World War II. The conditions are setting the stage for vigilantes to take charge because the authorities have 

failed. 

NP-24

COMMENTS FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT 

All of the concerns from the shipmates above have been referred to the National Headquarters Staff and 

each member will be contacted by a NHQ Staff Member with a resolve to the matter in question. 

JAPAN 

Yokosuka Branch 103 is a very active branch within the FRA. After some initial setbacks including declining 

membership and the non-submission of the Branch Officers Report for 2006 which resulted in having the Branch 

Charter suspended by the National Board of Directors, Shipmate President Misiura has “taken charge” of the branch 

and rectified the previous problems. The branch donates over $12,000 annually to outside activities and organizations 

within the Yokosuka Naval Base and the City of Yokosuka. The branch has shown an increase of membership 

of nearly 50% during the past couple of years. The branch, and most especially Shipmate Misiura, should be commended 

for their “can do spirit.” Shipmate Misiura is a retired Master Chief Petty Officer and plans to live in the 

Yokosuka area for several more years, so I am sure the branch will be in “good hands.” 

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 

As a footnote to the visit to the branches in the Republic of the Philippine Islands, I was able to make contact 

and visit with members from seven of the ten branches in the Philippines Islands. Cavite City Branch 36, Batangas 

Branch 111 and Southern Luzon Branch 171 (Laguna) were contacted in October 2006 by me utilizing the USPS 

informing them of my planned visit to the Philippines. No responses were received by the National President and no 

responses were received by the local branches after querying them about my visit. None of the three branches have 

an email contact address. Branch 111’s Charter was suspended by the NBOD in September 2006 for non-compliance 

with the C&BL, FRA, i.e., failure to submit their Branch Officer Report. As this report is written, it is unknown 

whether Branch 36 and 171 are in working order in, addition to Branch 111. 

During the meetings with the seven branches, I broached the concept of re-vitalizing the Philippine Coordinating 

Council to promote cohesive bonding, enhance closer relationship and coordination of efforts among area 

branches and units that would be in the best interest of the FRA and the LA FRA in the Philippines. 

The Branches and Units were divided amongst themselves on this issue. It is recommended that any action 

on this issue be left with those branches and units to determine if they want to re-establish the Council in the future. 

It is my recommendation that FRA continue to abide by the provisions in Article 11, Section 1101(h), 

C&BL, FRA for the foreseeable future. 

GUAM 

Latte Stone Branch 73 is a dynamic branch with members who are dedicated to the branch and the FRA. 

The branch (and unit) is involved in many local community affairs on the Island and should be commended for those 

continuing efforts. 

Shipmate President Rick Losongco has excellent control of the branch and should be commended for his 

excellent leadership – indeed all active members are very instrumental in the branch’s success. 

NATIONAL PRESIDENT OVERSEAS PACIFIC BRANCH VISITS 

4 FEBRUARY THROUGH 22 FEBRUARY 2007 

TRAVEL & EXPENSE REPORT 

Travel & Expense Allowance Received from FRA $7,000.00 

Airline Fares 2,046.98 

Taxi Fares 82.29 

Hotels 1,297.77 

Food 567.62 

NP-25

Printing 4.79 

Miscellaneous 169.83 

Total Expenses $4,169.28 

Travel & Expense Allowance Returned to FRA $2,830.72 

NP-26 

In Loyalty, Protection, and Service, 

JERRY L. SWEENEY 

National President 

JLS:aal 

cc: Special Committee to Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT 



Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, and shipmates of the FRA, this past year has 

been one of the highlights of my life. 

Shortly after my return home from the 79th National Convention in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, I had surgery on my 

left foot. I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma and it had to be removed. After five days in the hospital I was 

released and returned home for house rest. I was laid up to the extent that I could not put any weight or pressure on 

my foot for eight weeks. I am doing great and the doctor has me on a 12 month check up schedule. I would like to 

thank the shipmates and ladies for the cards, emails and prayers during my time of recovery. 

It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as your National Vice President. During the year, I have been fortunate 

enough to spend some time in every region and visit branches in four of the regions. I would like to say “thank you” 

to the shipmates and ladies for the gracious hospitality shown to me during my travels. 

The events that I have attended during the year included the following: 

USS Arizona Memorial Services, Tucson, AZ 

Fantail Breakfast, Washington, DC 

Recruiters of the Year functions, Washington, DC 

GA/SC Caucus, Savannah, GA 

PNP McCarley’s Memorial Service, Strowbridge, GA 

East Coast Mid-Year, Carolina Beach, NC 

Southeast Mid-Year, St Simon Island, GA 

South Central Mid-Year, Shreveport, LA 

Branch 28 General Meeting, Cincinnati, OH 

Branch 105 General Meeting, Owensboro, KY 

Branch 365 General Meeting, Evansville, IN 

North Central Mid-Year, Owensboro, KY 

Northeast Mid-Year, Lakehurst, NJ 

Secretary of the Navy Briefing, Washington, DC 

Pension Committee Meeting, NHQ, Alexandria, VA 

National Board of Directors Meeting, NHQ, Alexandria, VA 

LA FRA Pilgrimage, Arlington National Cemetery 

East Coast Regional Convention, Wilmington, DE 

North Central Regional Convention, Omaha, NE 

Northwest Regional Convention, Oak Harbor, WA 

Southwest Regional Convention, Tucson, AZ 

National Budget and Finance Meeting, NHQ, Alexandria, VA 

West Coast Regional Convention, Rancho Cordova, CA 

Southeast Regional Convention, Chattanooga, TN 

National Headquarters, Alexandria, VA 

PRPEC Edward Huylebroeck’s Memorial Service and Burial, Arlington National Cemetery 

New England Regional Convention, Tewksbury, MA 

Navy Ball, Vallejo, CA 

Teddy Roosevelt Pilgrimage, Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY 

I would like to sincerely thank National President Jerry Sweeney for keeping me informed completely for the past 13 

½ months. 

I would also like to thank the staff of the National Headquarters for all the support, invaluable assistance and advice 

during the year. 

NVP-1

All funds received by the FRA have been expended on association business. 

Shipmates, I urge and plead with the branches to implement the “Branches Bring em Back” Program within their 

branch so that we can start to close the back door. In the process of closing the back door and actively recruit new 

members we will be able to see our numbers start to grow. 

NVP-2 


LAWRENCE J. BOUDREAUX 

National Vice President

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY 



National President Sweeney, members of the National Board of Directors and fellow Shipmates, this is my fifth report 

as FRA’s National Executive Secretary per Section 808(i), FRA C&BL. 

My highest priority continues to be serving as the chief assistant to the National President and NBOD, while efficiently 

managing NHQ and our outstanding staff, while maintaining FRA’s presence and effectiveness on Capitol 

Hill. The past year has been a period of continuing transition at National Headquarters (NHQ) following the Finance 

Officer’s assumption of many responsibilities previously held by the National Financial Secretary until November 

2005. IMIS functions continue to be refined, fundraising is now totally managed in-house resulting in considerable 

savings to the Association and the NHQ staff began work on LA FRA membership administration functions on 1 

February 2007. 

After my NHQ Staffing, Operations and Special Projects briefing to the National Board of Directors in May, I was 

invited to present the briefing at several regional conventions. This has been well received and has helped inform 

delegates about the day to day work that’s being done by your NHQ Team in support of the FRA, and a copy of the 

briefing slides which includes an NHQ staff organizational chart is attached to this report. (Enclosure 1) 

NHQ STAFFING 

Staffing the NHQ with adequately trained and professional personnel is also a top priority. This is challenging in the 

high-cost and competitive market in which we operate. Turnover continues and it’s important to note the significant 

and time consuming HR processes associated with interviewing, hiring and orienting new staff members. 

I believe we’ve reached the optimum staff level with the Finance Officer, 17 full-time personnel and three part-time 

staffers. Complementing these employees as needed are temps that are brought to assist with special projects or during 

staff leave. The number of employees is steady – and especially noteworthy given the significant additional work 

being performed at NHQ associated with membership administration functions previously performed by Marsh, the 

transfer of all previously contracted fund-raising functions in-house and the membership administration work in support 

of the LA FRA per a Mutual Services Agreement that became effective on 1 February 2007. In short, we’re 

doing much more with fewer people because we’re collectively working smart, effectively using new technology and 

hiring better trained and professional individuals to join the staff – who in turn are more highly motivated and productive. 

Teamwork is essential and there is more overlap between department functions due to iMIS and other new 

capabilities. 

Departures since my last report include Linda Jackson and Tabitha Smith in the Member Service Center, San Reddy 

in the Marketing/Communications Department and the retirement after 25 years of NHQ service of MIT Vince 

Cuthie in the Admin Department. 

YNC Penny Collins, USCGR (Ret.) joined the staff as our new Director of Membership Development (DMD) on 30 

July 2007 and former DMD and Health Care Advisor Bob Washington assumed responsibilities associated with a 

new FRA Outreach Program. And following the retirement of MIT Vince Cuthie, we hired Sami Al-Samawi as our 

new full-time Data Base Support Specialist (DSS). Others new to the NHQ staff during the past year are Maria Valverde 

in the Members Service Center and Jessica Andrews our Public Relations Manager. (Note that new hires may 

have different job titles as a result of a continuing evaluation of responsibilities and new technological capabilities 

and changes associated with same.) As noted above, we’ve added the Outreach Manager position referenced in my 

2006 report, and we’re pleased that Vince Cuthie is continuing on a part-time basis as our Scholarship Program Coordinator. 

Staff hours are consistent for all personnel (0800-1630) with extended Member Service Center hours from 0800- 

1730 (one MSC staff member works from 0900-1730 to accommodate calls from the western time zones). 

NES-1

2007 STAFF GOALS 

The following goals were developed and agreed to by the NHQ staff on 8 January 2007. The day-long staff off-site 

meeting was held at nearby Regent University here in Alexandria, Virginia. These goals are referenced when establishing 

department and/or individual objectives for the year and are cited in annual staff evaluations. 

1. Increase Membership 

• Major focus on active duty, reserve, and veterans 

• Set a particular number goal: Don’t get below 100,000 members; 800-900 new and reinstated members per 

month; no more than 500 terminated members per month. 

• Retention: Refocus on Call Program 

2. Reinstitute Marketing Plan 

• Increase fundraising results 

3. Enhance Stakeholder Relations (to include members, elected officials, media, government agencies and 

other service organizations) 

4. Enhance Staff Awareness and Communications 

• Keep everyone in the loop 

5. Continue to Leverage Technology 

• Improve the use of IMIS 

• Website, message boards, pod casting, etc. 

Regarding the top goal, I convened meetings with senior staff on FRA membership issues on 17 April and 3 November, 

2006; and on 11 May and 15 August, 2007. Results of these meetings were implemented to the extent resources 

permit as part of our ongoing work, reported as National Executive Secretary Memorandums (NESMs) and distributed. 

Copies of the last three are attached (17 April’s memo was attached to last year’s convention report.) I must 

emphasize that no one is more committed to addressing our membership challenges than your NHQ Team – something 

apparent in these respective NESMs. Action items agreed to and implemented included establishing a call program 

to non-renewing MAL members; expanding the address block on FRA Today for inclusion of a low-cost 

monthly message to each member; and enhancing awareness of our legislative work via the “Making Waves” messages 

via the web site action center. (See Enclosures 2-4) 

OTHER NHQ CHALLENGES 

A significant challenge impacting NHQ this past year has been the continuing cash flow situation due to lower than 

projected revenue and the inability to access significant funds in various reserve accounts which now total approximately 

$13.5 million. As a result, implementation of our membership marketing program was slowed until September 

along with other expenditures authorized in the 2007 budget. (It’s important to remember that a budget is a 

spending plan based on revenue projections – and if projections are less than anticipated, we must adapt accordingly 

and prioritize expenditures.) As detailed in the Finance Officer’s and Chairman, Budget and Finance Committee 

Reports, certain reserve accounts were replenished subsequent to actions by delegates to the 79th National Convention 

who approved a withdrawal of excess funds in the Widow’s Benefit and Standby Health Insurance Trusts, and a 

new Special Reserve Fund was established with a corpus of $4 million. The cash flow situation was also addressed 

in my 2006 report which referenced the ripple effect of fundraising problems and declining advertising revenue from 

Naval Affairs (now FRA Today). Thanks to actions by the Budget and Finance Committee at its August 2007 meeting, 

the situation is improving and we’re in the process of expanding our membership solicitations and other membership 

related initiatives during the remainder of 2007. And, pending approval of the proposed 2008 budget by 

delegates at the 80th National Convention, we anticipate full implementation of our membership marketing initiatives 

next year – something especially important to addressing our membership challenges. 

Other major challenges include effectively managing staff turnover while maintaining the ongoing NHQ work; halting 

the membership decline (Note the Chairman of the Membership and Retention Committee Report); sustaining 

NES-2

our presence on Capitol Hill; legal action by the Fleet Reserve Club (FRC) of Annapolis against the FRA, dealing 

with the revocation of Branch 19’s Charter (per NBR 25-07) and significant challenges associated with paying bills 

and selling the property in Newport Rhode Island, and managing other changes. 

I’ve worked very hard on these challenges during the past year and kept the NP and leadership apprised of developments 

and received outstanding support from FO Paul Rigby and other senior staff. Additional details are referenced 

in the reports indicated and under the various sections identified by headings in the remainder of this report. 

DATA BASE MANAGEMENT 

Overseeing in-house data base management and security is a major responsibility and even more so since membership 

administration functions were brought in-house via the IMIS system. Sameer Mulla, is our part-time Data Base 

Manager. He reports directly to me and also oversees our new Data Base Support Specialist (DSS), Sami Al- 

Samawi. All data base functions are closely monitored and security enhancements include a recently installed security 

access system and significantly improved air conditioning in the data server room in the Member Service Center. 

Sameer and Sami also work closely with the Finance Officer, Directors of Marketing and Communications and 

Membership Development, and Member Service Center staff and Sameer has been very effective in identifying major 

problems and developing solutions via specially written programs to identify and correct data base errors and 

improve financial and membership reports. As a result of this work, we now have a much more accurate membership 

count than in the past. In addition, a complex de-duping process has also enhanced our data base integrity and resulted 

in the elimination of unnecessary mailings and costs associated with same (see Director of Marketing and 

Communications Report for additional details on this effort.) 

Related to this work is an NBOD Resolution (NBR 49-06), approved by majority vote, social security numbers were 

removed from Branch Alpha Rosters effective 7 July 2006. This action was related to concerns about identity theft 

and I continue to strongly urge Branch Secretaries to be mindful of sensitive information on previous Branch Alpha 

Reports and other data and institute effective disposal methods to ensure that no personal data is compromised. 

SETTLEMENT OF FRC COMPLAINT AND INJUNCTION 

As reported last year, on 28 July 2006 I was served with a copy of a complaint and injunction filed against the FRA 

in state court in the State of Maryland by the Fleet Reserve Club of Annapolis, Inc. (FRC) seeking a decree determining 

that the FRA has no control over the FRC and further seeking an injunction prohibiting the FRA from representing 

or in any way maintaining that it has the power to do so. Per NBOD resolution 53-06, a response was prepared 

by legal counsel and subsequently, NP Jerry Sweeney and I participated in a settlement conference with legal 

counsel and FRC representatives and their legal counsel in Severna Park, Maryland, on 23 February 2007 during 

which a consent decree consistent with provisions of FRA’s C&BL was agreed to per Enclosure 5. FRA’s legal costs 

in conjunction with the law suit totaled $66,290.39 and were covered by our Directors and Officers Liability Insurance 

coverage. 

Effective Branch oversight of business enterprises is very important and of particular importance to this issue and 

more effective future oversight of Branch business enterprises is NBR 24-07 which strengthens Sec. 1226, FRA 

C&BL, which if approved by delegates at the 80th National Convention will supersede NBR 11-07. 

FRA TODAY 

Fund raising and other marketing initiatives/programs are detailed in the Director, Marketing and Communications 

Report, however, noteworthy is the success and strong positive reaction to the rework that includes professional design 

and renaming of Naval Affairs to FRA Today which was approved by delegates at the 79th National Convention. 

In addition, expanded distribution of the magazine continues (including hand delivery of copies each month to 

all Members of Congress) and extra copies are available for Shipmates wishing to assume responsibility for taking 

copies to waiting rooms, Reserve centers or other high-traffic locations where potential members and others may 

read them and learn more about FRA and its various programs. Shipmates may order extra copies by either contacting 

me at NHQ (or via e-mail at nes@fra.org), or Eileen Murphy at Eileen@fra.org. 

NES-3

THE MILITARY COALITION 

Per FRA SR3(b), I serve as the principal representative of the FRA in The Military Coalition (TMC). I’m also in my 

second two-year term as TMC Co-Chair – an elected position expiring in November 2008. I work closely with Steve 

Strobridge from MOAA, the other Co-Chair, and with leaders of the eight standing legislative committees and the 

three standing committees. Other responsibilities include establishing monthly meeting agendas and presiding at 

meetings – most of which are held at NHQ. In addition, I continue as Co-Chair of the TMC Military Personnel, 

Compensation and Commissaries Committee. Active participation in the TMC, of which FRA is a founding member, 

is extremely important to advancing our legislative agenda – and as the leading TMC enlisted association enhances 

awareness of the Association and helps sustain our highly effective presence and effectiveness on Capitol Hill. 

PARTNERING INITIATIVES 

Partnering agreements are in effect with Navy Mutual Aid Association (NMAA) and Military.com (Monster Worldwide), 

and this past year we’ve partnered with the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) and Military Officers Association of 

America (MOAA) in support of the “Keeping Faith with Those Who Serve” Defense Forum in Washington, D.C. on 

18 September 2007. The event afforded significant visibility for FRA and was attended by nearly 300 individuals, 

representatives from a number of media outlets and speakers included key members of Congress and outgoing Secretary 

of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. 

NATIONAL CONVENTION SPONSORS 

To enhance FRA’s marketing effort, we’re working to maximize our partnering and business agreements by offering 

opportunities to become official Bronze ($1,000), Silver ($1,500), Gold ($2,000) and Platinum ($5,000) National 

Convention Sponsors. This program was initiated three years ago and proceeds from sponsorships help offset significant 

convention costs for AV and sound support, printing, signage, expanded workshop presentations and hospitality 

and other expenses. 

In addition, sponsors who commit and pay by the layout/printing due date also receive ad space in the convention 

journal which is produced by the Convention Committee at the full-page rate – and NHQ reimburses the Committee 

at the specified rate which totals $960 for the 80th National Convention. As in the past, Convention Booster Roll 

donations are solicited in membership renewals processed by NHQ beginning 1 May of the previous year through 30 

April of the convention year. 

NHQ coordinates sponsorships from affinity partners and other businesses we deal with at the national level while 

the Convention Committee solicits and/or coordinates sponsorships at the local/regional level as determined by 

members of same. 

NHQ BUILDING 

Due to the availability of unused office space in our National Headquarters building, we’re researching the possibility 

of leasing space to outside businesses seeking office space in Old Town Alexandria. This concept will require 

work in the building including new doors, shifting staff to other offices, moving and/or purchasing furniture and 

other associated aspects of offering space for rent including phone lines and security. Office rent would become a 

revenue source and this concept has been discussed with the NBOD and Budget and Finance Committee. Updates on 

progress with regard to this will be forthcoming as appropriate and it’s important to note that there is not definitive 

effective date for space being available for rent. 

In addition to the above, we’ve been advised of the availability of exercise equipment owned by Shipmate Kat 

Wacker, who recently relocated to an active duty assignment here in Washington. She has offered to share usage of 

the equipment and her licensed training expertise to benefit NHQ staff who may wish to participate in a fitness program. 

We’re currently researching various aspects associated with this concept to include legal issues, insurance 

requirements and space for the equipment in the building. Details will be disseminated on this when available. 

FRA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 

NES-4

Administering the FRA Scholarship Program is a major NHQ evolution each year. The program is under the oversight 

of Vince Cuthie, former Manager, Information Systems (MIT), and now part-time Scholarship Coordinator. 

The 2007 Scholarship Committee included DADM Alicia Landis; Contributing Editor Lauren Armstrong, and Shipmates 

Harry Kantrovich (Branch 181) and Orin Hatton (Branch 181). In addition, Laura Chick keypunched applicant’s 

data into a spreadsheet utilized by the selection committee. FRA awarded 21 scholarships this year to FRA 

Shipmates and/or their spouses, dependents, and grandchildren totaling $90,000 (Enclosure 6). 

FRA is fortunate and extremely grateful for the scholarship donations made by GEICO, Ft. Wayne Branch 348, the 

Col. Benn Estate and the Doran, Moon, Blair, Pringle, Treadwell, Quielsch, and Turner families. Their significant 

contributions to FRA’s scholarship program enhance our program and greatly benefit the recipients. 

SPECIAL EVENTS 

I participated in and/or represented FRA at the following events. Note that monthly TMC meetings and related 

committee meetings are not listed and that NBOD Hill visits and Congressional testimony are detailed in the National 

Committee on Legislative Service Report. 

• USNMF Lone Sailor Dinner, Washington, DC, 25 October 2006 

• USNMF Board of Directors Meeting, Washington, DC, 26 October 2006 

• CLC Meeting, Branch 67 Suitland, MD, 28 October 2006 

• TMC Board of Directors Meeting, AFA Headquarters, Arlington, VA, 2 November 2006 

• National Veterans Day Ceremonies, Arlington National Cemetery, 11 November 2006 

• USMC Congressional Fellows Briefing, The Pentagon, 13 November 2006 

• FRA Pinnacle Award Reception, Capitol Hill, 15 November 2006 

• USMC Institute Legislative Process Brief, Marine Barracks Washington, DC, 30 November 2006 

• USMC Combined Awards Ceremony, MCB Quantico, VA, 5 December 2006 

• USMC Recruiters of the Year Ceremony, MCB Quantico, VA, 7 December 2006 

• FRA Navy Recruiters of the Year Luncheon, Capitol Hill, 13 December 2006 

• Navy Recruiters of the Year Ceremony, USNMF Heritage Center, Washington, DC, 14 December 2006 

• Holiday functions sponsored by Branch 181, NRA, ALA, the Ad Hoc Committee and NMAA on various 

dates in December 2006 

• NHQ Staff Offsite Meeting, Regent University, Alexandria, VA, 8 January 2007 

• Legislative Process Brief for MCPON Campa and Staff, NHQ, 10 January 2007 

• MARSH Holiday Luncheon, Crystal City, VA, 12 January 2007 

• Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care, ROA Headquarters, Washington, DC, 17 January 2007 

• Naval Studies Board Panel Presentation, National Academies, Washington, D.C., 24 January 2007 

• TRICARE Conference, Washington, DC, 29 January 2007 

• Press Conference on S. 604 Health Care Legislation, The Capitol, 15 February 2007 

• FRC Law Suit Settlement Conference, Severna Park, MD, 23 February 2007 

• Navy Senior Enlisted Female Conference Legislative Process Brief, NHQ, 5 March 2007 

• Navy CNI SOY Finalists Ice Breaker Reception, Crystal City, VA, 5 March 2007 

• JWV Congressional Reception, Capitol Hill, 7 March 2007 

• NAVSEA SOY Finalists NHQ Visit/Legislative Process Brief, 8 March 2007 

• Armed Forces Marketing Council Reception, Rayburn Building, Washington, DC, 21 March 2007 

• U.S. Navy Band Change of Command Ceremony, Navy Yard, Washington, DC, 30 March 2007 

• FRA Sponsored CNP SOY Finalists Luncheon, Navy Annex, 3 April 2007 

• FRA / Navy League Sponsored VCNO SOY Finalists Ice Breaker, Pentagon City, VA, 10 April 2007 

• SecNav Retiree Council Brief, WNY, 16 April 2007 

• SecNav Retiree Council Reception, Crystal City, VA, 18 April 2007 

• National Committee on Legislative Service Meeting via teleconference, NHQ, 24 April 2007 

• Retirement Ceremony SgtMaj John Estrada, USMC, MCB, Washington, D.C., 25 April 2007 

• CLC Meeting hosted at NHQ by Branch 181, 28 April 2007 

NES-5

• FRA / Navy League Sponsored Naval Reserve SOY Finalists Ice Breaker, Pentagon City, VA, 30 April 

2007 

• Branch 181 Installation Dinner, Arlington, VA, 12 May 2007 

• Navy/Marine Corps Council SecNav Briefings, Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA, 15 May 2007 

• FRA Employees Pension Committee Meeting, 16 May 2007 

• FRA Pinnacle Award Reception, Capitol Hill, 17 May 2007 

• USS Arizona Display Model Dedication, FRA, 18 May 2007 

• NBOD Meeting, FRA, 18-19 May 2007 

• LA FRA Pilgrimage, Arlington, VA, 20 May 2007 

• USCG Honors Ceremony, USNMF, 22 May 2007 

• USCG Honors Recipients Luncheon / Legislative Process Brief, NHQ, 24 May 2007 

• AUSA Congressional Reception, Capitol Hill, 5 June 2007 

• FRA’S USCG Caucus Breakfast, Capitol Hill, 6 June 2007 

• Installing Officer, Branch 4 Installation, Washington, D.C., 6 June 2007 

• Commandant Naval Academy, Change of Command Ceremony, Annapolis, MD 8 June 2007 

• NMFA Annual Luncheon, Crystal City, VA, 15 June 2007 

• AFA Reception, Pentagon City, 15 June 2007 

• SgtMaj USMC Carlton Kent and Staff Legislative Process Brief, NHQ, 2 July 2007 

• USMC Sunset Parade, USMC War Memorial, 10 July 2007 

• MCPOCG Skip Bowen Legislative Process Brief, NHQ, 16 July 2007 

• FRA Navy SOY Capitol Hill Luncheon, 17 July 2007 

• SOY Barbeque hosted by MCPON Campa, MCPON’s Quarters, 18 July 2007 

• SOY Award Ceremony, USNMF Washington, DC, 19 July 2007 

• National Press Club Address by USMC Commandant James Conway, Washington, DC 20 July 2007 

• Budget & Finance Committee Meeting, NHQ, 29-30 August 2007 

• PRPEC Ed Huylebroeck Service, Arlington National Cemetery, 12 September 2007 

• Keeping Faith With Those Who Serve Forum, Washington, DC, 18 September 2007 

• USO World Gala, Washington, DC, 20 September 2007 

• TMC Awards Reception, Capitol Hill, 2 October 2007 

• USCG Association for Rescue at Sea Ceremony, Capitol Hill, 2 October 2007 

• Military Resale Commanders Meeting, NHQ, 3 October 2007 

TRAVEL 

• Tidewater Military Retiree Seminar Speaker, Norfolk, VA, 4 November 2006 

• USCG Recruiters of the Year Banquet, Newark, DE, 7 November 2006 

• 80th National Convention Site Visit, Corpus Christ, TX, 25-27 January 2007 

• EC Midyear Meeting, Carolina Beach, NC, 2-3 February 2007 

• SC Region Midyear Meeting, Shreveport, LA, 30-31 March 2007 (unofficial travel) 

• NC Region Midyear Meeting, Owensboro, KY, 13-15 April 2007 (unofficial travel) 

• FRA Navy Fleet & Forces SOY Finalists Reception, Portsmouth, VA 17 April 2007 

• USCG Gold Badge Conference Legislative Process Brief, Yorktown, VA, 25 July 2007 

• NE Regional Convention, Scranton, PA, 27-29 July 2007 

• NW Regional Convention, Oak Harbor, WA 17-19 August 2007 (unofficial travel) 

• SW Regional Convention, Tucson, AZ, 24-26 August 2007 

• SE Regional Convention, Chattanooga, TN, 7-9 September 2007 (unofficial travel) 

• NEng Regional Convention, Tewksbury, MA, 21-23 September 2007 

• 80th National Convention, Corpus Christ, TX, 28 October-4 November 2007 

Note that unofficial travel is at my own expense. 

CONCLUSION 

NES-6

I thank the NBOD, RVPs, PNPs and other Shipmates for their support during the past year – and I salute each of you 

for your hard work and strong commitment to the Association and its mission. I would also like to express special 

appreciation to NP Jerry Sweeney for his strong commitment – which during his tenure is evidenced by his visits to 

183 Branches – his good counsel, effective leadership and support. I also thank NVP Larry Boudreaux and FO Paul 

Rigby for their counsel and assistance. 

There continues to be a strong commitment to our Shipmates and a tremendous amount of work conducted by our 

outstanding NHQ Team and I want to acknowledge the entire staff for their hard work and strong support – and especially 

the following senior staff members who shoulder (or shouldered) major responsibilities during the past year: 

Alicia Landis, Eileen Murphy, John Davis, Penny Collins, Bob Washington, Vince Cuthie, Chris Slawinski, and 

Sameer Mulla. Collectively, we work hard on behalf of the FRA and are extremely conscientious with regard to our 

stewardship responsibilities of Association resources. 

I am a candidate for reelection as your National Executive Secretary based primarily on my strong commitment to 

the Association and its mission and thank all members of the FRA for their strong and continuing support. 

Respectfully submitted, in Loyalty, Protection and Service, 

NES-7 

Joseph L. Barnes 

National Executive Secretary

(Enclosure 1) 

NES-8

NES-9

NES-10

(Enclosure 2) 

NES-11 

3 November 2006 

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY MEMORANDUM NUMBER 3-07 

From: National Executive Secretary 

To: Branch Secretaries 

Subj: Status Report on Key Issues 

MEMBERSHIP INITIATIVES 

My memorandum of 17April 2006 addressed various FRA membership issues and detailed the NHQ low/no 

cost staff action plan with regard to non-renewing members. Since then, the following initiatives have been implemented: 

1. The call program to non-renewing members has been established with NHQ staff calling MALs 

who’ve terminated since January 2006. In the past two months, for example, NHQ staff completed 

829 calls and at least 46 of these have rejoined and paid their dues. Staff are now working on calling 

members prior to termination, giving one more opportunity to pay dues prior to losing the 

member. Information on implementing this program at the Branch level was briefed during the 

May NBOD meeting, in July AJuicy News,@ at National Convention and in the upcoming issue of 

Naval Affairs (FRA Today). This is also being briefed (with phone lists provided from NHQ) by 

NP Jerry Sweeney during Branch visits and will be expanded to Regional Presidents for reference 

in their Branch visits. 

2. To encourage members to renew, those who have an outstanding balance will see a APay Your 

Dues@ link on each page of the site. This is in the final stages of testing, and will be live within the 

week. Currently members with a balance see this link only on the MY FRA page. Prospective 

members will see a link suggesting they AConvert to Full Membership.@ 

3. Naval Affairs (now FRA Today) address block has been enlarged to enable the inclusion of an inkjet 

message for the members. Members in good standing are thanked for their membership or a 

special message is listed (ie, reminder of convention in September), members who owe dues are 

reminded to pay, and those whose membership is about to expire are informed that this is their last 

issue if they don=t pay. 

4. A survey via e-mail to non-renewing members was developed B however with only a small number 

of available e-mail addressees and low data gathering potential B it was incorporated into the call 

program script per #1 above. 

5. Several initiatives directly related to our legislative advocacy program and the importance of participating 

in the process via messages to members of Congress have expanded awareness of the 

Making Waves electronic message program via the Action Center on FRA=s web site. To date, 

88,900 messages have been disseminated resulting in approximately 4,000 additional messages to 

Members of Congress on key legislative issues. 

6. A postcard with a unique design is used for third dues renewal notices effective in June 2006 resulting 

in a 1% increase in the response rate at 3 the previous cost. 

As reported, our serious cash flow situation required the suspension of our membership marketing plan earlier 

this year and on 18 October 2006, FO Paul Rigby, DMD Bob Washington, DMC Eileen Murphy, DADM Alicia 

Landis, and DLP John Davis and I met to formulate a low cost/maximum impact plan for restarting our membership 

marketing efforts during the remainder of FY 2006 (or between now and mid-December). We agreed that allocating 

$40,000 to this is plan is achievable since delegates to the 79th National Convention authorized the with drawl of

excess funds from the Widows and Standby Health Trusts. This is significant to our budget and cash flow situation 

particularly until the end of this fiscal year. Covering the up-front costs for the new in-house hat and calendar fund 

raising programs (totaling about $42,000 and $95,000 respectively) until donations cover expenses is a key aspect of 

this. 

Accordingly, we agreed on a plan of action which includes: 

1. Printing/distribution of On Watch (health care issue) flyers and post cards for dissemination to active 

duty addresses (full issue posted on web site at www.fra.org/onwatch). 

2. Subscribing to PR software service to significantly enhance our press release distribution capabilities 

(additional details on program follow). 

3. Purchase four large and four small, light-weight displays to augment (and eventually replace) our 

large and tabletop displays which are very heavy and extremely costly to ship (shipping cost savings 

for two months will more than cover the cost of the new displays). 

4. Subscribing to Google Ad Words to drive more traffic to our web site. 

5. Purchasing Military Shopper website banner ads which includes a special e-newsletter distribution 

to 100,000 active duty and reserve personnel addresses. 

Be aware that simply buying random and incidental ads in Navy or Marine Corps Times or other publications 

is costly and such a plan should entail repetitive ads in conjunction with other marketing efforts. And renting 

lists for a membership solicitation mailing is cost effective, however, the printing and postage costs are high and 

such an initiative should be repeated several times to ensure a cost effective and reasonable response rate. 

The current plan is to work hard to ensure that going forward we can commit at least $40,000 quarterly B 

and hopefully more depending upon cash flow - to membership marketing initiatives (total FY 2007 marketing 

budget is $220,000). 

FUND RAISING PROGRAM 

The FRA hat fund raising program is the first such program that we're totally running in house. This is also 

our first fulfillment type program which means we=re soliciting donations via Naval Affairs ads (and upcoming 

magazine wrap for November issue) and those contributing $35 or more receive their choice of three sea service 

specific ball caps which are made in the USA. Total cost to launch this program apart from new scanning equipment 

and software is approximately $42,000 and to date we=ve received $25,896 in donations and processed 560 hats. 

Approximately 120 straight donations (no hat requested) have come in as well. Note that the cost of new scanning 

equipment and software is about $26,000. 

A note of thanks to our members B the return envelopes are printed as postage paid. A note on the envelope 

reminds the donor that if he uses a stamp, FRA does not need to pay for the postage. More than 98 percent of the 

envelopes returned have a stamp. This has greatly reduced the cost of the program. 

The FRA 2007 Calendar fund raiser will launch in early November and 50,000 FRA donors will receive the 

calendar with a cover letter. Subsequent to receipt, one follow up notice will be sent. Total cost of this project is approximately 

$95,000. Note that expenses for these programs are being charged to Natural Account Number Series 

5900 (Fund Raising Expenses), which are currently off budget and were set up in FY 2000 to satisfy general accounting 

requirements, and that all donations and expenses are reported on our statement of activities. Neither program 

was budgeted for in 2006 because in the past Vantage paid the up-front costs, and then took payment off the 

top from the funds raised. The cost for the same program last year administered by Vantage (prior to the donor list 

clean up) was $159,721. 

NES-12

Please also note that we managed to launch these programs without accessing funds from the Budget Reserve 

account per discussions at the May 2006 NBOD meeting. 

FRA TODAY 

Delegates at the 79th FRA National Convention approved a resolution to change the name of our monthly 

magazine from Naval Affairs to FRA Today and the possibility of this happening was incorporated into the magazine 

rework several months ago. This allowed us to adapt to whatever decision was made and saved money on the design 

costs. The change will occur with the November issue, however, be advised that the magazine will have a special 

cover wrap that still says Naval Affairs. This will explain the change, allow us to comply with USPS administrative 

requirements which take some time to process, and also allow us to include a pitch to sign up new members along 

with a membership application - with a focus on veterans due to Veterans Day (and FRA=s 82nd Birthday on 11 November 

2006). It also allows us to provide another reminder of the hat campaign, driving traffic to the website, telephone 

or to use an envelope provided in the September or October issues. 

Please also note that from the legal perspective, copyright/trademark registration research is underway with 

regard to the new title, and publishing this before this is completed is not a problem according to our legal counsel. 

LA FRA MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATION 

The implementation plan for the LA FRA membership administration functions at NHQ utilizing the IMIS 

capabilities is being developed and will include a specific time line and sequence of events. We plan to present this 

to LA FRA NP Sandy Robbins for consideration during her visit here beginning on 9 November. 

MAIL TO HURRICANE KATRINA SHIPMATES 

A number of zip code addresses in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area prohibited delivery of magazines to 

individual addresses even after first-class mail delivery resumed. Since FRA covered the dues renewals for 482 affected 

Shipmates in these areas who dues were to expire by 31 January 2006, many of them have not received anything 

from FRA since before the disaster last year. 

We=ve been regularly requesting permission via the USPS to send Naval Affairs to the affected addresses of 

our members each month. Last month, there were 609 addresses and this total in now down to123 Shipmates. To 

ensure that they begin receiving Naval Affairs, we=re covering first-class postage for delivery of the magazine to 

these Shipmates as part of the membership marketing budget and all will receive the November issue of Naval Affairs 

(FRA Today). The total is expected to continue to decline each month. 

ADMIN MANUAL UPDATE 

The FRA Branch Administration Manual (of 03/2000) is in need of updating and a plan of action is being 

developed. This work had been tabled due to the implementation of the IMIS membership administration work in 

house (Dec. 2004) and other anticipated changes per the Special Committee to Review FRA=s C&BL and the establishment 

of a Polities and Procedures Manual (action tabled until 80 th National Convention). Individual NHQ staff 

members are being tasked with reviewing and updating specific chapters and when completed, the new document 

will be compiled and the NBOD advised of same B probably at the May 2007 NBOD meeting. Preliminary plans are 

to post this on the web site members-only section, and produce copies in CD-Rom format and also produce a limited 

number of hard copies pending NBOD approval and the authorization of budgeted funds for this project via the 

Budget and Finance Committee. 

Included in this process is a review of FRA=s Americanism-Patriotism Manual, the Recruitment Manual, 

plus the Convention Planning Guide, PR Manual and Regional President=s Manual. Some of which have not been 

updated in many years. 

NES-13

FRA HISTORY 

The updated story of the FRA project is pending due to cash flow concerns. The writing is completed and 

edited but should be modified to include information on this year=s legislative successes. Once finalized, a printing 

and distribution plan will be announced. 

MEDIACONTACTS PR PROGRAM 

FRA purchased a non-profit license to use a program called MediaContacts from Burrells Luce, an independent 

media-tracking firm. This web-based program provides access to over 380,000 contacts and 76,000 media 

outlets. It contains a search system which allows FRA to target specific contacts based on location (city, state, zip 

code, region, Congressional district, city or county), type of media source (magazine, weekly or daily paper, broadcast 

or cable television, regional or local radio, etc.), and/or content (military, Congressional, etc.). 

Unlike many other press release distribution sources, this is a flat-fee per year, regardless of the number of 

releases sent. The non-profit rate makes this an economical way of getting the message of FRA=s messages on legislative 

and community work out to the public. 

The program is also be used to build our specific lists for individual releases, we can also save lists for consistent 

use. We have built a list for each region, for instance, based on a search of regional outlets (daily and weekly 

newspapers, regional magazines, newsletters and broadcast sources interested in news and military-related items). 

Each Regional President's news release went to the appropriate list per the following. 

Region # of Outlets Region # of Outlets 

New England 913 South Central 1060 

Northeast 1904 Southwest 982 

East Coast 696 West Coast 1422 

Southeast 1141 Northwest 513 

North Central 2499 

The national lists are built based on topic. A legislative file has been created and a release reporting FRA=s 

support of the DVA in rejecting lump sum settlements to disabled veterans this week went to 2,100 outlets focused 

in the areas of military, finance and legislative. 

This program significantly expands FRA=s media reach, is very cost effective and will greatly reduce the 

number of NHQ staff hours spent on disseminating information via e-mail or fax. 

FRA is also able to upload private lists, including committees, and key individuals with whom regular 

communication is necessary. These lists will be built in the coming weeks and to have your name included on the list 

to receive every release FRA distributes, please contact Eileen@fra.org. 

Your NHQ staff is working hard on these projects and is consistently seeking ways to work smart and utilize 

cost-effective methods to provide excellent support to you and our membership. 

ated. 

JLB:aal 

cc: Weekly Mail 

Please contact me if you have questions about this report and as always, your continuing support is appreci- 

NES-14 


JOSEPH L. BARNES 


(Enclosure 3) 

NES-15 

11 May 2007 



To: Weekly Mail 

Branch Secretaries 

Subj: Status Report on NHQ Staffing, Membership Issues, and Other Projects 

Past NES Memorandums (17April 2006 and 3 November 2006) addressed various FRA membership and 

other key issues and detailed NHQ staff action plans with regard to the Association’s declining membership. In conjunction 

with these ongoing challenges the NHQ Staff met on 12 April 2007 for an update on various initiatives and 

to brainstorm other initiatives detailed below. During the meeting I also announced a staffing reorganization plan 

detailed in my e-mail to the NBOD of 20 April 2007. 

NHQ STAFF REORGANIZATION 

A new NHQ staff reorganization plan includes advertising for a full-time Director of Membership Development. 

The opening announcement was posted on several job listing web sites and FRA’s web site on Friday, 20 

April. Interviews of top candidates were conducted this week. In addition it will run in Roll Call which is widely 

read newspaper in the association community and on Capitol Hill. 

DMD Bob Washington will continue to serve in this position until a full-time director is hired and oriented. 

He will also continue as FRA’s Health Care Advisor and assume new outreach responsibilities involving travel in 

conjunction with liaison efforts with commands and activities, speaking to groups and other tasks once the new director 

joins the staff. His expertise and participation in various health care related committees and panels will enhance 

his presentations to various groups to expand awareness of the Association and its legislative advocacy work. 

The staffing plan also includes a part-time staff member to shoulder some responsibilities now performed 

by MIT Vince Cuthie who’s retiring in early July. We anticipate announcing this position in the near future. Fortunately, 

Vince may be continuing in a part-time capacity with yet to be finalized responsibilities including managing 

FRA’s Scholarship Program. 

MEMBERSHIP INITIATIVES 

The Bring ‘em Back Call Program referenced in my 3 November 2006 Memorandum (3-07) continues 

and data on calls to MALs by NHQ staff indicate positive results. The program is a variation on PNP George Kaye’s 

“Member Get a Member” program and of 1200 calls completed since last July, 119 non-renewing members have 

paid their dues. Our initial response rate was in the 6% range, but through analysis and honing of the script, we have 

reached fantastic statistics for April 2007 – 101 Shipmates were contacted and 45 paid – the majority for multiple 

year memberships! That is a 44.5% response rate. This program reinforces the importance of personal contact and 

outreach efforts which also prove successful at the Branch level. The script and how to instructions on use of the 

website for the program are located in MY FRA in the Area for Branch and Regional Officers. To make calling 

members for renewal easier, we have added phone numbers to the Branch Reports for any member who is needing to 

renew or has terminated because of non-payment of dues. 

NHQ staff discussed hiring a telemarketing firm to make calls on behalf of the FRA to non-renewing 

members in order to augment staff (and perhaps Branch) calls to these Shipmates and may check into the costs of 

contracting for this type of support. 

A direct mail campaign is underway with an initial test mailing to 10,000 prospects from the FRASOL 

list. The list has been scrubbed and is being de-duped and now totals about 170,000. Many new names have also

een added to the list as people sign up for information on the website, register through our Action Center, fill-out 

information cards at seminars or get referred through our outreach program with reunions. Unfortunately, identifying 

and renting Sea Service specific mailing lists is difficult today – however, sharing the cost of broader, all-service 

lists may be an option as we partner with other non-competing organizations that we work closely with on legislative 

issues. For cost-efficiency and control of the list, building our own prospect database has been a major undertaking. 

An annual Branch Satisfaction Survey via the Internet is being developed to improve awareness of members’ 

perspectives about Branch meetings and projects. More information to follow in this and survey results would 

be provided to the NBOD, RVPs and Branch Secretaries. 

It’s important to get out in the field and schedule more presentations to target audiences. This is being incorporated 

into the staff reorganization along with the concept of training and relying on certain Shipmates in key 

fleet concentration areas to speak at GMTs, training sessions, retiree days and other local events to enhance awareness. 

New information displays have been purchased to replace two large and heavy displays we’ve used for 

about ten years. The new displays are consistent with marketing and branding campaigns and similar to window 

shades which open for display. They are in light weight aluminum cases which save significant shipping expenses 

and are available in table top, and two sizes of floor models. They’ve been well received additional displays have 

been ordered to accommodate demand. 

An update the FRA DVD is planned along with information about availability and use in conjunction with 

Branch and other Sea Service related functions. 

The concept of producing and distributing FRA-sponsored public service announcements (PSAs) on key 

issues was discussed by staff and this concept may be researched with regard to cost and feasibility. 

Extra copies of FRA Today are available and are being sent to Shipmates who are placing copies in high 

traffic, high visibility areas including in RAOs, health care clinics, libraries, etc. They are also being used by many 

Shipmates as leave-behind material when presenting to Transition classes or General Military Training courses. 

STATUS REPORT ON PREVIOUS INITIATIVES LISTED IN 3 NOVEMBER 2006 MEMORANDUM 

1. Printing/distribution of On Watch (health care issue) flyers and post cards for dissemination to active duty 

addresses (full issue posted on web site at www.fra.org/onwatch) – Completed 

2. Subscribing to PR software service to significantly enhance our press release distribution capabilities – 

Completed and operating – see information below. 

3. Purchase four large and four small, light-weight displays to augment (and eventually replace) our large and 

tabletop displays which are very heavy and extremely costly to ship (shipping cost savings for one month 

will more than cover the cost of the new displays) – Completed and referenced above 

4. Subscribing to Google Ad Words to drive more traffic to our web site – On going and as an example, this 

program has tracked over 3,200 impressions of FRA ads for a cost of just over $10. As a benefit of this program 

Google provides analysis of which wording is most effective and attracts the most click-throughs. 

That analysis is being studied currently with results being integrated throughout the other marketing efforts. 

5. Purchasing Military Shopper website banner ads which includes a special e-newsletter distribution to 

100,000 active duty and reserve personnel addresses. These individuals have subscribed to the service and 

indicated an interest in legislative topics. We have completed the banner subscription (currently online) and 

are in the final stages of design of the e-mail newsletter. 

As reported previously, buying random and incidental ads in Navy or Marine Corps Times or other publications 

is costly ($20,000 for a full page) and such a plan must involve repetitive ads in conjunction with other market- 

NES-16

ing efforts. Staff has researched the most cost-effective advertising avenues with the best target audience for FRA. 

Those ads will be placed in conjunction with the direct mail, e-newsletter and outreach campaigns to maximize effectiveness. 

Membership solicitation mailings costs can be very high due to printing and postage costs and such an 

initiative should be repeated several times to ensure a cost effective and reasonable response rate – hence we are 

testing our direct mail programs before going to large numbers. Once the results are in for the test direct mail, the 

full program can be rolled out. 

We continue to work hard to ensure that going forward we’re able to commit consistent resources to membership 

marketing initiatives per the marketing budget which is $220,000 for 2007. That budget is significantly less 

than what Marsh used for marketing, so a targeted approach vice “shotgun” approach is key to success. 

FUND RAISING PROGRAM UPDATE 

The FRA hat fund raising program was the first such program that we ran in house and the program is 

ongoing. This was also our first fulfillment type program which means we solicited donations via FRA Today (and 

previously Naval Affairs) ads. Those contributing $35 or more received their choice of three sea service specific ball 

caps which are made in the USA. Total cost to launch this program was approximately $45,000 and to date we’ve 

received $34,951 in donations. A number of straight donations (no hat requested) have come in as well. As the program 

is not time sensitive, we are letting it rest and will renew in the summer months to surpass the break even point. 

The main advantage of this program has been reaching people who had not previously donated to FRA and adding 

them to the donor list. 

The FRA 2007 Calendar fundraiser launched in November 2006 and 50,000 FRA donors received the 

calendar with a cover letter. Following receipt, one follow up notice was sent. Because of added control and up-todate 

data, the follow up notice to those who had already donated included a thank you for the donation and indicated 

the amount. Donations received to date total $175,897 and the cost of this project was approximately $92,000. (The 

cost for the same program the previous year (prior to the donor list clean up) administered by Vantage was 

$159,721.) 

For both programs, more than 98 percent of our donors honored the request to use a stamp on the envelopes 

returned rather than using the postage paid indicia, which greatly reduced the cost of the program. 

The FRA 2007 Mailing Label fundraiser is launching in the next two weeks. Total cost for the printing and 

mailing is approximately $20,000 plus postage. The same program through Vantage cost upward of $50,000 plus 

postage. Cost savings come from staff writing the copy, maintaining the mailing list, and managing the project. 

Noteworthy is the FRA case statement on the back side of the labels which reflects an 85% allocation of donations to 

support Association programs – this is much higher than the non-profit organization average of 60-65% and reflects 

the shift to in-house management of marketing and fundraising programs which has reduced our costs tremendously. 

LA FRA MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATION 

NHQ assumed responsibility for the LA FRA membership administration functions on 1 February 2007 

utilizing the iMIS system per the FRA & LA FRA Mutual Services Agreement of 24 January 2007. Significant staff 

time and resources were committed to start up efforts at no cost to the LA FRA, and significant unanticipated problems 

with the data and a six-month backlog of unprocessed renewals resulted in delays in the initial processing of 

reports and other admin functions. Unit membership reports from February and March were recently completed and 

forwarded to Eileen Magnan, LA FRA Treasurer for distribution to individual Units. (Specifics detailed in my updates 

to LA FRA National President Sandy Robbins on 29 March and 9 May 2007 which were copied to the FRA 

NBOD.) 

Information on the change and instructions for individual LA FRA members for iMIS functions and access 

were published in the January and February issues of FRA Today. Additionally a PowerPoint briefing (or copies of 

this) for use by LA FRA leadership was prepared by NHQ staff for presentation at regional meetings and first presented 

by the East Coast Region Midyear Meeting in Carolina Beach, NC on 3 February 2007. This presentation is 

available on the LA FRA Area for Unit and Regional Officers on www.fra.org. 

NES-17

Shipmates should note that iMIS access for members of the LA FRA is much different than access for 

members of the FRA. 

ADMIN MANUAL UPDATE 

The updated version of the FRA Branch Administration Manual is completed thanks to great work by the 

NHQ staff and is currently being proof read. When this is finished, the Manual will be posted on the members-only 

section of FRA’s web site (www.fra.org) and included in the 2007 FRA Resource CD. 

No money is budgeted to produce hard copies at this time, however, individual Branches may request a 

hard copy at a yet to be determined cost per copy. Specifics will be announced when finalized, however, due to 

pending changes in the C&BL we do not anticipate ordering or stocking print versions of the Manual until at least 

2008. 

MEDIACONTACTS PR PROGRAM 

FRA purchased a non-profit license to use a program called MediaContacts from Burrells Luce, an independent 

media-tracking firm. This web-based program provides access to over 380,000 contacts and 76,000 media 

outlets. It contains a search system which allows FRA to target specific contacts based on location (city, state, zip 

code, region, Congressional district, city or county), type of media source (magazine, weekly or daily paper, broadcast 

or cable television, regional or local radio, etc.), and/or content (military, Congressional, etc.). 

Unlike many other press release distribution sources, this is a flat-fee per year, regardless of the number of 

releases sent. The non-profit rate makes this an economical way of getting the message of FRA’s messages on legislative 

and community work out to the public. 

The program is also be used to build our specific lists for individual releases, we can also save lists for consistent 

use. We have built a list for each region, for instance, based on a search of regional outlets (daily and weekly 

newspapers, regional magazines, newsletters and broadcast sources interested in news and military-related items). 

Each Regional President’s news release went to the appropriate list per the following. 

Region # of Outlets 

North East 1904 

East Coast 696 

South East 1141 

South Central 1060 

North Central 2499 

North West 513 

West Coast 1422 

South West 982 

New England 913 

The national lists are built based on topic. A legislative file has been created and a release reporting FRA’s 

support of the DVA in rejecting lump sum settlements to disabled veterans went to 2,100 outlets focused in the areas 

of military, finance and legislative, for instance. 

This program significantly expands FRA’s media reach, is very cost effective and will greatly reduce the 

number of NHQ staff hours spent on disseminating information via e-mail or fax. 

NES-18

FRA is also able to upload private lists, including committees, and key individuals with whom regular 

communication is necessary. Contact Jessica Andrews, FRA’s Public Relations Manager at 800-FRA-1924 ext. 126 

or Jessica@fra.org for additional information or to suggest someone be added to the list. 

JLB:aal 

Your continuing support is appreciated. 

cc: National Mailing List 

NES-19 




(Enclosure 4) 

NES-20 

7 September 2007 



To: Weekly Mail 

Branch Secretaries 

Subj: NHQ Senior Staff Membership Issues Strategy Session Report 

My past memorandums of 17April 2006, 3 November 2006, and 11 May 2007 addressed various FRA 

membership issues and detailed NHQ staff action plans with regard to the Association’s declining membership. In 

conjunction with these issues, the NHQ Senior Staff met on 15 August 2007 to again discuss FRA’s number one 

challenge and how we’re addressing it both now and into the future. In addition to myself, participants included: FO 

Paul Rigby, DADM Alicia Landis, DMC Eileen Murphy, DMD Bob Washington, DMD-D Penny Collins, DLP John 

Davis and NVSO Chris Slawinski. 

Key issues discussed / reported at the meeting include the following: 

The monthly staff recruiting and retention goals for the year are not being met due in part to limited resources 

driven by cash flow challenges which require minimal membership marketing efforts and limited recruiting 

campaigns at the Branch level. The staff goal set at the January Off-Site Meeting was to not allow membership to go 

below 100,000, to get 800-900 new and reinstated members per month and limit terminated members (excluding 

deaths) to no more than 500 per month. Currently we’re recruiting from 300-500 new members per month and those 

terminated range from 600-700 per month. At the Branch level only 46 of 286 Branches had membership gains for 

the membership year that concluded on 31 March 2007 ranging from 1 out of 9 Branches in Membership Group 1 – 

to 37 out of 137 Branches in Membership Group 5. 

Regarding the Membership Marketing Budget, last year we expended only 15% of the planned $220,000 

allocated to this program line item due to cash flow problems. (Note that 3% was spent prior to the 79th National 

Convention and additional expenditures followed authorization of trust fund withdrawals.) And thus far in 2007, 

we’ve spent about 23% of the total budgeted for this program which is budgeted at the same level as last year. The 

current year’s (2007) budget was structured on an assumed 2.2% membership decline – however, the pending 2008 

budget is based on an assumed 3.3% decline which is exacerbated by continuing cash flow challenges despite the 

replenishment of key reserve accounts with surplus funds from the two trust funds per actions by delegates at the 

79th National Convention. 

A 10,000 piece test membership solicitation mailing focused on health care funding dropped recently and 

response results are not yet available. Three follow-up post cards developed/formatted individually on our Loyalty, 

Protection, and Service principles will follow and may be expanded to additional addressees pending analysis of test 

mailing results. 

In addition, FRA banner ads are posted on MilitaryShoppers.com web page accessed by 100,000 service 

personnel and/or their spouses via the Internet. This allows FRA e-mail newsletters to be sent on a monthly basis 

to the 100,000 subscribers at no additional charge. 

A 50,000 quantity 3-piece postcard mailing is at the print stage to be mailed within the coming weeks 

highlighting loyalty, protection, and service as the key reasons for people to join the Association. These will land in 

the homes one per week for three weeks and encourage joining by phone or web. Additionally, copies will be available 

for branch recruiting opportunities. 

To assure that all marketing efforts are as cost effective as possible, a great deal of time, energy and human 

resources have been devoted to managing data – reducing duplicate records and harvesting e-mail addresses

allows the FRA marketing team to reach more people at a lower cost. These efforts have been made possible by 

cross-department teamwork and creativity from staff members eager to find a better solution. 

The NHQ Staff cannot emphasize too strongly that it’s a NEW WORLD that we’re operating in and the 

Sea Services are much different than when older Shipmates served and – no disrespect intended – there MUST be 

awareness of this throughout the Association. Examples of this are the new level of professionalism and education 

required in the senior enlisted communities, much less interest (sometimes distain) on alcohol consumption, and the 

role of and number of women serving today has increased dramatically compared to years past and its important to 

be mindful of offensive and sexist comments, e-mail, etc. And just assuming that females attending regional events 

are members of the Ladies Auxiliary can be perceived as demeaning to these Shipmates. 

There are also many potential Sea Service Reserve and veteran members in communities everywhere 

and these are easily overlooked. Establishing support or other collaborative relationships with Reserve units can significantly 

enhance awareness and lead to new members joining the FRA These are key outreach/awareness issues 

and will be referenced in briefings at Branches and regional meetings by Bob Washington and others in the future. 

A major motivator of younger Shipmates is involvement in community service and many want to know 

what they can do to assist or participate in such projects which may be sponsored by individual Branches. The 

VAVS program is an example of this. This is supported in studies released by The Center For Association Leadership 

and more information on this will be released in coming issues of FRA Today. 

Adapting Branch meetings to attract more attendees can have a positive impact on attendance and retention. 

NHQ will work to communicate information on successful initiatives by some Branches – including Branch 99 

in Virginia Beach, Virginia, that holds a raffle and drawing at each meeting and provides restaurant gift certificates 

to attendees – and Branch 269 in Goose Creek, S.C., that does likewise and is the top membership recruiting Branch 

in Membership Group 1 for the 2006-2007 membership year. 

And Branch Secretaries must do a better job of communicating important information distributed 

monthly from NHQ at meetings – and individuals reaching key longevity points and/or other achievements 

must be recognized – something that can be a major motivator to attend meetings. Awards presentations are 

also an opportunity for local publicity which can significantly enhance awareness. 

Statistically, the average age of FRA active members is 67.8 years – a key statistic that’s very important 

with regard to the future of the Association and integral to the importance of recruiting new younger members. In 

addition, the average length of membership for Shipmates affiliated with Branches is 21.6 years – and for MALs the 

average length of membership is 17.5 years. One issue that drives those averages down is the members who do not 

renew after their first year, and we are examining ways to improve that statistic. 

The number of members as a percentage of total membership who are affiliated with Branches is increasing 

and totals about 62% of our total membership with the remainder being MALs. This reinforces the importance 

of work at the Branch level (and hopefully this will put to rest the erroneous and ridiculous rumor that all NHQ 

is interested in is recruiting MALs). Branches must be mindful of the negative result from constantly harassing 

MALs to become affiliated with Branches and recognize that many choose to be members-at-large and do not wish 

to affiliate. I’ve attended Branch meetings where MALs show up and rather than being welcomed are belittled. The 

tone and manner of communicating with MALs is important and should not alienate them and thereby prompt them 

to not renew their membership. Unfortunately, some Branches just focus on trying to bring MALs into the Branch 

rather than pursue initiatives to recruit new members. 

There was considerable discussion about the conduct of Branch meetings, how new members are welcomed 

– or in instances reported to NHQ – put in their place if they offer ideas or recommendations not consistent 

with long-standing, and often outdated views by long-time members. Meetings have been characterized as “bitch and 

bark” sessions by new, younger Shipmates who subsequently depart with no intention of returning – and probably 

will not subsequently renew their membership. Situations like this are extremely detrimental to the Association and 

aggravate our membership decline since the work of recruiting and signing up a new member who then agrees to 

NES-21

attend a Branch meeting is for naught. EVERY MEMBER IS IMPORTANT TO FUTURE OF THE ASSOCIA- 

TION regardless of their status as a Branch member or MAL. 

Despite the importance of our membership challenges and participation of as many as six members of the 

Membership & Retention Committee when monthly meetings commenced last year via teleconference, the number 

of participants from the committee has declined to only two this month. Information on future meetings will be 

disseminated and Branch Membership Chairman are particularly encouraged to listen in on these meetings. 

Action Plan: 

1. Develop an effective new-member orientation, initiation plan and post same on the FRA web site. This 

will reference long-standing FRA rituals and traditions and also be part of our expanding outreach efforts. 

2. Research effective current recruiting messages and methods via contact with Sea Service recruiters to 

enhance awareness of motivators of potential younger members. We cannot grow our membership without 

understanding demographics and adapting our messages and approaches to same. 

3. Compile information on and communicate specifics about what is working at certain Branches with regard 

to recruiting – and retaining members. 

4. Review content and timing of new member communications during first year of membership and perhaps 

revamp the message and/or enclosures to reference the value of his/her membership in the FRA. 

5. Disseminate information on monthly Membership and Retention Committee meetings via teleconference 

with dial-in instructions for those desiring to listen in. (RPs and regional leaders note the importance 

of disseminating information within each Region via the respective rep on the National Committee on 

Membership and Retention – and if different, the Chairman of the Regional Membership Committee.) 

6. Research the concept of producing FRA podcasts as a means of reaching target membership audiences. (A 

podcast is an online audio feed of recorded information which can be accessed via iPods/MP3 players.) 

7. Expand awareness and familiarity with the “communities” capabilities on FRA’s web site to increase 

dialog with more current and potential members. 

8. Resources permitting, a test is planned with a commercial automated calling firm to advise MAL members 

by phone recording from NP of pending or past membership renewal dates. If successful and not excessively 

expensive, the cost and contact information will be provided to Branches. 

9. Continue monitoring and evaluate membership related initiatives that have been implemented at 

NHQ per NESMs referenced above. 

The importance of our membership challenge cannot be overemphasized and responsibility for addressing 

this is a shared responsibility at the Branch and Regional levels and National Headquarters Staff. This is NOT solely 

a NHQ responsibility. NHQ does not have the resources or staffing to address this challenge alone. 

NES-22

This is a difficult challenge which is not unique to FRA and the NHQ Staff believes we must act boldly to 

address this. As always your NHQ Staff remains totally committed and focused on effectively addressing this challenge 

as resources permit. 

Your continuing support is appreciated. 

JLB:aal 

cc: National Mailing List 

NES-23 




Enclosure (5) 

NES-24

NES-25

NES-26

Enclosure (6) 

2007 SCHOLARSHIPS 

21 Scholarships for a Total Amount of $90,000.00 

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEE AMOUNT TOTAL 

Glenn F. Glezen Scholarship 

Preference given to applicants enrolled in 

courses of study at the post graduate level. 

Eligible applicants are: Members, dependent 

children, grandchildren, and spouses of 

current FRA members in good standing. 

Robert W. Nolan Scholarship 






Joseph R. Baranski Scholarship 






Fleet Reserve Association Award 

Members, dependent children, grandchildren, 

and spouses of current or deceased 

members in good standing of the FRA. 

Henry Krigbaum 

Member-at-Large 

Tracy Sykes-Threatt 

Member, Branch 89 

Douglas B. Fair 

Son of John Fair 

Branch 214 

1. Jennifer L. Rickel 

Daughter of James D. Rickel 


2. Thomas R. Swisher 

Grandson of Phillip A. Payne 

Branch 101 

3. Alyssa M. Hodnefield 

Daughter of Brian Hodnefield 

Branch 273 

4. Brittany A. Harris 

Spouse of Cody Mannion 


5. Daniel N. Clay 

Grandson of Kermit F. Clay 

Branch 147 

6. Megan A. Cavender 

Granddaughter of Charles W. Tady 


7. Nicole M. B. Cochran 

Spouse Kelly T. Cochran 

Branch 97 

NES-27 

$5,000.00 $5,000.00 

$5,000.00 $5,000.00 

$5,000.00 $5,000.00 

1. $5,000.00 

2. $5,000.00 

3. $5,000.00 

4. $5,000.00 

5. $5,000.00 

6. $5,000.00 

7. $5,000.00 

$35,000.00

Robert M. Treadwell Annual Scholarship 




Lillian A. Moon Scholarship 

Dependent children of members, alive or 

deceased in good standing of the FRA. 

Stanley A. Doran Memorial Scholarship 



The Donald Bruce Pringle Family 

Scholarship 




Turner Scholarship Fund 




GEICO Scholarship 




MCPO Ken E. Blair Scholarship 



Quielsch Scholarship Fund 




GEICO and FRA Branch 348 




Pringle Scholarship Fund/Treadwell 




Colonel Hazel Benn Scholarship 

Unmarried dependent child of an FRA 

member in good standing who has US 

Navy service, had a Navy enlisted medical 

rating, and served with the USMC. Applicant 

must attend college as a freshman or 

sophomore, post-high school undergraduate. 

Stephanie D. Cox 

Granddaughter of Donald E. Cox 

Branch 141 

Jalaine N. Weller 

Granddaughter of Robert D. Medlock 

Branch 51 

Joshua G. Sizemore 

Son of Glenn A. Sizemore 


Jillian E. Foley 

Daughter of Mary B. Foley 

Branch 24 

Katherine R. Kaspar 

Daughter of George Kaspar 


Laurie A. Thomas 

Daughter of Winston Thomas 

Branch 26 

Orion M. Graf 

Spouse of Sarah E. Graf 

Branch 151 

Ellie M. Jaqueth 

Daughter of Dennis Jaqueth 


Mary B. Foley 


Diona P. Dickerson 

Daughter of William H. Parker 


Emmanuel A. Suarez 

Son of Isaias C. Suarez, II 


NES-28 

$3,400.00 $3,400.00 

$5,000.00 $5,000.00 

$5,000.00 $5,000.00 

$5,000.00 $5,000.00 

$5,000.00 $5,000.00 

$5,000.00 $5,000.00 

$3,000.00 $3,000.00 

$2,000.00 $2,000.00 

$2,000.00 $2,000.00 

$2,600.00 $2,600.00 

$2,000.00 $2,000.00

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FINANCE OFFICER 



Shipmate National President Sweeney and Shipmates of the FRA, I am honored to present my second report as the 

Finance Officer of this great Association. 

The following outlines the activities pertaining to the Finance Office for the 2006 – 2007 convention years. 

FUND RAISING 

In October, 2006 the scanning hardware and software systems as well as the accounting mechanism for the financial 

management, tracking and recording activities of the various Fund Raising Programs were established. This undoubtedly 

presented additional work for a reduced FRA staff, however all, including the Finance and Accounting 

staff stepped up to the challenge, which account for the success of this endeavor. 

DISTRIBUTION FROM THE TRUST FUND 

Following the approval of NBR 51-06 of 8 June 2006, by the Delegates at the 79th National Convention, $6,000,000 

was withdrawn from the “Stand-By Trust Fund” and the “Surviving Spouses and Dependent Health Trust Fund”. 

$4,000,000 of this amount was used to set up the Special Program Reserve Fund. The additional distributions replenished 

the Restricted Reserve Fund by $1,125,000 and the Budget Reserve Fund by $375,000. 

The balance of $600,000 provided an immediate infusion of cash to the depleted General Operating Fund and was 

used as follows: 

(a) $200,000 immediately repaid the outstanding note payable to SunTrust bank. 

(b) $200,000 was used to supplement General Fund cash flow during the 4th Quarter of 2006, which 

included up-front cost for the 2007 ‘Calendar Fund Raising Program,’ and the funding of 12 % of 

the membership marking efforts for 2006. 

(c) $200,000 was utilized during the first six months of 2007, pending the accumulation of budgeted 

source income, of a matching amount, from the interest of the Special Program Reserve Fund. 

BUDGET AND CASH FLOW ANALYSIS 

The Budget to actual report for the first 6 months ending 30 June 2007, reflect a total of 60% unspent. Ideally at this 

time, with optimum use of monetary resources for core program services and membership marketing, unspent budget 

should been be at 50%. However due to the on-going decline in membership as measured by a 1% decline over one 

year ago (3.3% versus 2.3%), funds targeted for membership marketing and, to a lesser extent, ‘FRA Mission’ programs 

had to be diverted to pay for other essential day to day operating and maintenance expenses. 

The negative cash balance of ($79,906.74), which reflect overdrawn checks, on the Balance Sheet Statement as of 30 

June 2007, is indicative of the operational cash flow shortages during for the first six months of 2007. 

Conversely, while the General Operating fund was starved of income to pay for day to day expenses, as of the 30 

June 2007, the FRA had gained $5.45 Million more in net assets over one year ago and there were no outstanding 

loan balance due to the $200,000 distribution from the Trust funds ( as stated earlier). 

INVESTMENT RESERVES 

The FRA investment Reserves, managed by Jim Webb, of Capital financial remain sound. The total investments as 

of 30 June 2007 was $13,654,291.56 versus $7,015,737.98 as of 30 June 2006, an increase of $6,638,553.58 over 

one year ago. The following transactions mainly account for this increase: 

FO-1

(a) $4,000,000 which was part of the distribution from the ‘Trust Funds’ was invested in the Special 

Program Reserve Fund and is the corpus of that Fund. 

(b) $1,125,000 which was part of the distribution from the ‘Trust Funds’ that replenished the investments 

in the Restricted Reserve Fund. 

(c) $ 375,000 which was also part of the distribution from the ‘Trust Funds’ that replenished the 

Budget Re-serve Investment Fund. 

(d) $ 893,820 which was the ‘Excess from the Premium Stabilization Fund’ of the FRA sponsored 

Marsh/Hartford group health insurance products for 2006, and paid in 2007 to the Fleet Reserve 

Association, the Policy Holder, by Marsh according to agreement. 

BUDGET RESERVE FUND 

The Budget and Finance Committee at the Midyear meeting on 29 and 30 August 2007, after examination of the 

FRA current financial position and current cash flow challenges, authorized the immediate use of the Budget Reserve 

fund of $494, 621, which was approved as a Budget income source in the 2007 budget, according to FRA 

C&BL, Article 9 section 909e. This will provide much needed infusion of funds for membership marketing and other 

essential expenditure for the balance of 2007. 

THE FRA DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN 

The FRA Defined Benefit Pension Plan, “The Plan,” falls under the purview of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 

as you know, and is by statute, managed and administered outside of the FRA and FRA’s Books. However, 

authorized expenses associated with “the Pension Plan Lawsuit” by former employees are prepaid by The Fleet Reserve 

Association and reimbursed by the “The Plan.” These payments are accumulatively “tracked” and reported on 

a quarterly basis to the Chairman of the FRA Employees’ Pension Committee and to the Committee. As of the 16 

May 2007 Pension Committee Meeting, the total paid from “The Plan” was $484,723.15. An update of the accumulated 

total paid through 30 September 2007, will be provided to the Chairman of the FRA Pension Committee at the 

2007 Convention. The Investment at cost of “The Plan” as of 30 June 2007 was $1,858,231.93 and a market value of 

$2,281,114.68. 

OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 

Total legal fees of $66,290.39 were incurred by the FRA, as defendant, in the Fleet Reserve Club of Annapolis lawsuit. 

$63,790.39 of this amount was paid by the FRA Director and Officers’ liability insurance and the balance of 

$2,500, which represented the deductible and payable by FRA, was paid from the current budget. 

As of 14 September 2007, $23,779.36 in payments was advanced from general operating funds for the settlement of 

outstanding debts of Branch 19 and Club 19, pending reimbursements from the sale of the real estate of the branch. 

This is in accordance with the FRA National Board of Director’s Resolution 25-07, of 18 May 2007, which approved 

the voluntary surrender of the Branch 19 Charter, and the liquidation of the assets to pay off the debts of the 

Branch and Club. 

The following financial reports are enclosed in this report: 

FINANCE OFFICER’S REPORT 

(1) The Un-audited Financial Report for the Fourth Quarter Year 2006 (1 January 2006 through 31 

December 2006). The report consists of the Balance Sheet, Comparative Balance Sheet, Statement 

of Activities, Comparative Statement of Activities and the Budget to Actual Analysis. 

(2) The Audited Consolidated Financial Statement and the Independent Audited Financial Report on 

Supple-mental Information as of 31 December 2006. These include: Supplemental Information and 

Board of Directors Disclosure Letter. Mr. Mark R. Frye, CPA, CGFM, of Frye & Wolcott, CPAs, 

and a firm in Manassas, Virginia con-ducted the annual audit for the period 1 January through 31 

December 2006 (Fiscal Year 2006.) 

FO-2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

The Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee and I have continued an excellent working relationship during 

the past year, and I want to convey my gratitude to PNP Schmidt and the Budget and Finance Committee for their 

support and help. 

To the employees of FRA, who continue to produce at a high level, I wish to say thanks. Thanks to my staff Erick 

Granados, Senior Accountant and Misrak Zeleke, Junior Accountant as well as Beth Wilson and Teresa Weiner and 

the staff of the Member Service Center for their assistance. 

Special thanks and appreciation to Alicia Landis, Director of Administration, who offers much help when needed 

and to Eileen Murphy, Director of Communications and Marketing for the great assistance as well. 

To National Executive Secretary, Joe Barnes, my deep appreciation for his continued support, and guidance. 

To NP Jerry Sweeney, it seem as if we had worked for almost 10 years together, thanks for your continued guidance 

and help during the past year, you will be missed. 

I thank the National Board of Directors and Officers and Members of this great Association for allowing me to serve 

as the Finance Officer. 

With my sincere best wishes, I remain yours in 

Loyalty, Protection, and Service, 

FO-3 

PAUL RIGBY 

Finance Officer 

Shipmate National President, this concludes my report and I move it be received.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE JUNIOR PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT 



National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, and Shipmates. 

This convention is the final week of the three years that I have served on the National Board of Directors. These past 

three years have been an experience of a life time. I do hope that I accomplished my duties in a Shipmate fashion. I 

performed these duties in the best interest of the Fleet Reserve Association. 

There were times when I really despaired trying to keep the FRA’s mission at the forefront and with the outstanding 

support and assistance of the National Headquarters Staff, the National Board of Directors and my advisors along 

with you Shipmates, we solved most of the problems or at least turned them over to a very capable well informed 

board that followed. I especially want to thank all the Shipmates for their warm hospitality to both Evelyn (Ditto) 

and myself as we have traveled throughout the FRA. 

The position of Junior Past National President requires that I be available to assist and provide guidance to the current 

National President in the performance of his duties. Mostly, it is only if he asks for guidance. National President 

Jerry called me a few times throughout the year and conversed by email numerous times. He listened and then made 

his decision based on all input from all sources. I feel that the incoming board is very capable as I depart the National 

Board of Directors. 

I would like to thank all the members of the National Headquarters staff for their dedication and professionalism. All 

Shipmates can rest assured that the staff is representing the FRA in the best possible way. 

Finally, I will continue to serve this great Association when and where needed. I remain in 

JrPNP-1 

Loyalty, Protection and Service 

EDGAR M. ZERR 

Junior Past National President

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT NEW ENGLAND 



National Officers, Regional Officers, Past Regional Officers, Shipmates and honored guests. 

It has been my honor to be the FRA Regional President New England for the last 14 months. It has truly been a 

learning experience. I would also like to thank The National Officers and Staff for all the support provided to me. 

Also my Regional Vice President for his support and traveling with me throughout the region. In my travels, I have 

encountered some of the most steadfast individuals that live by the FRA precepts of Loyalty, Protection and Service. 

I commend each and every one of you for your hard work. 

My last visit was to Branch 235, in Whitehall, New York, the birth place of our Navy. In the summer of 1776 Arnold’s 

Fleet set sail from what is now Whitehall, New York, to take on the British on Lake Champlain. Thus the 

U.S. Navy began. 

The RVP and I were able to visit each branch in the region. With the exception of one, all branches were found to be 

in working order. Branch 19, over a three month period of discussions of the options open to them and two votes, 

both times they voted to turn in the branch charter. The National Board of Directors approved this at the midyear 

meeting and Branch 19 handed over the branch charter on 29 May 2007. 

As with most regions, we continue to lose membership. We need to get out and recruit new members and retain our 

current members. National Headquarters can not do it all. Please ramp up your individual effort in recruiting. It 

would be a shame to let this fine association go under for lack of membership. Please give your full support to the 

incoming RPNEng in this critical area. 

Last, I have a word for all the current branch officers. Please read and follow the well written, Fiduciary Duties paper 

by our Legal Council. Following this will keep you from having legal problems and the paper should become a 

turnover item for all incoming branch officers to read. It is very important that the Regional Officers or any branch 

member be able to look at the branch records and determine the status and health of the branch at anytime. 

All FRA funds allotted to me were expended to support the FRA and its programs. 

RPNENG-1 


PAUL F. LOVELESS, JR. 

Regional President, New England

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT NORTHEAST 



Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Regional Officers, Shipmates, and guests. 

I wish to take this opportunity to thank the shipmates of the Northeast Region for electing me Regional President for 

the Association Year 2006-07. Also, for the counsel and support throughout the year. 

Further, I also wish to especially thank Shipmate PRPNE George E. Folk for his outstanding leadership as Regional 

Chairman of the Americanism-Patriotism Committee. This program is extremely important to the Association since 

it deals directly with the public, specially educators, youngsters, and parents. It should be flawlessly handled with 

great care by all the branches, regions, and in particular by National. Again, “well done,” George. 

The branches generally are in good working order. There is some difficulty in attendance at meetings. Branch presidents 

know they must establish an inducement for the members to participate. However, the great concern is poor 

membership recruitment and renewals of membership. It’s a problem that can only be remedied by the branches, but 

assistance must be facilitated by National. 

During my term as Regional President, I have attended many activities: 

• Navy Recruiters of the Year program; and met MCPON Joe Campa. 

• Was a guest of SgtMaj Carlton Kent, SMMC at the Evening Parade, Marine Corps Base, Washington, D.C. 

• Change of Command of Submarine Squadron 8, Norfolk, Virginia. 

• Reunion of USS Des Moines (CA 134) at Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania. 

• Walked the Hill; met staffers and office holders. 

• Attended the National Board of Directors meeting, FRA NHQ. 

• Accompanied Ladies Auxiliary for service at the Mast of the USS Maine. 

• Met frequently with MG Wright, Adjutant General, Pennsylvania concerning veterans’ matters. 

• Visited six Pennsylvania Veterans’ Homes. 

• Visited Scotland School for Veterans’ children, Scotland, Pennsylvania. 

• Met with Pennsylvania War Council, Wormsleyburg Pennsylvania. 

• Met with Pennsylvania State Veterans’ Commission. 

• Met with Lackawanna County Veterans’ Affairs. 

• Met with Armed Forces Week Committee. 

• Met with USS Scranton (SSN-756) Commissioning Committee. 

• To name a few meetings with other veteran’s groups. 

I hope in some small way, I have made a difference and helped to make the FRA a better Sea Service organization 

for today, and will continue to make it better tomorrow and the day after. 

All travel and expense funds provided have been expended on FRA business. 

I move my report be received. 

RPNE-1 


FRANCIS D. TYSON 

Regional President, Northeast

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT EAST COAST 



The number of branches in the East Coast Region stood at 36 with one branch (40) in suspension. The first few 

months of my tenure as RPEC were wrapped up in trying to help that branch function and thrive again. Through the 

direction of the National President, I formed a three man committee plus myself to investigate and audit the books of 

the branch and its club. Upon completion of that investigation and audit, and the final report sent to the National 

President and the NBOD, a vote was taken and the branch returned to full operation, club included. I am happy to 

report that Branch 40 in Chesapeake, Virginia, is now thriving again as evidenced by their newly adopted recruitment 

and retention efforts. 

Upon seeing that one through, I began to visit the other branches in my region, and found there were many in good 

working order and holding meetings as required by the C&BL. If I did find a branch not in compliance with the 

C&BL, I notified the National President and went about the task of working with the branch presidents and secretaries 

to bring them in compliance with the C&BL. I think the biggest problem found was the branch officers and club 

governors not being separated as required by NBOD interpretation of Article 12, Section 1226. Those branches did 

however, regroup and conform to the change until it is passed or rejected by the delegates at the national convention 

in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

Throughout the course of the Association Year, I have visited all but eight of the branches in my Region, some of 

them more than once. Branch 33 in West Virginia petitioned the NBOD to voluntarily surrender their charter due to 

lack of participation in meetings and the distance that is involved in attending the only meeting in West Virginia. All 

of the proper steps were taken, and they gave up their charter on 6/30/07. It is always sad when a branch closes 

down, but we have to abide by the shipmates desires. In distributing their finances prior to closing down, they donated 

funds to the JRROTC in the area, funds to every branch in the East Coast Region and some to the National 

Treasury and to the East Coast Regional Treasury. Branch 33 will be missed in the region. 

There is one more branch in the region that is now in suspension and that is 131. Based on information that came to 

my attention in late April, I contacted the National President and informed him that branch 131 did not hold a regularly 

scheduled meeting, and I was unable to make contact with the president or the secretary prior to leaving the 

area. The RVPEC and myself went back again in June for their meeting and again, no meeting. The National President 

was informed, and I recommended that the charter be suspended until such time as the branch conforms to the 

C&BL, or if not completed by that time, to recommend charter revocation at the Pre Board Meeting of the NBOD in 

Corpus Christi, Texas. None of this would have been necessary if the president or the secretary of the branch or any 

officer had bothered to offer an explanation and a solution within a suitable time frame. As of 21 August, I nor the 

RVPEC has had any response to our letters or phone calls. 

We started with 36 branches and one in suspension and are ending with 35 branches and one in suspension at the 

end. We have added no additional branches, but happy to announce that Norfolk Branch 5 has reinstated their Unit 5. 

Congratulations are in order for RPEC LA FRA, Margaret Fisher. 

Shipmates, I have traveled well over 24,000 miles on East Coast Regional visits, and all monies allotted me for expenses 

has been disbursed while conducting ships business throughout the East Coast Region of the FRA. 

RPEC-1 


DELBERT L. HERRMANN 

Regional President, East Coast

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT SOUTHEAST 



Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Shipmates, and guests. I have been honored and privileged 

to serve the Shipmates of the Southeast Region and serve on the National Board of Directors for the Association year. I 

have learned much about the FRA, the dedication of the Shipmates and Ladies of the region and the trials and tribulations they 

are and have experienced. 

I contacted all 46 of the Southeast branches and made official visits to most. The hospitality extended to Anna and I was heartwarming 

and in some cases, much more than we would ever think of. I cannot really put in words just how much we appreciate 

the reception we were afforded and how much we enjoyed meeting the Shipmates and Ladies. 

We also enjoyed the visits when NP Jerry Sweeney and his wife, Sandy visited branches at the same time. The branches responded 

well and seemed to really enjoy the combined presentations NP Jerry and I gave them on FRA matters and legislative 

issues. The information from FRA headquarters, such as the weekly “Talking Points” from John Davis, NES Update from NES 

Joe Barnes, and NewsBytes were of tremendous assistance. 

As we all know, many of our Shipmates are not getting any younger and struggle to continue keeping their branches in working 

order. The bottom line is, though some have to surrender their charters, they are all fighting to the bitter end and for this I truly 

commend those Shipmates for the continued support of the FRA. Most realize that only through the efforts of the FRA have we 

gained benefits, maintained those benefits and not yet had to pay increased costs for Tricare. 

Branch 220 Live Oak, Florida, merged with Branch 179 Gainesville, Florida, with membership transferring to Branch 179. No 

branch requested to shift to 1216(a) during my term in office. 

I was honored to be the installing officer for Branches 147 and 183. 

I attended the Pearl Harbor Day services aboard the DDG-99 USS Faragett out of Mayport, Florida, put on by Mayport Branch 

290; National Veterans Day services in Birmingham, Alabama, the GA/SC, Florida, and Tennessee Coordinating Council meetings; 

the USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) Memorial Services in St. Petersburg, Florida; and the NBOD meeting as well as several 

branch birthday celebrations and picnics. While at the NBOD meetings, our Vice President went to Capitol Hill and met 

with our congressional representatives. 

I would be remiss if I did not mention the welcome and ongoing counsel and assistance from JrPRPSE and friend Ron Hoadley, 

Jr. Ron has been a great mentor. 

I was truly gratified and pleasantly surprised with the ease with which I was able to fill my committee chairperson billets and 

committee slots. Shipmates, I truly thank each and every one of you for your support in serving in these important positions. In 

the future, if I can be of assistance to any of you, please let me know. 

It has been a joy and pleasure to serve with the LA FRA RPSE Donna Mefford. Donna with Anna and me visited several 

branches and units. 

My lovely wife and best friend of 49 years, Anna has been my most valued asset during this past year in every way. She continues 

to support me in every way as I do her. She is relentless in pursing every detail in helping me complete my responsibilities. 

She is always there for me and has been a great help to units when attending their meetings. Anna is very easy going and always 

relates well with the Shipmates and Ladies. I continue to be very proud of her. 

RVPSE Roger E. Mitchell has been very active in my support during the past year. I am sure he will serve the region well this 

next year. 

I voted on all National Board Resolutions and all funds received from the FRA were expended on FRA business. 

I respectfully move that my report be received 

RPSE-1 


ANTHONY CASSATA 

Regional President, Southeast

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT NORTH CENTRAL 

80th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA 


To begin my annual report, first I wish to thank the members of the North Central Region for all the support and help 

you gave me during the past year. I wish to thank you for electing me as your Regional President. It was a privilege 

to have served you. I wish to apologize to any and all the shipmates and ladies if I offended you in any way. I did not 

intend it to be that way, and I was trying to do my job to the best of my ability. 

The term started out with the installation of a new branch. Branch 283 in Northern Kentucky was instituted and several 

new members were initiated at that time. This branch was brought online through the efforts of Shipmate Jim 

Hammond. 

During the year, I had the opportunity to visit over 25 branches. I found the branches in good working order and the 

Rituals performed as prescribed in the Bylaws. A special thanks to the members of these branches for their hospitality 

and welcome. 

On the sad note, early in the year, I received a note from Branch 167 in Topeka, Kansas that they were having difficulties. 

A branch visit was made and it was determined that in the best interest of the branch, that they proceed with 

the formalities to surrender their charter. A vote was taken by mail, and the members decided to surrender their charter. 

This has been done and the members have been transferred to other branches or MAL. A second branch is facing 

suspension as of this writing. Branch 268 is facing suspension under Article 12, Section 1217 for failure to submit 

the Annual Report of Branch Officers. 

In May, the National Board of Directors met in Alexandria, Virginia, at the National Headquarters for the midyear 

meeting and Storm the Hill. I visited two Senators from Wisconsin, Kohl and Feingold. Points of interest that were 

talked about were Tricare Prime and Standard, SBP regarding payments after 30 years. Also spoke to Senator Kohl 

about Social Security/Medicare payments. The board meeting was held with discussions regarding resolutions and 

financial interests of the Association. 

I attended the midyear conference in Owensboro, Kentucky. Thanks goes out to Branch/Unit 105 for the tremendous 

job they did hosting the conference. The Board of Directors of the North Central Region (gray hats) discussed what 

we will do being that the branches are not willing to host the conferences and conventions. It is their opinion that the 

gray hats will then have to set a committee and do the work to host the convention that year. 

As you read this report, we will be at the regional convention in Omaha sponsored by Branch 276. I wish to thank 

Charlie Goodman and PRPNC Joe LaPadula and their committee for their untiring work to set up this convention. 

We still do not have any branch stepping forward for the 2009 midyear or regional convention. If we do not have 

any takers, then I will have to resort to the Board and they will be tasked with setting things up. 

Thanks goes out also to the Regional Vice President for his untiring work in recruiting and retention. Chaplain Rutherford 

deserves a special thank you for his work with the deceased shipmates. This year, we lost 191 shipmates and 

the chaplain sent condolences to all the families. May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. 

Any and all monies that were allocated to me were spent on FRA, North Central Region business. 

RPNC-1

Thank you to National President Sweeney, National Vice President Boudreaux, National Executive Secretary Barnes, 

and Alicia for all their help this past year. It was a pleasure to have served this year. 

RPNC-2 


LEON J. ZALEWSKI 

Regional President, North Central

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT SOUTH CENTRAL 

80th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA 


Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Shipmates and guests: 

My oath of office was administered by PNP Stan Nahill at Space City Branch 159 in Pasadena, Texas. LA FRA PNP 

Neoma Nahill, LA FRA PNP Linda Merten, PRPSC Terry Merten, and my wife, Past Unit 159 President, Stoney 

Vance were in attendance. 

Some of the highlights of this past year were: Going to Washington, D.C., where I met Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison 

from Texas; Representative Gene Green; and the staff of Senator John Cornyn. I had the honor of installing the 

officers for three South Central branches. I presented three Shipmates with their forty year pins and one special 

Shipmate Kenneth Herring with his fifty year pin. He was housebound and I put his fifty year pin on his pajamas, he 

talked for hours and I just listened. He passed away a few short months later. I presented over $3,000.00 in U. S. 

Savings Bonds to Essay Contest winners. While at National Headquarters, I met the FRA Staff, who I cannot thank 

enough. They are a highly motivated and very professional Team. We, the FRA have a wonderful Headquarters 

building. I was there at the dedication of the USS Arizona model, which was previously on display in Pearl Harbor. 

I would like to thank National President Jerry Sweeney, National Vice President Lawrence Boudreaux, Past National 

President Ralph Schmidt, and all of the Past Regional Presidents South Central for their help and guidance throughout 

this Association year. 

I visited all South Central Region’s branches at least once. I found them to be in good and proper working order. I 

would be proud to be a member in any branch in the South Central Region. While doing this, I have traveled over 

11,500 miles by private vehicle and one trip to Washington, D.C., by air. All funds receive from the FRA for travel 

and expenses have been expended on FRA association business. 

I move that my report be received. 

RPSC-1 


LEO V. VANCE 

Regional President, South Central

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT SOUTHWEST 



Shipmate National President, shipmates and guests assembled for FRA’s 80th National Convention: 

It has truly been an honor to serve the shipmates of our wonderful Association as a member of FRA’s National Board of Directors 

and the shipmates of the Southwest Region as Regional President. I must admit I’ve enjoyed it. 

Since being elected Regional President in August 2006 in Tucson, Arizona I’ve driven some 16,302 miles and flown approximately 

5,794 air miles in conjunction with FRA associated business. The highlights of that travel included: 

• Visits to every branch in the Southwest Region, several more than once; 

• Attendance at the FRA National Convention in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; 

• Participating in the USS ARIZONA Memorial Service, which is co-sponsored by Branch 176, at the University of Arizona 

in Tucson; 

• Representing the FRA at the AIRPAC and SURFPAC Sailor Of The Year Receptions and associated events in San 

Diego; 

• Attendance at Veterans’ Day Ceremonies at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California; 

• Traveling last May to our National Headquarters so I could participate in FRA’s Midyear National Board of Directors’ 

Meeting at our National Headquarters, “Storm Capital Hill” and meet with the Legislative Assistants to California’s 

Senators Boxer and Feinstein, as well as California’s 51st Congressional District Representative Bob Filner, and attend 

FRA’s Pinnacle Award presentation and reception on Capital Hill; 

• Attending a veterans’ workshop hosted by California’s 50th Congressional District Representative Brian Bilbray and 

discussing with his Legislative Assistant several pieces of legislation supported by FRA and which the Congressman 

has yet to sign on as co-sponsor; and 

• Attending several memorial or funeral services for departed shipmates; 

I’m pleased to report to you that the branches of the Southwest Region are all in functioning order. That, however, does not mean 

to say that many are not having problems. From my personal observations many have severe participation problems on the part 

of their membership. In many cases, branch officers are becoming fatigued from many years of service, often holding the same 

office for years and finding it impossible to find shipmates to replace them. 

The Southwest Region lost another branch this past year. The small group of dedicated shipmates who actively participated in 

the affairs of Branch 95 in China Lake, California, simply could no longer continue without additional active participation on the 

part of the Branch’s membership. Last May the National Board of Directors approved the merger of Branch 95 with Branch 26 in 

Bakersfield, California. The Southwest Region, a region consisting of some thirty-five branches only a few short years ago, currently 

has only twenty-five branches. This problem is not unique to the Southwest Region. Several branches throughout the Association 

have surrendered their Charters during the past year, not because they are lacking in membership but because they are 

lacking in shipmates willing to actively participate. 

For historical purposes, I must include in this report the fact I found it necessary to request the National Board of Directors to 

remove the Regional Secretary from office and the Board granted my request. The reasons for that request are recorded in the 

minutes of the National Board’s meeting and will not be reiterated in this report. 

I wish to thank the many shipmates I met during my travels for the hospitality and courtesies extended to me. 

Last but not least I want to thank those wonderful folks who are working so hard for all of us at our National Headquarters. It is 

frequently difficult to comprehend how such a small group of people is able to accomplish so much. The shipmates of this Association 

owe them a great debt of gratitude. 

On a final note – all funds received by me from the FRA have been expended in the performance of my duties as Regional President 

of the Southwest Region. 

This concludes my report and I move it be received. 

RPSW-1 


CHARLES F. SMEDLEY 

Regional President, Southwest

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT WEST COAST 



Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Shipmates, I was installed as the Regional 

President West Coast at the 79th National FRA Convention held in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin ,19-23 September 

2006. I would like to thank the shipmates of the West Coast for electing me as Regional President. It has been a 

pleasure to serve the shipmates of this region and the FRA as a member of the National Board of Directors. It would 

be impossible to single out all individuals, but, I would like to thank PRP Gary Blackburn for all the help and support 

he has given me throughout the year. I would also like to thank JrPRP Virgil Courneya for his continued support 

during the year. Thanks also to all the Branch presidents and secretaries in the West Coast Region for making my 

visits such pleasant ones. 

As Regional President, I made official visits to Branches 287,113, 249, 296, 48, 21, 244, 49, 158, 137, 274, 192, 

281, 69, 140, 275, and 8. At my request, Regional President-elect Lee Hollowell represented me on a visit to Branch 

326. There were two branches that were struggling to keep going. I authorized and it was approved by the Shipmates 

of the West Coast Region at the 51st West Coast Region convention to let Denver Colorado Branch 49 and High 

Sierra Branch 274 operate under C&BL, Section 1216 for branches whose membership has fallen under 300 members. 

In addition, the Shipmates of this convention will be asked to ratify the decision of the National Board of Directors 

to allow the merger of Sacramento Branch 69 and Roseville Branch 230. Branch 69 could not find any shipmates 

able or willing to serve as branch officers. 

As Regional President, I attended the following functions: 

• The Navy Ball held in Vallejo, Ca. sponsored by Vallejo Branch 8. 

• Thanksgiving Dinner at Roseville Branch 230 

• Christmas Dinners held by Santa Clara Branch 101 and San Jose Branch 140 

• The Past Regional President’s Dinner sponsored by Hangtown Branch 275 

• Installation of Officers of Livermore Branch 287 (Served on Installing Team) 

• Installation of Officers of San Leandro Branch 10 (Served on Installing Team) 

• Installation of Officers of Auburn Branch 296 (Served on Installing Team) 

• Installation of Officers Santa Clara Branch 101 as Installing Officer 

• Installation of Officers of Vallejo Branch 8 

• Joint Installation of Officers of Branches 137, 192, 274 

I was also privileged to preside over the two West Coast Region conventions. At the Midyear hosted by Auburn 

Branch 296, the guest speaker was Rear Admiral (Ret) Bonnie Potter. Admiral Potter was the first female Flag 

Medical Officer in the US Navy. National President, FRA Jerry Sweeney was an honored guest. Shipmate Jerry also 

was present at our Annual Regional Convention hosted by Hangtown Branch 275. Also paying us a visit was National 

Executive Secretary Joe Barnes who was the guest speaker. Other noted guests were the National Vice President 

Larry Boudreau and Jr. Past President Ed Zerr. 

Unfortunately, as the Supreme Commander determines the fate of all fallen Shipmates, three of our more senior Past 

Regional Presidents joined the staff of the Supreme Commander this year. A Memorial Service was held for PRP 

Francis “Bill” Patton on March 20, 2007. With the shipmates of San Jose Branch 140, San Leandro Branch 10, and 

Shipmates of former Branch 266 in attendance, an FRA Funeral service was conducted for PRP Wheelock H. Will 

on April 28, 2007. An Irish wake was held for PRP Charley Douglas at his prior request at Hangtown Branch 275. 

Quite a few sea stories were told about Shipmate Charley and I will leave it up to the shipmates to believe whether 

they are true or not. 

On the national level, I had the privilege of representing the West Coast Region at the meeting of the National Board 

of Directors in Alexandria, Virginia, in May. On our “Storm the Hill” visit, I had a good visit with Congressman 

Mike Honda and Senators Feinstein and Boxer’s Staffs. I gave each a point paper outlining FRA’ s position on Paid 

Up SBP and Tricare Fee Increases, in addition to the Associations Full Legislative Agenda. During my visit at FRA 

headquarters, I witnessed first hand the excellent work being done on behalf of the Shipmates of the FRA by mem- 

RPWC-1

ers of the Headquarters Staff. We owe them a “JOB WELL DONE” for all the work that’s being accomplished. Just 

one example is the outstanding Power Point presentation National Executive Secretary Joe Barnes gave at the West 

Coast Region convention as the guest speaker. While at Headquarters, I also attended a meeting of the National 

Committee Employee Pensions. The most impressive part of my visit, however, was attending and participating in 

the LA FRA Pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and The Mast of the USS Maine. Memorial services 

are held including the placing of wreaths by the National President, LA FRA. These ceremonies are a touching and 

memorable way to remember fallen shipmates. 

Shipmates, I have found my years as Regional Vice President and Regional President to be most gratifying and a 

learning experience. Although as I traveled the region, it appeared the same old shipmates are filling the offices in 

the branches. With membership dwindling due to the shipmates failing health and old age, what is to be done? What 

is even more alarming is the loss due to non- payment of dues. Every month that loss has surpassed any effort thus 

far to recruit new or bring back reinstated members. One partial solution is supporting the Bring Them Back campaign. 

I have traveled over 17,000 miles by automobile and air. All the money received from the FRA Headquarters was 

spent on FRA business. This report was written in accordance with C&BL, Section 805(e) and I find the West Coast 

Region in good working order. 

RPWC-2 


CHARLES R. McINTYRE 

Regional President, West Coast

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL PRESIDENT NORTHWEST 



First of all, I would like to thank the shipmates of the Northwest Region for allowing me to serve as their President 

of association year 2006-2007. It has, indeed, been a great honor and privilege for me to serve the shipmates of the 

Northwest Region and the FRA as a member of the National Board of Directors. 

I have found that the majority of the branches in the region are in good working order. There are a few branches that 

are struggling to stay active, but having said that, the tenacity and dedication of those shipmates is inspiring, and I 

am sure they will prevail. One of the problems is that with a lot of branches the same people are, and have been doing 

the same job year after year without any relief. It is imperative that we get new shipmates to step up and take the 

helm. Otherwise we will find ourselves without leadership in key positions that will ultimately result in branches 

having to surrender their charters. The other problem we have is getting new, and retaining our current members. 

Membership is the life’s blood of our organization. This issue is a pervasive one that has affected all service organizations, 

not just the FRA and it is not an easy problem to solve. However if we can keep half of the people we loose 

out the back door, those who don’t renew their memberships, we would be in great shape. To that end, phone numbers 

are now being provided by National with the reports that are sent to the Branch Secretaries. I encourage all 

shipmates to get involved and help us solve some of these problems. 

During my term as President of the Northwest Region I was able to visit all branches in the region except those overseas. 

During my travels I flew 16,860 miles and drove 6,464 miles. This does not include travel to the NBOD or the 

Northwest Regional Convention to be held in Oak Harbor, or the national convention to be held in Corpus Christi, 

Texas. I was honored to have installed the newly elected officers for Cheyenne, Wyoming Branch 59, Tacoma, 

Washington Branch 104 and Spokane, Washington Branch 38. All funds received from the FRA for travel and expenses 

were expended on Association business. 

It would be impossible for me to express my gratitude for the hospitality and warmth to all the branches I visited. 

Your kindness was deeply appreciated. It was great running in to old shipmates, and I would like to think that I have 

made new friends. 

Nothing I have done could have been accomplished without the love and support of my lovely wife Marjorie. She 

was not able to travel with me during most of my travels except to Spokane Branch 38, but she was always with me 

in my heart. 

It is with sadness that I leave office. I will miss the good friends and shipmates I have met during my tenure as your 

Regional President. I wish all the new officers serving the board all the best, and I will do all I that can to support 

them and the FRA in any way I can. With that I will close wishing you all fair winds and following seas. 

RPNW-1 


JOHN IPPERT 

Regional President, Northwest

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL CHAPLAIN 



Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Shipmates and Guests. 

Attached are the note cards that I used for notes of sympathy to members. I used blank cards and printed them off, 

signed, addressed the envelope and mailed them. It was a little more work on my end, but I preferred this as a more 

personal touch and professional looking. 

I counted up how many notes of condolences I’ve sent since Oct last year – an astounding 1,149 (as of 9/23)! Not all 

of these are shipmates, some are for family members (mostly spouses) of shipmates. I then modified the cards a bit to 

fit the needs of the family member, and sent. 

In addition, I have responded to 59 Binnacle list members, providing a “Get Well” note – which I personally handwrote 

and sent 

Also – I have assisted Branch and Regional chaplains in a myriad of things from answering questions on protocol for 

memorial services, proof reading and offering suggestions for writing prayers, as well as sharing words of inspiration 

for invocations and benedictions. I didn’t keep track of the number of inquiries, but normally I handled about a 

dozen or so inquiries on this nature per month. 

This concludes my report and I move it be received. 

1 Cover for both condolence cards 

NCHAP-1 


VINCENT W. PATTON, III 

National Chaplain

2 Inside of card for USN & USCG members 

3 Inside of card for USMC members 

NCHAP-2

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 

NATIONAL VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER 



Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, delegates and shipmates, as the National 

Veterans Service Officer, it is indeed an honor and a privilege to present my report on Veterans Affairs. 

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 

The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) leadership is in transition with the resignation of the Secretary of Veterans 

Affairs, R. James “Jim” Nicholson effective 1 October 2007. The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon 

H. Mansfield will serve as “Acting” Secretary until a successor is named. 

DVA is divided into three sections; each led by an Under Secretary. They are the Veterans Health Administration 

(VHA) Under Secretary of Health Dr. Michael J. Kussman; Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Under Secretary 

of Benefits Daniel L. Cooper; and Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs William F. Tuerk leads the National 

Cemetery Administration (NCA). 

Throughout the year, I attend many briefings held by the Secretary and members of his staff relating to issues associated 

to the health and well being of our veteran population. 

VETERANS DISABILITY BENEFITS COMMISSION 

On October 3, 2007 the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission (VDBC) announced it delivered its final report to 

Congress. The VDBC was established with the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2004 (P.L. 

108-136.) The purpose of the Commission is to carry out a study of the benefits under the laws of the United States 

that are provided to compensate and assist veterans and their survivors for disabilities and deaths attributable to military 

service, and to produce a report to Congress on the study. The President and leaders of Congress appointed 

commission members. The Commission is independent of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of 

Defense. 

The FY 2006 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 109-168) authorized an extension of the report due date and 

the Commission’s final report is now due to Congress by October 1, 2007. 

Of major concern of FRA is the Commission’s position on the concurrent receipt of VA disability compensation and 

military retirement pay for service connected retirees. The Commission’s recommendation on this issue states, “Congress 

should eliminate the ban on concurrent receipt for all retirees and disability separations. 

“Future priority should be given to Chapter 61 with less than 20 years of service and greater than 50% service connected 

disabilities and all combat disabled Chapter 61 (service members).” 

Other Commission recommendations include discontinuing the offset of the Survivor’s Benefit Plan (SBP) by the 

amount received of Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for both active duty and retiree survivors for service 

connected deaths; continuation of no differentiation in compensation levels for combat wounded versus other 

service connected injuries; maintaining the current “24/7 rule” for line of duty; revision of the VA Schedule of Rating 

Disabilities (VASRD); creation of a uniformed DOD/VA physical exam at discharge. The Commission’s final 

report has more than 100 recommendations on every aspect of the VA’s disability and compensation system affecting 

not only veterans, but also family members and survivors. 

The VDBC held its first public meeting on May 9, 2005. FRA submitted a statement for the record to the commission. 

We will continue to monitor the actions of Congress based on the VDBC recommendations. 

NVSO-1

OTHER COMMISSIONS 

Concerns over the care of returning wounded and issues related to a published news report on facilities at Walter 

Reed Army Medical Center led to the formation of several commissions to address these problems. Two of the most 

important are: 

The “President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors” was established following a 

story in the Washington Post on conditions at Walter Reed. The Commission was chaired by former U.S. Senator 

Bob Dole and former Clinton administration Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala. Commonly 

known as the Dole/Shalala Commission, the primary focus was to address the immediate needs of the combat 

wounded, their families and survivors. I had an opportunity to meet with Commissioner Shalala and her staff to address 

various Associations’ issues related to the commission’s charter. 

The commission delivered its final report titled, “Serve, Support, Simplify”, to the President on July 25, 2007. The 

report made seven specific recommendations, most notable, a total revamping of the VA compensation system. The 

recommendations made by commissioners were directed towards combat injured. 

On March 6, 2007, President Bush established the “Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror (GWOT) Heroes”. 

The purpose of the Task Force was to improve the delivery of Federal services and benefits to Global War on 

Terror (GWOT) service members and veterans. The President appointed Secretary of Veterans Affairs James 

Nicholson as Task Force Chair. 

The Task Force report included 25 recommendations that focus on enhancing the delivery of services and information 

to GWOT service members and veterans. The Task Force report was submitted to the President on April 19, 

2007. 

FRA is also an active participant on The Military Coalition’s (TMC) Veterans Committee and detailed information 

regarding veterans’ legislation is included in the legislative service committee report. I serve on the TMC Veterans 

Affairs Committee and the Association’s testimony before joint hearings of the House and Senate VA Committees 

held on March 29, 2007, can be viewed on FRA’s web site at http://www.fra.org. 

VETERANS AFFAIRS VOLUNTARY SERVICE 

Established in 1946, the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) is the largest volunteer program in the Federal 

Government, with over 350 organizations supporting it, supplementing staff and resources in all areas of patient care 

and support and the National Cemetery Administration in order to serve our Nation’s veterans. 

FRA and the LA FRA serve on the VAVS National Advisory Committee that oversees the work performed by our 

Shipmates and Ladies, who volunteer their time in America’s VA hospitals, clinics and other VA facilities. 

This past year, FRA was honored to nominate Shipmate Thomas Elliott, Jr. of Pinetree Branch 156 in Brunswick, 

ME to receive the 2007 VAVS National Advisory Committee (NAC) Male Volunteer of the Year. Shipmate Tom received 

the award in conjunction with volunteer work at the VA Medical Center in Togus, Maine and was featured in 

the April 2007 issue of FRA Today. Elliott received his award from Dr. Michael Kussman, then Acting Under Secretary 

for Veterans Health Administration at the 61st VAVS National Advisory Committee (NAC) Meeting in Pittsburgh, 

PA May 3, 2007. Branch 156 Secretary Shipmate Bill Waite nominated Shipmate Tom for this award. I attended 

meeting and was present when Shipmate Tom received his recognition. “Congratulations Tom!” 

Also at the NAC meeting in Pittsburgh, I was elected to serve as a member on the VAVS Parke Scholarship Board. 

Each year the board awards scholarships to high school students who volunteer with the VAVS program. Please contact 

me or visit http://www1.va.gov/volunteer/Parke.cfm for more information related to the scholarship program. 

Through the years, VAVS volunteers have contributed millions of hours of service. Without this program and those 

who volunteer, VA will be forced to provide funding in order to cover the costs of hiring additional employees. This, 

in return, would likely reduce funding for other programs needed to support our veterans. 

NVSO-2

Community Assistance programs assist veteran patients by augmenting staff, leading end of life care programs, foster 

care, community-based volunteer programs, hospital wards, nursing homes, and veteran outreach centers. Recently 

the VAVS outreach has been included in work done by volunteers at our National Cemeteries and other programs 

of the National Cemetery Administration. 

In 2006, 141 FRA volunteers contributed 21,932 hours of service. To those Shipmates, we say, “Thank you and a 

job well done!” 

I encourage branches to become more involved and make volunteering part of your overall community involvement 

and outreach efforts. We need to remember that part of the FRA credo is “Service” and what better way to demonstrate 

this than to help your fellow veterans. While the number of volunteer hours has increased, I am concerned that 

the number of volunteers has decreased and the number of facilities which FRA has representation present has decreased. 

If you volunteer at a VA facility, check to see if the FRA has a local representative on the facilities VAVS 

advisory committee. Any Shipmates who would like to volunteer to help in one of these or any other facilities should 

contact the Department of Veterans Affairs facility nearest you and ask for Voluntary Service or visit their website at 

www.va.gov/volunteer/. 

I serve as the National VAVS Representative and can be contacted for any new appointments; resignations or any 

questions regarding the program at 1-800-FRA-1924 extension 115 or email me at vafra@fra.org. 

VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION 

ACCREDITED REPRESENTATION 

As National Veteran Service Officer, I maintain copies of all applications of individuals requesting to act as an Accredited 

Representative for the FRA on claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs. All applications are processed 

and forwarded to NES Barnes, FRA’s Certifying Official, for signature. The applications are then sent to Office 

of the General Counsel in Washington D.C. for final approval. 

Upon approval by General Counsel, a welcome letter is sent by NES Barnes to the new accredited representative 

along with their FRA “Service Organization Representative” card. 

This past year, FRA processed 80 applications for accreditation, 49 welcome letters with representative cards, and 

received 20 notices of cancellation. The General Counsel’s office has listed for the FRA as of June 2006, 432 Accredited 

Representatives for the FRA. 

I attended advance service officer training with the VFW service officers in Kansas City, MO this past April. 

REPRESENTATION BEFORE THE BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS (BVA) 

Since October 2006, FRA has worked 27 cases at the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, DC. Each case 

varies with regard to the amount of time required. An original claim (first time) could require as little as an hour, 

while an older claim (established earlier) has taken weeks. 

All VA Regional Offices have the capability of conducting a hearing via video conferencing. This feature can speed 

up the availability for a BVA hearing, and prevent unnecessary travel to Washington DC for a hearing. 

BVA handles cases by a Docket number. When an appeal is placed on the Board’s docket, it is assigned the next 

higher number than the one received before it. The Board reviews appeals in the order in which they were placed on 

the docket. The lower the docket number, the sooner the appeal will be reviewed. When the docket number for the 

appeal is reached, a Board member will examine the file. 

Currently, the national average for an appeals resolution is around 122 days after it reaches the Board. Processing 

delays and duty to assist requirements at Regional Offices also occur adding to the overall time it takes for a shipmate’s 

case to reach BVA and receive a final decision. 

NVSO-3

FEDERAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS AND DEPENDENTS 

DVA publishes a comprehensive annual guide, Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents, VA Pamphlet 80-07- 

01. The 2007 handbook can be ordered for $5.00 from the U.S. Government Printing Office by calling (202) 512- 

1800 or by going online at http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm. 

For those with a computer and online access to the Internet the electronic version may be found at 

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf. Answers to most questions concerning your veterans’ benefits can be 

found within this handbook. Also, it contains phone numbers for VA Regional Offices, Medical Centers, Veteran 

Outreach Centers, National Cemeteries and Insurance Centers. I have a limited number of extra copies and if you 

want one contact me at FRA HQ or send an email to vafra@fra.org. 

VETERANS DAY NATIONAL COMMITTEE 

I am pleased to announce that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, upon recommendation by the Members of the Veterans 

Day National Committee (VDNC), has selected the FRA as the newest Member to serve on the Committee. 

The VDNC consists of 25 Members and currently 21 Associate Members. FRA has served as an Associate Member 

on the Committee since 1978. Receiving full Member status on the VDNC is a huge honor, and the Association will 

be receive the opportunity to host the ceremony and subsequent reception on November 11, 2030. 

FRA participated in the National Veterans Day activities on November 11, 2006. NP Sweeney accompanied by his 

wife Sandy attended a breakfast for Veterans Service Organizations hosted by The President at the White House. 

They were then escorted to Arlington National Cemetery and watched President Bush place a wreath at the Tomb of 

the Unknowns. 

After the ceremonies in the amphitheater were completed, NP Sweeney accompanied by NES Barnes, and LA FRA 

NP Sandy Robbins, placed a wreath on behalf of all FRA Shipmates at the Tomb of the unknowns. 

MEMORIAL DAY 

On 28 May 2007, Memorial Day weekend, NP Sweeney accompanied by his daughter attended a breakfast hosted by 

The President at the White House for Veterans Service Organizations. They were then escorted to Arlington National 

Cemetery and watched President Bush place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. 

Following the ceremonies in the amphitheater, NP Sweeney accompanied by LA FRA NP Sandra Robbins presented 

a wreath on behalf of all FRA Shipmates at the Tomb of the Unknowns. 

Shipmates, this completes my report. 


CHRISTOPHER J. SLAWINSKI 

National Veterans Service Officer 

NVSO-4

ANNUAL REPORT ON 

FRA COMMUNICATIONS 



Shipmate National President, National Officers, delegates, and shipmates, it’s my pleasure to report to you on FRA’s 

marketing and communications efforts for 2006-2007. 

DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW 

FRA’s Marketing and Communications Department produces the Association’s publications (FRA Today, On Watch, 

NewsBytes), press releases, media advisories, letters to the editor and op-ed articles, membership brochures, and advertisements. 

The department maintains www.fra.org, manages the prospect database and all communications to 

them, as well as writes and oversees the design and production and data selection of fundraising campaigns. It also 

oversees outside companies purchasing advertisements in FRA Today, the use of FRA’s mailing list with affinity 

partners and approval of those campaigns. 

Staffing: 

Eileen Murphy, Director of Marketing and Communications 

San Reddy served as Editor until late 2006 when he resigned due to a family move to Nigeria. I absorbed his responsibilities 

and in January, 2007, a public relations manager was hired to assist in the department work load. The Director 

position responsibilities include marketing initiatives, production of FRA Today monthly, (including printer 

and designer negotiations and distribution of the magazine as a marketing tool to specific destinations), weekly distribution 

of NewsBytes, managing of www.fra.org and its contents, fundraising programs, affinity partner management, 

e-mail marketing programs, oversight of OnWatch, including posting online, monthly teleconference coordination, 

management of data use (working closely with Sameer Mulla, Database Manager), and a weekly Member Services 

and Administration staff training program. 

Posting of Tom Philpott and Sgt. Shaft articles on www.fra.org has been assumed by Teresa Wiener in the Admin 

Department, as an example of the teamwork that allows the full workload to be completed efficiently. 

Lauren Armstrong, Contributing Editor 

This is a part-time position. Lauren works from her home, and provides the feature article each month for FRA Today. 

These articles have been very well received by membership and have helped reposition the magazine in the eyes 

of advertisers, prospective members and membership recruiters. 

Jessica Andrews, Public Relations Manager 

The Public Relations Manager monitors sea service news publications including, but not limited to; military.com, 

navy.mil, defenselink.mil, Navy and Marine Corps Times, all Navy CHINFO listservs, All Hands, Leatherneck, Roll 

Call, CQ, etc. She also researches and writes articles for OnWatch as well as conducts interviews with sea service 

senior enlisted leaders. She works closely with staff on publicity opportunities. As part of her role in relationship 

building, she establishes and maintains relationships with news media, Public Affairs personnel, senior enlisted leaders 

and other key community members. 

FRA Today 

PUBLICATIONS 

FRA Today (changed from Naval Affairs at the 79 th National Convention in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin) has received 

very positive feedback from the membership regarding design, content and scope. With the attraction of higher paying 

advertisers, we have continued to improve the advertising revenue. The revenue for October, 2006 was thirty 

FRAT-1

percent higher than the previous year, with approximately the same number of ad pages. October 2007 was fifty percent 

higher than October 2006. Our goal for 2007 was to double the advertising revenue for the publication. Although 

we fell shy of that goal, we were able to reduce the cost of magazine production through negotiations and 

will end the year on budget. 

Beginning with the January, 2008 issue, FRA Today will be printed by a different printer in order to achieve greater 

cost advantages and an improved end product. We look forward to this new opportunity. 

The addition of the On Watch page to inform our active duty and Reserve members has been appreciated by the senior 

enlisted leaders, and we have had guest columns by each of the E-10s as well as Reserve Force Master Chiefs. 

Additionally, we tie the editorial calendar to the “Your Mission Your Voice Teleconference” schedule whenever 

possible. This allows us to offer an additional opportunity to members to explore a topic. 

Our editorial and teleconference calendar for 2008 is: 

2008 Editorial Calendar 

January Military Working Animals 

Conference call: FRA’s Legislative Agenda 

February Military Resale System, and FRA’s efforts to preserve it 

Conference call: Military Resale System 

March Helping Heroes: PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury and FRA’s efforts to help 

Conference call: FRA Scholarships 

April Reserve Force Senior Enlisted Leaders 

Conference call: The Roll of the Reserves 

May FRA Convention location spotlight: Branson Mo. 

Conference call: Branson, Mo. Highlights 

June Military Bands (USN, USMC, USCG) 

Conference call: FRA Marketing Initiatives 

July Guadalcanal and bond between USCG and USMC 

USCG birthday 

Conference call: Preserving Oral Histories / Veterans History Project 

August Q&A with presidential candidates 

Conference call: Seamless Transition 

September Recruiters and FRA’s work to preserve access for them 

Conference call: Convention Overview 

October Profile elite Navy units 

USN birthday 

Conference call: Active Duty / Reserve Issues 

November Profile elite USMC units 

USMC birthday 

Conference call: National President’s Forum 

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December Armed Forces Retirement Home and rebuilding the Gulfport campus 

Conference call: Look at 2009 

The firm FIREBRAND in Alexandria continues as the designers of the magazine and have been tremendous to work 

with. They also continue to be the main source of design for marketing materials. 

All departments at the FRA National Headquarters (NHQ) play a role in the production of FRA Today. The NES 

Perspective column provides a vehicle for insight on Association work, history and leadership views. The Legislative 

Department consistently contributes four pages of editorial information to the “On and Off Capitol Hill” section 

which keeps members abreast of the recent movement or issues related to FRA’s principle program. The Membership 

department submits the “Membership Matters” column, including input on the “Bravo Zulu” feature which 

highlights outstanding shipmates and branches. The Administrative Department, under the direction of Alicia 

Landis, compiles the monthly “Taps” listing from information provided by the Membership Records Department. 

Reunions can be posted by shipmates online, as well as entered by Teresa Wiener in the Administrative Department. 

is a regular feature as well. Many postings for “Looking For” have resulted in positive results, and the success rate of 

that offering is inspiring. 

This past year, we were able to highlight NP Sweeney’s travel journal for the Philippines, Japan and Guam. This was 

met with very positive feedback and expanded understanding of the issues faced by branches in the Pacific. This was 

also supplemented with an online presence in the Communities section of the website, allowing for questions to be 

asked directly to, and answered by, the National President. 

The LA FRA page is made possible through the terrific work of the LA FRA liaison, Fran Hoadley, who deserves 

special recognition for her organizational skills, dedication and flexibility. It should be said that working with Fran is 

an honor and a pleasure. 

As an example of how the iMIS database system is used to benefit the membership, customized messages are programmed 

to appear each month on the address label, allowing notices to be provided to shipmates such as dues reminder 

notices, monthly teleconference promotions or individual messages including birthday greetings. This information 

is posted for no additional cost and takes only moments each month to program. 

The branch directory continues to be a regular feature in the December issue, and we appreciate Marsh Affinity for 

the financial sponsorship of the additional pages for the last two years and commitment for this year as well. 

On Watch 

On Watch, provides information regarding FRA’s legislative initiatives to the active duty and reserve Sea Service 

community. Ongoing dialog with active duty personnel and senior enlisted leaders indicate that On Watch is a useful 

resource for today’s service members. On Watch was converted to a web publication a year ago with flyers to let 

readers know how to access it, and e-mail notification to subscribers. 

A senior enlisted forum is included with each issue, providing an avenue for readers to hear directly from Reserve 

Force leaders and the E-10s. This adds credibility to the publication and also provides valuable opportunities for 

dialogue with the senior enlisted leaders of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. 

The online venue provides a great opportunity for surveying readers using a link to a site called “SurveyMonkey.” 

That site allows the Association to create questions in a variety of formats and not only collects the data but provides 

multiple layers of analysis as well. The surveys are promoted through e-mail communications and we average between 

700 – 1,000 respondents quarterly. Those results not only help shape the testimony for our legislative team, 

but also are used to format questions for the senior enlisted interviews and future editions of OnWatch. 

This year’s subject matters have included quality of life, the legislative process, and family readiness. 

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NewsBytes 

NewsBytes is a free broadcast e-mail that provides the latest Association news to approximately 4,000 subscribers. 

Again, the iMIS database allows our department staff to quickly and easily distribute this product. Because of its 

weekly distribution, it provides up-to-date information on FRA’s legislative efforts and developments in health care, 

compensation, and other quality-of-life areas. NewsBytes, as well as FRA Today and On Watch, is posted on FRA’s 

web site (www.fra.org). 

The content for NewsBytes is generated by the Legislative Department with input by NES Barnes. This content is 

designed to augment the On & Off Capitol Hill pages in FRA Today, keeping members updated on a weekly basis. 

This service is free of charge and it is requested that branches promote it to their members as a way of keeping informed 

and connected. To subscribe, members need to send their e-mail address and membership number to 

newsbytes@fra.org with “Subscribe” in the subject line. 

Communicate With Your Elected Officials 

FRA, in partnership with GEICO, published a useful booklet in 2007 that includes tips for communicating with 

members of the 110th Congress; a U.S. Senate and House of Representatives directory including phone numbers and 

rosters for all key House and Senate committees; an overview of the legislative process and much more valuable 

information. Shipmates and interested citizens should contact NHQ at 1-800-FRA-1924 for a free copy or e-mail 

their request and mailing address to fra@fra.org. This has been publicized in FRA Today, NewsBytes, On Watch, 

Military.com newsletters and other public relations avenues. 

This year the processing of requests for the publication has expanded to a greater team effort. Beth Wilson in the 

Administrative Department sorts the requests from members and non-members, checking a box in the members’ records 

who have made the request and providing the list of non-members to Teresa Wiener, also in the Admin Department. 

A daily report is run for the members with the check box, and that produces labels which Beth can affix to 

envelopes and mail immediately. Teresa creates prospective member kits for the non-member requests and sends not 

only the guide, but also information about FRA and contact information of the closest branch to the interested party. 

Additionally, the records are noted with the date of sending, so we can track the results – which are already very 

promising – and see the impact of this special attention to recruiting detail. 

Integration of iMIS as a Marketing Tool 

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS 

This Convention will have two presentations on the use of iMIS and the website. One will be for members’ general 

use, the other will focus on the specialized opportunities available for branch and regional officers online. The system 

is a tremendous marketing tool, providing options such as customizing individuals’ records to exclude from certain 

types of programs (such as affinity partner mail list exports) or subscribing to programs such as NewsBytes or 

donation campaigns. As we customize to meet the specific requests we get, members respond with appreciation and 

membership retention. 

Also, iMIS allows for serious cost savings opportunities and we thank shipmates for their suggestions and questions 

that lead us to finding ways to let the system work more efficiently. Two examples of this include Shipmate Todd 

Richter, Secretary Branch 091 who suggested that we offer a way in iMIS for branches to choose which months they 

want mailing labels and which months they do not. This eliminates any waste of labels on months during which 

newsletters are not being mailed. That option was implemented and branch secretaries can check the boxes online or 

simply call Member Services for the request. The other suggestion in the same area came from Shipmate Charlie 

Goodman, Secretary Branch 276 who asked for a way to exclude specific individuals from each label print run. 

Shipmate Goodman has worked diligently to build an e-mail list for his branch and sends his newsletter electronically 

when he can. He only needs labels for those individuals without e-mail addresses. Again, the idea was implemented 

and secretaries can go online and mark the individuals they would like excluded from printing. 

FRAT-4

These requests are time consuming for staff to implement, but well worth it. Between these two requests alone, FRA 

saves on printing and shipping more than 12,400 labels a year – just for the two branches! As other branches take 

advantage of these opportunities the savings will be tremendous. 

We also have increased the opportunities for branch and regional officers to provide information and run membership 

reports from the website. From lists of those who need to renew, printing labels, sorting information based on 

join date, etc., to updating mailing addresses, birthdates and other valuable information, we strive to make the website 

a useful tool to assist the valuable group of people who are dedicated to serving in an elected position. We thank 

you all. 

Monthly Teleconferences 

FRA began hosting monthly teleconferences in 2005. This year the concept really took off and each call had at least 

20 participants. 

Up to 25 participants can call in to the toll-free phone number (1-877-746-9514) and have a “virtual meeting” without 

the expense and time commitment of travel. When a participant calls the number, he or she will be prompted to 

enter a code specific to that teleconference. There are no charges for the calls, and anyone from the 48 contiguous 

states can participate. This phone line will be also be used for committee meetings, as well as monthly conference 

calls on important FRA topics. 

Electronic Communication and Advertising 

To reduce costs and increase efficiency, more attention is being directed to electronic options for communication. 

This includes the use of e-mail to members to inform of updates, changes and billing reminders, and also focuses on 

opportunities to communicate with prospective members. 

E-mail blasts to members and prospects with invitations to teleconferences or special events have been met with 

positive responses. An e-mail blast also goes out monthly to all who have memberships that will terminate at the end 

of the month for non-renewal. With each of these programs, thank you e-mails are received by Headquarters, as 

members appreciate the personal touch of reminders or invitations. These programs are created to allow the sender to 

send one e-mail to a large group, but the recipient sees it as a one-to-one communiqué. Additionally, branch secretaries 

have been given the same permissions online to send a mass e-mail to their membership or certain specific groups 

within the branch using the website. Those e-mails go out through the FRA servers in Alexandria, avoiding the need 

to send out batches of e-mails to stay under maximum allowed with the individuals’ programs. 

An advertising program utilizing Google’s “AdWords” allows FRA’s listing to appear based on specific search word 

criteria. This helps target the information the end user sees and is a very cost effective way of improving site traffic. 

Banner ads on sites such as militaryshoppers.com, which are clickable and drive traffic to the join page of 

www.fra.org are also cost effective ways to increase traffic. Additionally, FRA negotiated an e-mail newsletter to go 

to all 100,000 subscribers of the militaryshoppers.com site for every three months of advertising. 

Making Waves, an e-mail based program for the legislative department to use in conjunction with the Action Center, 

is sent out on a regular basis letting members know of changes in legislation. 

Use of the telephone for retention has also been a major factor for the department this year. A call program has been 

implemented at Headquarters for contacting MALs who are needing to renew and branches have the opportunity to 

create call lists based on the paid through date and export from the website. To support this program, branch secretaries 

can mark the individual’s records as to whether or not they have been called (to avoid multiple contacts) and 

can request a new card or a new bill with only a click of a button. 

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Public Relations 

FRA has a strong personal relationship with the leaders of the sea services. Since the beginning of 2007, the Master 

Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Joe Campa, the SgtMaj of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent, and the Master 

Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPOCG) Skip Bowen have each made personal visits FRA National Headquarters 

and attended a two-hour legislative brief hosted by NES Joe Barnes. As a result, when asked a legislative question 

during a presentation in Guam, MCPON Campa placed a call to NES Barnes because he knew that call would 

yield correct information. 

FRA staff have also made several personal office calls to each of those offices throughout the year, along with all the 

Reserve force counterparts with the exception of the Reserve Force Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps due to his 

location in New Orleans. 

FRA’s communications department has a strong relationship with military media and we average at least one release 

per week. 

NES Barnes and other members of the legislative staff have been featured in editorials and interviewed for such publications 

as The Wall Street Journal, Navy and Marine Corps Times, The Honolulu Advertiser and military.com publications, 

to name a few. Sgt. Shaft and Tom Philpott’s Military Update columns have also regularly featured FRA’s 

initiatives. 

To quantify public relations work is difficult, however were FRA to have purchased the same print space used for 

the articles written, it would have cost the Association more than $137,000. The Public Relations Society of America 

estimates that articles are three times more likely to be read than advertising, and so these articles provide an even 

greater return on investment. 

Fundraising 

FRA has completed the first year of running the fundraising program in-house. This was made possible through the 

incredible team work among the administrative, accounting and member services departments in opening, sorting 

and scanning all responses. Our department handles the creative and the writing for each piece FIREBRAND designs. 

The label program did have one glitch when the printer made an error in formatting rates. Those labels affected 

were fixed and the replacements were sent as soon as possible. As a comparison, the label program a year ago 

(handled by Vantage in Boston) yielded a $90,000 revenue, and year-to-date, the label program run internally has 

yielded $120,000 – and results are coming in still. The 2007 calendar campaign also raised approximately $90,000. 

Another tremendous advantage of bringing the fundraising campaign in-house is the opportunity to respond to member 

suggestions. One example is a letter that requested the calendars show the days on which the Flag should be 

flown at half staff. This suggestion was taken and implemented for the 2008 calendar, going out in November. 

Direct Mail 

Direct mail campaigns targeting former members who have terminated for non-payment of dues within the past three 

years and prospect members have yielded some encouraging results. A test piece focusing on health care fee increases 

(included a piece of gauze and a prescription pad with joining FRA as the cure) was sent to 10,000 individuals. 

The target return on this piece was two percent. The return rate was slightly over one percent, so the campaign 

was altered to be a three piece postcard campaign is being sent to 50,000 individuals based on multiple “touches” 

and easier to access the information. The postcards are each sent one week apart and represent loyalty, protection 

and service as well as featuring Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard individuals. Samples are available at Convention. 

That piece is being sent at the time of this report writing, initial campaign results will be available by the end of 

the year. 

As the set-up cost and the postage are the main expenses for printing items such as these postcards, an additional 

50,000 pieces of each (150,000 total) were ordered for only $11,000. Those cards are available for branches to use in 

recruiting efforts and individual direct mail campaigns. 

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Additional direct mail campaigns are planned for the late fall and winter, tying into the idea of giving FRA memberships 

as gifts for loved ones and supporting military service members. 

Displays 

FRA invested in new lightweight, portable displays for shipping to branches and individuals to support the recruiting 

efforts and outreach programs. These displays have been very popular as they are easy to transport and set up and 

are also very colorful. Additionally, they are affordable ($55 for the small table top and $320 for the largest of the 

floor displays) and so many branches are purchasing directly from the manufacturer. Please see samples of these 

displays around the Convention halls. 

This has been an incredibly busy year with many tremendous victories and recruiting challenges which are yet to be 

conquered. It is my pleasure to serve in this capacity and I thank you personally for the continued support. 

With best wishes, I remain in 

Loyalty, Protection and Service 

EILEEN MURPHY 

Director, Marketing and Communications 

FRAT-7

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON 

AMERICANISM-PATRIOTISM 



First of all, I would like to thank NP Jerry L. Sweeney for appointing me as the National Chairman for the 2007- 

2008 Association year. He has given me complete support and guidance through the year. I have been involved in 

our Americanism Essay program for the past fourteen years on both branch and national levels. It has always been a 

privilege to be involved with the essay contest. I would like to extend my thanks to the staff at National, especially 

Paul Rigby, Alicia Landis, and Jessica Andrews. They were extremely helpful and always very pleasant through all 

of my numerous questions, some I am sure were asked more than once. The Regional Chairmen did an excellent job. 

Next, the National Committee. Again, they did an outstanding job, especially with the short turn around time they 

had to grade the national winners. All in all, every level of this contest was super. 

The total man-hours by branches and regions: 6,205 

The total mileage by branches and regions 16,532 

The total number of essays received 9,983 

More information will be forthcoming after National reports are judged. 

My budget for this year was $43,237.00. I have submitted the same budget for next year. I have spent $37,500.00 on 

bonds for the National winners, $1,400.00 on plaques, $900.00 for posters, cover sheets and contest rules, and 

$567.00 for my printing supplies and postage, leaving approximately $2,462.00 for travel. My expenses are documented. 

The National winners are: 

2007 NATIONAL WINNERS 

Grade 7 Name Region Branch 

First place Mary-Grace R. Reeves Southeast 022 

Second place Katelyn Staggs South Central 282 

Third place Rebecca Feis West Coast 275 

Grade 8 

First place Nathan Filipowski East Coast 099 

Second place Esther Wong Southeast 147 

Third place Christina Atterbury Northeast 087 

Grade 9 

First place Emily Diamond Northeast 001 

Second place Stephanie Nill North Central 267 

Third place Ryan Geary Southeast 269 

Grade 10 

First place David Herrera Southeast 022 

Second place Chandler Bonham South Central 282 

Third place Regina Nappi Northeast 229 

Grade 11 

First place Lydia Burns South Central 264 

Second place Tamiah Liebersbach Northwest 342 

Third place Bailey Jenkins Southeast 089 

AP-1

Grade 12 

First place April Hoffman East Coast 142 

Second place Frederic T. Lu Southeast 089 

Third place Kasey Girton New England 003 

OVERALL WINNER 

Grade 9 Emily Diamond Northeast 001 

AP-2 


RICHARD A. RUIZ 

Chairman


BUDGET AND FINANCE 



Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, Shipmates and Guests. 

The financial policy of the FRA, established by the delegates at the 79th National Convention in approving the 2007 

budget, has been followed. 

This report covers the activities of the Budget and Finance Committee through its 29-30 August 2007 meeting. Present 

at the 29-30 August meeting were all committee members, advisors and NP Sweeney. One guest, PRPEC Wilho 

I. Tommila, attended a portion of the meeting. 

CASH FLOW: Several times this fiscal year the Finance Officer, Paul Rigby has had to use our line of credit at Sun- 

Trust Bank to meet current obligations. The loans were paid off after a short period of time but the cash flow issue 

will continue, and possibly become more severe, simply because we have insufficient monthly income coming in 

from our two main sources of income, membership dues and fund raising programs. Given projections based upon 

statistical data it is anticipated that we will have a decline in membership of approximately 3.3%. It is hoped that 

membership marketing will stop the losses from occurring. Other income does not come in on a monthly basis and 

does little to assist in the day-to-day expenses. 

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO: Honorary Shipmate, Mr. James H. Webb, II, the FRA Investment Advisor, briefed 

and discussed the portfolio with the committee at the August meeting. The portfolio is in good financial shape and 

there are no problems to be addressed. 

Mr. Webb recommended that we re-allocate 33% of Funds currently invested in the Life Membership Fund, the Restricted 

Reserve Fund and the Experience Reserve Fund to the Genworth Financial Privately Managed Portfolio. 

This Committee agreed with the recommendation of Mr. Webb and NBR 47-07 has taken that action. 

Our Investment Advisor further recommended that an investment policy be established to diversify the Special Program 

Reserve Fund according to an asset allocation of 50% in Federated US Treasury Money Market Funds, 25% in 

the Genworth Financial Privately managed Portfolios and 25% in American Funds. This Committee agreed with the 

recommendation of Mr. Webb and NBR 48-08 has taken that action. 

Mr. Webb will update the “Investment Policy” statements of the above funds consistent with the objectives set forth 

by the FRA. 

FRA COUNSEL: Mr. David P. Goch, Esq. reviewed with the committee their fiduciary responsibilities. 

The Committee further discussed with Mr. Goch his e-mail of 14 August 2007 to FRA Finance Officer, Mr. Rigby 

(Subject: FRA: KVI/Marsh Affinity Agreement.) This e-mail is attached as Enclosure (1) to this report. In discussion 

Mr. Goch advised that the agreement defines the FRA as the “Master Policy Holder” and the participants as the 

“Certificate Holders.” 

MARSH AFFINITY GROUP SERVICES – FRA ENDORSED INSURANCE PRODUCTS: Mr. Robert Nolan gave 

a visual presentation of the relationship between the FRA and Marsh. 

Mr. Nolan also discussed Premium Stabilization Fund (PSF) Components and the “Unassigned PSF Reserves.” An 

e-mail from Mr. Nolan to NES Barnes is attached as Enclosure (2). In it, Mr. Nolan states that the FRA is the “Master 

Policy Holder” and the FRA owns the excess moneys generated by the program. He also suggests that using 

those moneys to generate new membership is one really good use to protect the health of the association and the 

health of the plans. 

B&F-1

STAFF BRIEFING: NES Barnes gave us an overview on the composition of the staff. Currently we have 17 fulltime 

staff plus the Finance Officer. There are currently two part-time employees and effective 1 September 2007 we 

will add a new part-time position of Scholarship Program Coordinator. 

AUDIT: The NBOD received the 2006 audit in NBR 40-07. There were only minor issues that will be reviewed and, 

if needed, addressed by the NES and FO. 

The NBOD by NBR 41-07 designated the firm of Frye and Wolcott, CPAs, once again, to conduct the annual audit 

of the books and accounts of the Association for the fiscal year 2007 (1 Jan 07-31 Dec 07.) 

During the FY2006 Audit a new Auditor, Kyle Logue, was added to FRA’s Audit Team by Frye & Wolcott and provided 

expanded depth in terms of audit tests and enhanced objectivity with regard to their opinions. 

Mark Frye, a Senior Partner, with Frye and Wolcott, has historical and invaluable knowledge of the composition of 

FRA’s books, particularly the complexities of the exempt and non-exempt structure of FRA’s funds as well as the 

detailed tracking associated with expanded IRS requirements. 

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FUND: The Life Membership Fund is still well funded. C&BL Resolution No. 4 recommends 

a change to insure that monies from the MALs are transferred to the General Fund on an annual basis. This will insure 

that all monies from the Life Membership Fund are properly transferred to the General Fund. It is anticipated 

that those funds will be transferred in the first quarter of each fiscal year. 

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS: Ms Eileen Murphy, Director of Marketing and Communications gave 

a briefing on FRA marketing. The problem of sufficient funds to market is being addressed by the Committee and it 

is anticipated that there will be a significant improvement in marketing funding. Bringing the fund raising “in house” 

has been highly successful. As of 28 August 2007 the Calendar Program has generated a net profit of $87,477 and 

the Address Labels has a net profit of $74,877. There was an error in some of the labels originally mailed. The printing 

company corrected the error and re-mailed those labels at no cost to the FRA. To date the FRA hat promotion 

has not generated sufficient funds to show a profit (help out-buy a hat.) 

OVER-EXPENDITURES: The Committee approved an over-expenditure of $5,000 for Real Estate Taxes. No other 

over-expenditures are anticipated at this time. 

RESOLUTIONS BEFORE THE NATIONAL CONVENTION: The Committee reviewed a resolution that will come 

before the national convention that will need to be reviewed and recommendations made by the National Convention 

Committee. Reviewed was C&BL Resolution No. 2 (Dues Increase.) A recommendation will be made to the delegates 

at the convention. 

BUDGET REVIEW: The 2008 Proposed Budget was reviewed and discussed. The following actions were taken: 

1. The Committee unanimously voted to move $494,621 from the Budget Reserve to the General Fund for 

immediate use. The delegates at the 2006 convention approved the budget and no further action need be 

taken. The balance of $83,104 will be placed in a budget reserve money market fund for use on the Estimated 

Income page, Line 6 in the 2008 budget. 

2. Unanimously voted to take $893,820 from the experience reserve money market and add to 2008 Estimate 

Income, Line 10. 

3. Unanimously voted to provide a 10% premium credit to Certificate Holders payable in 2008. 

4. Unanimously voted to take approximately $323,540 from the Experience Reserve principal to provide the 

10% premium credit for 2007 certificate holders payable in 2008. 

5. Consideration was given in the 2008 budget to the continuing requirement to keep NHQ equipment (computers, 

copiers, etc.) in optimal operating condition and replacing and updating as necessary. 

B&F-2

6. The proposed 2008 budget has a shortfall of $108,379 at the conclusion of the 29-30 August meeting. The 

entire budget will be reviewed and worked again with more complete information at the national convention. 

It is anticipated that the shortfall will be eliminated or reduced to a manageable number. 

In accordance with FRA C&BL, Article 8, Section 811(c), the proposed budget was promulgated to the NBOD 

within 30 days of the 80th National Convention. Copies were provided to the B&F Committee members and advisors 

for review and remedial action. It was also made available to any Shipmate who requests a copy. 

GENERAL COMMENTS: 

1. Out of the $7,000 allocated to the National President for his trip to overseas Pacific branches he returned 

$2,830.72 to the General Fund. This was possible because of the generosity of some Philippine branches 

that paid for his airfare while traveling in the Philippines. The B&F Committee thanks those branches for 

their generous contribution. 

2. The NBOD has recommended by NBR 35-07 to renegotiation of agreement with Marsh commencing 1 

January 2008 and that successive NBODs evaluate proposals from other insurance broker firms during the 

next three year contract period. 

3. The Headquarters staff was always available to answer questions and assist the committee in its work. The 

NES and the FO have been in regular contact with this Chairman on all matters of interest to the B&F 

Committee. All reports, matters of interest and questions posed have been answered in an expeditious manner. 

I wish to thank the members of the Committee and our Advisors for their thoughtful and timely responses to all 

budget issues: John W. Davis, Branch 44; PRPNW Ramona Greman, Branch 46; PNP William E. Combs, Branch 5; 

PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore, Branch 22 and PNP Richard B. Smith, Branch 70; NES Joseph L. Barnes, Branch 181; FO 

Paul Rigby; and, NVP Lawrence J. Boudreaux, Branch 275. Shipmates Greman and Kilgore will be completing their 

terms on the Committee and I wish them well in their future FRA endeavors. Their contributions to the Committee 

were valuable and much appreciated. 

I would also like to thank NP Jerry for having the confidence in appointing me as chairman to this important committee. 

All inquires and national correspondence was responded to in a timely manner and all funds received from the FRA 

were expended on Association business. 

I respectfully move that this report be received. For the Committee. 

B&F-3 


RALPH A. SCHMIDT 

Chairman

Enclosure (1) 

>>> "David P. Goch" 8/14/2007 4:34 PM >>> 

Gentlepeople: 

You have asked for an opinion as to whether the royalties paid to the FRA under the KVI Agreement dated 1996 and 

its subsequent amendment with Marsh, dated December 2004, is restricted in its use by the FRA or the funds should 

somehow be redistributed to the membership. 

Clearly under the agreement there is NO restriction as to FRA’s use of the money. The agreement’s payment provision 

is a linear statement of FRA being paid for licensing use of its intellectual property (trademark, service marks, 

name). As an aside, this is a very common arrangement between tax-exempt organizations and for-profit companies 

that desire to have the marketing access to the organization’s membership. 

Thus, the agreement does not limit the FRA's use (or non-use of the money if it wishes to maintain the amounts in 

reserve). 

The only restriction placed on FRA for the royalty’s use, which is not contained in the agreement but is explicit in 

the US tax code, is that the money raised must be used to further the organization’s tax exempt purpose. However, 

this is generally interpreted broadly so that the list of activities that fulfill it greatly exceeds the list of things FRA 

could not do (e.g., the money can be used for: FRA rent, utilities, salaries, outsourced professional services, printing, 

organizational travel, funding staff pensions, Board meetings, Committee meeting, office upkeep [painting the building], 

placed in a savings account, paying off outstanding debt, etc.). The foregoing list is barely a beginning to the 

possible uses. Suffice it to say, that as the staff is directed by the FRA budget, or the FRA Board decides to use the 

money, it can be used. 

However, one of the ways the money could not be used is to be returned to the membership in a direct pay back. 

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the foregoing. 

Dave 

B&F-4

Enclosure (2) 

>>> 8/23/2007 8:48 AM >>> 

Joe, 

There are two different terminologies on Retention Exhibits (obviously when that piece of business is on retention 

such as yours you have a Retention Exhibit): 

PSF - Premium Stabilization Fund, and 

CSR - Claims Stabilization Reserve. 

They both mean the same thing and Hartford exhibits normally always say PSF while New York Life exhibits normally 

always say CSR. I have worked our largest account as well as Hartford's largest account (MOAA for almost 

14 years) and worked our largest engineering account as well as New York Life's largest account (IEEE) for five 

years. While the spreadsheets for end of year accounting may be set up slightly differently with slightly different 

terminology, the cash flow through the exhibits is typically just about the same. 

I would be happy to sit down with you and/or Paul and go through the financial exhibit so we all have the same understanding 

of it. I will change the slide for the presentation to reflect unassigned PSF Reserves. MiliCare Plus plans 

are on retention which means two things: 

(1) You/FRA are the master policyholder, and 

(2) You/FRA own the excess moneys generated by the program. Using those moneys to generate new membership is 

one really good use to protect the health of the association and the health of the plans. 

Yell if you need me. 

Bob 

B&F-5

Shipmate National President, 


CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS AND RESOLUTIONS 



The delegates to the National Convention, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, tasked this committee with reviewing the 

proposed rewrite of the Constitution and Bylaws, and the proposed Policy and Procedure Manual. The convention 

committee had many questions on authorizations and standing rules, and where they should be placed. 

During the year, this committee worked extremely hard on this project, and recommended several changes to both 

manuals. The new package has been forwarded to the Branches in plenty of time for review and discussion at the 

National Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

The committee is in receipt of nineteen (19) resolutions to be acted on at the 80th National Convention. Eight (8) 

were referred to the Convention Committee on Honorary Membership and Certificate of Merit for presentation to the 

delegates. Five (5) were referred to other committees for recommendation and return to the Convention Committee 

on Constitution, bylaws, and Resolutions. 

Shipmate National President, this has been a truly busy and rewarding year. I thank you for the opportunity to serve 

our shipmates. 

I am grateful to the members of this committee for their hard work and timely advice. 

Shipmate National Executive Secretary Barnes, Director, Administration, Alicia Landis, and the staff of our National 

Headquarters were invaluable in aiding our efforts this year, and this committee thanks them. 

All monies advanced to me have been spent on FRA business. 

CBL&R-1 


GEORGE P. HYLAND 

Chairman


EMPLOYEES PENSION 



In accordance with the FRA’s Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules, Article 8, Section 810 (b), the following 

report is submitted. 

FISCAL STATUS OF THE PLAN 

As of 31 July 2007, according to the Portfolio Evaluation of Capital Financial LLC, Investment Advisor to the Plan, 

the assets of the Plan had a market value of $2,261,003. 

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION REQUIRED FROM THE ASSOCIATION 

As stated in the actuary’s report, no contribution is required, nor is it recommended, for Plan years 2006 and 2007 as 

the Plan is currently over funded on a current liability basis. 

1. Defined Benefit Pension Plan. 

ESTIMATED FUNDING FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2007 

Actuary Expenses $ 7,000 (any excess to be paid out of the plan) 

Amendments $ 3,000 

Legal Expenses $ 4,000 

Contingent Expenses $ 1,500 

2. Section 401(k) Plan. 

Annual Plan Administration $ 1,100 

Annual Participants Fees $ 375 

Total Requested $16,975 

LAWSUIT STATUS 

The lawsuit involving the Plan has now moved through the Summary Judgment phase. The judge awarded Summary 

Judgment to the Plaintiffs on the issue of Scriveners Error. This means that the Pension Plan would have to pay the 

Plaintiffs the additional amounts, plus some interest. On the other three issues, the Judge has given us, the Defendants, 

Summary Judgment. Initially, the judge has denied attorneys fees to the Plaintiffs. The Plan has filed an Appeal 

regarding the Scriveners Error’s defense, and the Plaintiffs have filed an Appeal for attorney’s fees. Perhaps the 

entire lawsuit can be finished in calendar year 2008. 

MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYEE PENSIONS 

The Committee conducted its Quarterly Telephone Conference Call for the first quarter of calendar year 2007 at 

1430 EST on 19 January 2007. The meeting was tape recorded. The Committee held its Annual in Person meeting 

for calendar year 2007 on 15 May 2007 at the FRA National Headquarters. This meeting also was tape recorded. 

Minutes, tapes, recordings, etc. are in the files of the Finance Officer. The committee made two recommendations to 

the National Board of Directors during their midyear meeting. The committee recommended the approval of a 

change in the Custodian of the Plan from SunTrust and M&T Bank be appointed to be the new Custodian. The 

Amendment was approved by the National Board of Directors. This approval was assigned NBR 30-07. The committee 

also recommended that the National Board of Directors authorize the addition of a Roth provision to the Section 

401-k Plan. This recommendation also was approved and was assigned NBR 31-07. 

EP-1

All meetings of the committee include the following agenda. 1) Receive, review and approve all Plan correspondence 

and reports generated by the Finance Officer, including any distributions from the Plan assets. 2) Receive the 

report of the Consulting Actuary. 3) Review the need, if any, for amendments to the Plan. 4) Receive the report of 

the Investment Advisor. 5) Review the budget for expenses to be paid from the Plan assets. 6) Review any compliance 

matters that may have arisen. 7) Discuss training materials. The Consulting Actuary, the Investment Advisor, 

and FRA Counsel participate in each meeting. 

PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS 

The report of the 79th National Convention Committee on Employee Pension Plans contained certain recommendations 

for the standing National Committee. 

1. That the National Committee on Employee Pension Plans for 2006/2007 continue the investigative process involved 

in the potential termination of the Employees Defined Benefit Pension Plan and submit resolutions as appropriate 

to the delegates assembled at the 80th National Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

2. That the National Committee on Employees Pension Plans for 2006/2007 review Section 819 of the C&BL, FRA 

and submit resolutions, as appropriate, to bring the language of Section 819 in consonance with the language of the 

existing pension plans with such resolutions being considered by the delegates assembled at the 80th National Convention 

in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

In view of the process of the lawsuit, the committee has taken no action on these two recommendations. 

The National Committee on Employee Pensions has appointed PRPNW Noel W. Bragg as the Plan Administrator. 

The appointment was ratified by the National Board of Directors during the post convention meeting held in 

Oconomowoc, WI. Any questions, comments, complaints, etc. should be directed to PRPNW Bragg, information to 

the Finance Officer, via the following, telephone 800-915-0052, direct email hometax@pixi.com, and regular mailing 

address 900 Fort Street Mall #503, Honolulu HI 96813. 

EP-2 


NOEL W. BRAGG 

Chairman

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE 

ON FRA BUILDING 



Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, delegates and shipmates, it has been a very 

busy year in regards to the NHQ Building. 

The Donors’ plaque still awaits installation as we are waiting for the names from the Finance Officer which will be 

displayed on the plaque. 

In February, melting snow and erosion caused areas of the roof to leak water into the building. The flooding caused 

damage to several walls within the building and inadvertently set off the building fire alarm. Insurance covered 

cleanup and repairs to the walls, roof and fire alarm system. I am here to report that the current roof is sound and we 

have had no further problems. 

This past year, FRA National Headquarters (NHQ) took custody of a model of the battleship “USS Arizona.” This 

model was previously on display at the memorial located at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Association was very instrumental 

in funding the original model’s construction in 1967. A display case was constructed and additional renovations 

were made including installation of new carpeting and painting to the first floor lobby area in preparations for 

showcasing the newest addition to NHQ. The National President formally dedicated the model during the mid-year 

Board of Directors meeting in May. A majority of the costs associated with these renovations were paid for by a 

contribution made to the FRA by the estate of Emanuel Fox, a deceased Shipmate. 

As the membership is aware, NHQ now houses not only the membership database for the FRA but also the LAFRA. 

The servers are located within the NHQ building. Until the addition of the new servers, the air-handling requirements 

for the computer room were sufficient. But, the additional equipment in the room, along with extreme temperatures 

caused by summer heating, placed an urgent need to address providing sufficient cooling in this area to 

protect vital equipment and maintain operations. By an emergency approval of the National Board of Directors 

(NBOD), CSI Mechanical, our Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractor, installed an independent 

air-handling unit for the room. The new unit is maintaining a constant temperature for the area, and servers 

are working at optimum capacity. 

Access to and security of the building was also an immediate issue which needed to be addressed. The entrance access 

system and alarm panel were outdated and needed to be upgraded because of the concern with the database security 

at NHQ. The building committee had recommended to budget for a partial upgrade to the system, but upon 

attempting to make the repairs, it was determined that the entire system needed to be replaced. An NBOD resolution 

permitted for the emergency purchase of the new access and security system, and everything is installed and is functioning 

properly. 

The office painting project is in its second phase towards completion. Offices on the third floor have been painted. 

We will continue the project next year with offices on the first floor. George Betsko is the painter who has been handling 

this project and other painting needs for NHQ. He came well recommended to the Association and has been 

very flexible with scheduling to complete this project on time and under budget. 

Broken seals on two window panes located on the third floor necessitated their replacement. 

During the year, the committee installed several fluorescent light ballasts, ceiling tiles, batteries and other minor repairs 

throughout the building, saving the Association several hundred dollars. 

The committee chairman was questioned by the Budget and Finance Committee on cost estimates for replacing carpeting, 

which was initially installed in 1998, and replacing ceiling tiles throughout the building. These costs estimates 

will be presented to the membership during my final report to the National Convention. 

Shipmate National President, overall, the building is sound, thanks to the efforts of the NHQ staff. 

BLDG-1

I wish to conclude my report by thanking the committee members, and the advisory members, PRPEC Bob Washington 

and Shipmate Vincent Cuthie. I also want to thank Shipmates NES Joe Barnes, Ed Dockery, FO Paul Rigby, 

Eileen Murphy, Alicia Landis, Beth Wilson and the rest of the NHQ staff for all of their help, advice and counsel 

which they provided to the committee throughout the year. 

Shipmate National President, it has been an honor and privilege to serve you and all of my Shipmates. All money 

allocated to the Committee on FRA Building has been spent on FRA business. 

BLDG-2 


CHRISTOPHER J. SLAWSINSKI 

Chairman


ON HOSPITALS, WELFARE, AND REHABILITATION 



Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National officers and shipmates. 

The Standing Committee is composed of: 

Chairman: RPWC-Elect Lee M. Hollowell, Jr., Branch 281, Lake Shasta, CA 

Members: RPNEng-Elect William J. Waite, Branch 156 Brunswick, ME 

Robert M. Burness, Branch 13, Atlantic City, NJ 

Thomas De Byl, Branch 142, Frederick, MD 

Lee B. Downs, Branch 144, Leehigh Acres, FL 

John W. Dymond, Branch 14, Milwaukee, WI 

Leon R. Perkins, Branch 371, Baton Rouge, LA 

Walter De Felice, Jr., Branch 9, San Diego, CA 

Charles M. Watkins, Branch 244, Grand Junction, CO 

Vernon N. Fraser, Branch 198. Bend, OR 

Advisors: PRPSE John R. Mefford, Branch 30, Brunswick, GA 

PRPWC Gary C. Blackburn, Branch 8, Vallejo, CA 

The final work of this committee will be accomplished at the 80th National Convention when we will review the 

regional submissions and recommend branches in each membership group to the delegates for national recognition. 

A “Shipmate of the Year” will also be recommended to the delegates for approval. 

All funds received from the FRA for travel and expenses were/will be expended on FRA business. 

Shipmate National President, it has indeed been an honor and privilege to serve you and the FRA as Chairman of the 

Hospitals, Welfare and Rehabilitation Committee. 

HW&R-1 


LEE M. HOLLOWELL, JR. 

Chairman


ON LEGISLATIVE SERVICE 



MEMBERS 

The National Committee on Legislative Service is comprised of the Chairman: NES Joseph Barnes, Branch 181; 

Members: PRPWC Thomas Ford, Branch 261; PRPSC Dwight Thompson, Branch 159; JrPRPNC Donald L. Gage, 

Branch 161; Ron Kruse, Branch 137; PRPEC Les Zavadil, Branch 204; and Shipmate Mark Allen, Branch 182; Advisors: 

PRPEC Robert Washington, Branch 181; MCPON-10 Terry Scott, Member-at-Large; MCPOCG-7 Rick 

Trent, Member-at-Large; and DLP John R. Davis, Branch 181. 

LEGISLATIVE TEAM 

In addition to myself, the Association’s Legislative Team includes John R. Davis, Director Legislative Programs; 

Edward Dockery, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs; Christopher Slawinski assists on VA related issues and 

Bob Washington assists on health care issues. 

MEETING 

The National Committee on Legislative Service (NCLS) met via telephone conference call originating at FRA Headquarters 

on Tuesday, 24 April 2007 at 1500 (EDT). 

Members participating were Chairman: NES Joe Barnes, Branch 181; Member: PRPEC Les Zavadil, Branch 204; 

Advisors: MCPON-10 Terry Scott, Member-at-Large; MCPOG-7 Rick Trent, Member-at-Large; DMD John Davis, 

Branch 181; ADLP Ed Dockery, Branch 181; NVSO Chris Slawinski, Branch 181; and DMD Bob Washington, 

Branch 181. Shipmates PRPNC Donald Gage, Branch 161; Mark Allen, Branch 182; and PRPWC Thomas Ford, 

Branch 261 advised of conflicts and did not participate along with PRPSC Dwight W. Thompson, Branch 159 and 

Shipmate Ron Kruse, Branch 137. 

The agenda for the meeting included discussions on health care, legislative responses to the Walter Reed scandal, 

SBP reform and other survivor benefit enhancements, concurrent receipt, Veterans Disability Benefits Commission, 

USFSPA, Reserve issues, commissary and MWR issues, VAVS program, usage of Capitol Advantage service via 

Cap Wiz, and nominations for the 2008 Pinnacle Award. 

DLP John Davis briefed shipmates on proposed criteria for the Pinnacle Award which was distributed to the Committee. 

Nominees for the 2008 Pinnacle Award were solicited and none were proposed. Having met all the criteria 

Rep. Vic Snyder was nominated by NES Joe Barnes. He is from Arkansas, and a member of the House Armed Service 

Committee. The proposal was unanimously approved. 

The proposed 2008 FRA Agenda was presented by DLP Davis. Following discussion the agenda was approved by 

unanimously. (Attached). 

CONTINUING LEGISLATIVE SUCCESS 

The Association maintains a significant presence on Capitol Hill and the Legislative Team reports another successful 

year in implementing FRA’s Legislative Agenda. At FRA’s, request Congressman Walter Jones introduced “The 

Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act, H.R. 657, and Rep. Thelma Drake introduced “The Military Retiree Dislocation 

Assistance Act, H.R. 2996. Both of these proposals are part of FRA’s 2007 Legislative Agenda. The Association’s 

testimony was also presented or submitted by team members to Congressional panels in 2007 and FRA is recognized 

as the leading enlisted organization in The Military Coalition, which is comprised of 35 military and veterans 

organizations. 

LEG-1

FRA NP Jerry L. Sweeney testified before a joint meeting of the House and Senate House Veterans Affairs Committees 

to express the deep concern of FRA members on the care of our wounded warriors and other veteran issues. 

NES Joe Barnes testified before the House Armed Services Committee Personnel Subcommittee to express FRA’s 

legislative agenda and DLP John Davis testified before the House MilCon/VA Appropriations Subcommittee on 

veterans issues and adequate funding for the VA, and the Senate Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittee 

on funding the DoD budget In addition NES Joe Barnes presented FRA’s legislative agenda and legislative process 

overview to the Navy/Marine Corps Retiree Council and DLP John Davis provided a legislative briefing to the US 

Coast Guard Retiree Council. 

Further NES Joe Barnes testified before the DoD Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care expressing 

FRA’s concerns on health care issues, DLP John Davis testified before the Mental Health Task Force on mental 

health issues and testified before the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission on concurrent receipt reform. FRA 

legislative testimony can be found on the FRA website (www.FRA.org) under the “legislative” tab and is available 

in the “Legislative Agenda” by subject matter. 

FRA is also represented in extensive Congressional testimony and correspondence by The Military Coalition (TMC) 

on a broad range of personnel issues including health care issues, DoD compensation, MGIB reform, and Veterans 

issues, and Reserve benefits. 

Legislative Team members attend hearings, briefings and special events; they’ve had dozens of meetings with members 

of the House and Senate and Congressional staff; spearheaded lobbying efforts; increased correspondence; and 

researched, written and submitted testimony regarding the Defense budget, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

budget, opposing TRICARE health care fee increases, military construction, and Impact Aid. 

Significant legislative achievements so far this legislative year include blocking the TRICARE enrollment fee increases, 

stopping increases in the TRICARE pharmacy retail co-pays, support for full pay increases for active duty 

and selected Reserve personnel ½ percent above the Employment Cost Index (ECI), funding for DoD health care, 

and obtaining a VA budget that is $6.7 billion above the FY 2007 level, the largest annual increase in the DVA’s 77 

year history. Further, the House version of the FY 2008 NDAA requires pay increases ½ percent above the ECI for 

FY 2009-FY2012. In addition, FRA successfully supported concurrent receipt improvements in both the House and 

Senate. The House provision expands Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) for personnel with fewer than 

20 years but more than 15 years of service with 60 percent or greater disability rating beginning 1 October 2007. The 

Senate provision expands CRSC to include medical retirees with less than 20 years of service. Currently CRSC is 

provided only to service members with 20 or more years of service. FRA supports a Senate floor amendment to the 

Senate NDAA (H. R. 1585) to shift the effective date for paid up coverage for the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) from 

1 October 2008 to 1 October 2007 for those who have paid 30 or more years and have obtained the age of 70. Further, 

FRA supported increased oversight and restructuring of leadership at the Armed Forces Retirement Home 

(AFRH). 

Other important FRA supported legislation includes, “The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act (H.R. 

1538) sponsored by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Ike Skelton (MO) that is in response media 

revelations about conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). The legislation passed both chambers 

but was extensively amended in the Senate. House and Senate versions of the bill have some similarities but also 

many differences, creating some uncertainty about the final content of the bill that will be agreed to in a conference 

committee appointed to resolve the differences between the two chambers’ bills. 

The Association views the media revelations about conditions at WRAMC with deep concern and believes that DoD 

and the VA must work together to more effectively ensure a seamless transition from DoD to care in the VA health 

care system. In response to the situation the White House and Pentagon created eight overlapping investigations, 

commissions, task forces, and study groups. The FRA Legislative Team closely monitored the work of these panels 

and provided input to the key panels investigating the scandal that include the President’s Commission for Wounded 

Warriors Issues, the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission, Government Accounting Office (GAO), Task Force 

on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes, and the Independent Review Group (IRG). Several panels have already 

issued final reports with a common theme stressing the need for more resources, reform and simplification of the 

LEG-2

disability rating system overwhelmed by the demands produced by OIF/OEF. The NVSO report contains additional 

details on the work of these panels and commissions. 

Other FRA agenda issues introduced in the 110th Congress include legislation to increase USMC end strengths, an 

open enrollment period for the Montgomery GI Bill for certain military personnel, increasing from one to two POVs 

shipped to US territories for active duty, expanding retiree access to VA health care system, reserve benefit enhancements, 

increased appropriations for barracks and family housing construction, and supplemental Impact Aid 

funding. Additionally, the Association is continuing its pursuit of reform of the USFSPA, in both the legislative and 

judicial arenas. (Additional details are provided in the enclosed 2007 Legislative Agenda Update.) 

FRA supported amendment to the Senate version of the Defense Authorization sponsored by Senator James Inhofe 

(OK), to allow service members and veterans out of uniform the option of saluting the flag during hoisting, lowering, 

passing, or during the playing of the National Anthem and a provision in the House legislation authorizing changing 

the name of the Secretary of the Navy to Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. 

FRA HILL VISITS 

FRA’s fourth annual “Storm the Hill” event was a huge success with the members of FRA National Board of Directors, 

Regional Vice Presidents, and the FRA Ladies Auxiliary National Board of Directors, participating. They visited 

their Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill in mid-May. In the nearly 40 meetings that took place that 

day, Shipmates and Ladies discussed FRA’s opposition to TRICARE fee increases proposed for under-65 retirees 

and the Association’s support for advancing the implementation date (from 1 Oct. 2008 to 1 Oct. 2007) of paid-up 

status for Survivor Benefit Plans (SBP) participants who’ve paid into the program for 30 years and reached the age 

of 70. Each member of Congress received an FRA point paper outlining FRA’s position on these important issues, 

and the Association’s full legislative agenda. 

The Hill visits included meetings with the following Senators or key staff: John Warner (VA), Arlen Specter (PA), 

Elizabeth Dole (NC), Barbara Boxer (CA), Dianne Feinstein (CA), Christopher Bond (MO), Susan Collins (ME), 

Daniel Akaka (HI), Daniel Inouye (HI), Herbert Kohl (WI), Olympia Snowe (ME), Robert Casey (PA), Russ Feingold 

(WI), Claire McCaskill (MO), James Webb (VA), and Richard Burr (NC). In addition they met with the following 

Representatives or their key staff: John Doolittle (CA), Rick Larsen (WA), Jon Porter (NV), Jo Ann Davis (VA), 

Roy Blunt (MO), Bob Filner (CA), Michael Honda (CA), Paul Kanjorski (WI), Neil Abercrombie (HI), Thomas Allen 

(ME), Paul Kanjorski (PA), Dave Camp (MI), Gus Bilirakis (FL), Gabrielle Giffords (AZ), Marion Berry ( AR), 

Gene Green (TX) Jack Kingston (GA),Dave Loebsack (IA), Wally Herger (CA), John Sarbanes (MD), Cliff Stearns 

(FL), William Sali (ID), and Mike McIntyre (NC). 

These visits introduced FRA leaders to their respective senators and representatives, and helped educate members of 

Congress and staffers about the FRA and its legislative priorities. Since the meetings, FRA has learned that an 

amendment to the Senate FY2008 Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1585) was approved to shift the paid-up SBP 

date to 1 October 2007 and both the House and Senate versions of the NDAA prohibit TRICARE fee increases. 

Shipmates stressed during their Hill visits the importance of ensuring DOD pursue all possible internal efficiencies 

before proposing any cost shifting to beneficiaries. 

The FRA leg team has also been working on restoring VA health benefits for Priority Group 7 & 8 veterans, extending 

the effective date (1 January 2008) for penalties for employers who offer incentives to retirees to use TRICARE, 

and a constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration. 

COMMUNICATIONS 

Use of the letter/message service on FRA’s web site continues to grow. Pre-written letters to members of Congress 

are posted and may be utilized by shipmates as personal messages to legislators via the site’s “Action Center.” In 

addition FRA can e-mail FRA members through the FRA Action Center. The shipmate receiving the e-mail can click 

on the “Take Action” tab and will be sent to the specific Alert posted on the FRA Action Center. The FRA Action 

Center is an effective weapon in FRA’s grassroots arsenal. This year the usage of the Action Center has seen substantial 

growth (more than 20%). In calendar year 2006 more than 19,000 advocacy messages were sent to the Hill 

LEG-3

through the Action Center. From 1 January 2007 to 4 October 2007 there were more than 22,650 advocacy messages 

sent to the Hill through the Action Center. 

Regarding print publications in addition to FRA Today and On Watch, the weekly e-mail update on legislative and 

benefit issues is entitled FRA News Bytes and is distributed to approximately 4,000 addressees. In addition NES Update 

by NES Joe Barnes is distributed weekly to association and senior enlisted leaders and DLP John Davis writes 

and distributes the FRA Legislative Talking Points to the NBOD, NLSC Members, and FRA NHQ Staff. 

LOBBY DISCLOSURE 

FRA is in compliance with the Lobby Disclosure Law that requires registration of active lobbyists and reporting of 

lobbying activities and expenditures. Members of FRA’s Legislative Team are registered and semi-annual reports 

are filed prior to February and August deadlines. 

THE MILITARY COALITION 

FRA continues as an active member of The Military Coalition (TMC) and is the organization’s leading enlisted organization. 

NES Joe Barnes is the co-chairman of The Military Coalition and there is growing awareness of TMC as 

the largest and most effective military organization working on Capitol Hill. TMC is incorporated as a nonprofit, 

tax-exempt organization under the Commonwealth of Virginia. The board is comprised of CEOs of member organizations 

and is responsible for managing TMC’s corporate affairs. In addition, ADLP Dockery is the TMC coordinator. 

FRA is represented on various TMC committees per the following: 

NES Barnes: Co-chair of TMC, Co-chair of the Personnel, Compensation, Commissaries 

Committee, and member of the Retirement Committee 

DLP Davis: Co-chair of Retirement Committee and member of Taxes/Soc. Sec. Committee 

DMD Washington: Co-chair of the Health Care Committee 

ADLP Dockery: Member of the MWR/MilCon and Survivor Committees 

VSO Slawinski: Member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, and Guard & Reserve Committee 

TMC membership stands at 35 organizations with collective membership of approximately 5.5 million members. 

Most Coalition meetings are held at FRA Headquarters. Several TMC committees also meet at FRA, and there are 

also frequent briefings on health care, commissary/exchange/MWR and other issues there. 

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS 

FRA is also a member of the Ad Hoc Committee, and the Navy-Marine Corps Council. FRA also hosted a special 

reception honoring the Navy/Marine Corps Retiree Council. In addition, NES Barnes briefed the USCG Retiree 

Council along with other TMC Reps. 

NES Barnes serves on the DOD Senior Health Care Advisory Panel and Bob Washington is a member of DOD 

Health Care Working Group. Washington has been appointed Chairman of the DOD Uniform Formulary Benefit 

Advisory Panel (BAP). NES Barnes serves as the FRA/Navy/TMC representative on the Defense Commissary 

Agency (DeCA) Patron Council. 

Bob Washington is a member of the TriWest Healthcare Alliance Executive Advisory Board, which provides advice, 

research, beneficiary input, guidance and measured results of TriWest’s accomplishments to this end. 

FRA CONGRESSIONAL RECEPTIONS 

The FRA Pinnacle Award is presented annually. The award is FRA’s highest recognition and is presented annually 

to a distinguished member of Congress for their outstanding support for the Sea Services. The recipients are nominated 

by the National Legislative Service Committee and approved at the FRA National Convention. Last year Rep. 

Gene Taylor was given the award on 15 November 2006 and on 17 May 2007, Rep. C.W. “Bill” Young received the 

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award by NP Jerry Sweeney. The close scheduling was due to a shift in the award date to coincide with the spring 

NBOD Hill visits. 

Other annual Congressional receptions on Capitol Hill sponsored by FRA honor the Navy Sailors of the Year (SOY) 

and Navy Recruiters of the Year (ROY). Both events have been expanded to include FRA-hosted tours of the Capitol 

and meeting with the honoree’s respective members of Congress. For a ninth year in a row FRA sponsored a special 

breakfast honoring the Congressional Coast Guard Caucus, hosted by the Coast Guard Caucus Co-chairman 

Reps. Howard Coble (NC), Gene Taylor (MS), and William Delahunt (MA). The Coast Guard Commandant Thad 

Allen attended the event this year. 

The following is an update on the status report on the FRA’s 2007 Legislative Agenda and a proposed 2008 Legislative 

Agenda. 

I remain in Loyalty, Protection, and Service, 

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Chairman

NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE SERVICE 

UPDATE ON FRA'S 2007 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 

3 OCTOBER 2007 

Expand Health Care Options 

Oppose TRICARE Standard Enrollment Fees – FRA believes that the Defense Department has not sufficiently 

investigated other options to make TRICARE more cost-efficient as alternatives to shifting costs for TRICARE 

Standard and other health care benefits to retiree beneficiaries under age 65. 

Current Status: The House version of the 2008 NDAA, extends last year’s prohibition of TRICARE fee increases 

until 9/30/2009. The Senate version of the NDAA states that the SASC will not consider fee increases until the Task 

Force on the Future of Military Health Care makes its final report in December 2007. The White House issued a 

Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) after the marked up Senate FY 2008 Defense Authorization bill (H. R. 

1585) opposing the prohibition of any TRICARE fee or co-pay increases. The Senate approved on 1 October, 2007. 

The Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care has recommended in its interim report, released 31 May 2007, 

increasing TRICARE fees and pharmacy co-pays for retirees under age 65. Further, the Task Force recommends that 

co-pays and fees be indexed to keep pace with health care inflation cost. The Task Force endorsed a tiered schedule 

of fee increases based on rank at time of retirement. FRA expressed its strong opposition to the Department of Defense’s 

(DoD’s) drastic health care fee increases and authorization of a TRICARE Standard enrollment fee before 

the Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care in March 2007. 

The Defense Department has not elaborated on its FY 2008 TRICARE fee increase proposal but did provide detail 

of its FY 2007 proposal that included creating a TRICARE Standard enrollment fee and increasing TRICARE Prime 

enrollment fees as well as increase pharmacy co-pays for all retired beneficiaries and family members of currently 

serving personnel beginning in October 1, 2006. In addition enrollment fees for TRICARE Prime and Standard 

would be increased annually by the rate of medical inflation starting in 2008, and deductibles would be increased. A 

summary of the proposed increases beginning Oct 1, 2006 include: 

• Raising $230 single/$460 family TRICARE Prime enrollment fee as high as $700/$1,400 

• Raising annual $150 single/$300 family TRICARE Standard fees as high as $560/$1,120 

• Prime and Standard fees would be increased annually by medical inflation, starting in 2008 

• $3 generic/$9 brand name retail pharmacy co-pay would be raised (for all retired beneficiaries and family 

members of currently serving personnel) to $5/$15, effective FY2007. 

Additional information is included under Support Adequate Funding for DHP. 

Support Adequate Funding for Defense Health Program – Continue working with Congress and DOD to ensure 

adequate funding for the Defense Health Program in order to meet readiness needs, fully fund TRICARE, and improve 

access for all beneficiaries regardless of age, status or location. 

Current Status: Before adjourning for the August recess the House passed H.R. 3222, the FY 2008 Appropriations 

legislation that provides $459.59 billion defense that includes additional funding for TRICARE ($1.9 billion) in lieu 

of fee increases and increased pharmacy co-pays for retirees under age 65, proposed by the Pentagon and opposed by 

FRA. The bill also adds money for improving DoD electronic health records. The Senate Appropriations Defense 

Subcommittee and the full Senate Appropriations Committee approved their version of the FY 2008 Defense Appropriations 

bill after the August recess. The full Senate approved the bill that will now go to Conference Committee. 

There are few differences between the Senate version and the bill the House already approved. 

Both the House and Senate passed their respective budget resolutions (H. Con. Res. 99 and S. Res. Con. 21) for FY 

2008. Both measures restore needed funding for TRICARE and reject the Administration’s request for new health 

care fees for veterans and retirees under age 65. Both chambers now must agree on a final budget resolution. FRA 

successfully argued to have Congress add $1.2 billion to the Defense Health Program and $3.6 billion for VA health 

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care in the Continuing Resolution that contained the FY 2007 budget. In addition FRA is monitoring the appropriation 

process to ensure full funding of the DoD health care budget for FY 2008 and beyond. 

FRA opposes increased TRICARE fees and co-payments for retirees under age 65 until other cost saving options are 

implemented in order to “sustain the military health benefit.” He also referenced results from the Association’s 2006 

web survey in which over 90 percent of respondents opposed the Administration’s TRICARE fee increases. More 

than 75 percent of the survey respondents said that health care benefits influenced their decision to remain in the 

military. 

Reps. Chet Edwards (TX) and Walter Jones, Jr. (NC) introduced FRA supported legislation, “The Military Retiree 

Health care Protection Act,” (H.R. 579) that would prohibit DoD from creating new fees and increasing current fees 

for TRICARE beneficiaries unless approved by Congress. The bill references key health care principles and already 

has 123 co-sponsors. Also Senators Frank Lautenberg (NJ) and Chuck Hagel (NE) have introduced “The Military 

Health Care Protection Act” (S. 604). NES Joe Barnes thanked the Senators for their leadership on this important 

issue at a press conference 15 February 2007 announcing introduction. The legislation is listed on the FRA website 

under the Action Center. 

Support Health Care Enhancements for Reservists and Family Members – Support increased access to 

TRICARE benefits for Reservists and their families. 

Current Status: A restructured TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) health care program began on 1 October 2007. 

TRS is now more affordable and simpler, with one premium level instead of the current three-tier system. Reserve 

component members may purchase health care coverage in the program which was first authorized by Congress in 

2005. Monthly premiums are now $81 for the Reservists and $253 for family coverage and TRS offers coverage 

comparable to TRICARE Standard and Extra. 

The revised program also includes expanded survivor coverage, continuous open enrollment and much more. The 

only two qualifications for TRS program are: 1) The member must be a Selected Reserve member of the Ready Reserve; 

and 2) The member must not be eligible for the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently 

covered under FEHB. 

DOD/VA Health Care Resource Sharing – Support adequate funding for Department of Defense (DOD) and Department 

of Veterans Affairs (DVA) health care resource sharing in delivering seamless, cost effective, quality services 

to personnel wounded while participating in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom, 

(OIF) other veterans, service members, reservists, military retirees and their families. 

Current Status: The House passed the FY 2008 Defense Appropriations bill (H.R. 3222) totaling $459.59 billion. 

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed an appropriations bill after the August recess. The House and Senate 

measures include money to enhance DoD electronic health records and encourages cooperation between DoD and 

VA for care of wounded warriors. 

The Senate passed “The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act” (H.R. 1538) after substituting the text of its own version 

“The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act” (S. 1606) approved 14 June by the Senate Armed Services 

Committee and adding a 3.5 percent pay raise for members of the military that would take effect 1 October 2007. 

Both are provisions of the broader Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1585) that was pulled from the Senate floor. 

“The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act” legislation establishes a comprehensive policy on the care and 

management of wounded warriors in order to facilitate and enhance their care, rehabilitation, physical evaluation, 

transition from care by the Department of Defense (DoD) to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and transition 

from military service to civilian life, was passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The bill will go back to 

the House where the House can either accept the Senate substitution or request a conference committee to resolve 

the differences between the two chambers. 

The bill would create a new system of case managers that would review and supervise medical care; advocates 

would assist with non-medical “welfare and quality of life” issues. Medical advocates would be independent health 

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professionals assigned to counsel service members whose cases are before evaluation boards. The measure would 

limit caseloads for employees in each job and would direct the Defense Department to give them more training. The 

bill also would establish a pilot program to test a more efficient way to transfer medical cases from the Defense Department 

to the VA. 

Expand Health Care Options for Retirees Under Age 65 – Expand health care alternatives including TRICARE 

Standard, TRICARE Prime Remote, and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) as options for active 

duty and military retirees under age 65 who do not have access to military treatment facilities. 

Current Status: FRA continues to promote expanded health care options for retirees. Rep. Chris van Hollen (MD) 

introduced H.R. 1222 “The Keep Our Promise to America’s Military Retirees Act” that would waive Medicare Part 

B premiums for all military retirees (and their dependents) that entered service before 7 December 1956. The bill 

would extend to all military retirees and family members the option of enrolling in FEHBP, in recognition of the lack 

of TRICARE providers in certain parts of the country. Both proposals have been listed on the FRA Action Center, 

and 190 shipmates have sent advocacy messages to the Hill supporting H.R. 1222 and 233 shipmates have sent advocacy 

messages to the Hill supporting H.R. 1223. 

Rep. Chris Van Hollen also introduced H.R. 1223 “Keeping Faith With the Greatest Generation Military Retirees 

Act” to waive the monthly Medicare premium with respect to: (1) an individual who is entitled to military retired or 

retainer pay based upon service that began before December 7, 1956; and (2) the spouse, widow, or widower of such 

individuals. Both legislative proposals remain in committee and are listed on the FRA Action Center. 

Expand Military Retiree Access to the VA Health Care System – Support legislation expanding access to VA 

hospitals and clinics and to adopt VA Medicare Subvention. Also support opportunities to expand DoD/VA joint 

facilities demonstration projects and ensure that military retirees are not forced to pay for VA care or choose between 

DoD and VA for care. 

Current Status: FRA staff participated in a press conference announcing the committee markup of the FY 2008 

House Military Construction/VA appropriations bill (H.R. 2642) that includes a significantly increased VA budget 

that is $6.7 billion above the FY 2007 level, the largest annual increase in the Department of Veterans Affairs 77 

year history, and $3.8 billion above the Administration’s request. The bill includes additional health care funding 

with emphasis on research and treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

(PTSD). The bill also provides money for more than 1100 new VA case workers to reduce the major backlog of 

claims impacting more than 400,000 veterans. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued 

a statement that if the additional spending above the Administration’s request is not offset by spending reductions 

in other programs elsewhere, other spending bills would be vetoed. The bill passed the House and Senate on a 

bi-partisan, roll call vote, and a conference committee will resolve the differences between the two versions of the 

bill. Both House and Senate bills include major increases in health care and treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

(PTSD). 

FRA strongly opposes the plan to impose a tiered enrollment fee for veterans in Priority Groups 7 and 8 within the 

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System in FY 2008. The Administration’s request also included a 

recommendation to nearly double prescription drug co-payments from $8 to $15, for a 30-day supply – a plan FRA 

also opposes. The VA FY 2008 budget includes a request for a tiered annual enrollment health care fee based on 

annual family income above $50,000 and an increase on pharmacy co-pays from $8 to $15 for Priority Group 7 and 

8 beneficiaries. Annual family income above $50,000-74,999 would require a $250 enrollment fee; $75,000-99,999 

would require $500 annual enrollment fee; and $100,000 and above would require $750 annual enrollment fee. 

There are approximately 1.3 million veterans in these Priority Groups and FRA adamantly opposes shifting costs to 

them for care they’ve earned in service to our Nation. FRA is further concerned that the revenue from these fees, 

estimated at $310 million annually, will be directed to the Treasury and will not be re-invested back into the VA. 

Managed Health Care Plans – Continue to monitor current programs to ensure the availability of best care for all 

beneficiaries. 

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Current Status: FRA staff continues to monitor current programs. Health Care Advisor Bob Washington is co-chair 

of the TMC Health Care Committee. 

Pharmaceutical Drug Benefit – Continue to monitor the pharmacy benefit and ensure that the pharmacy program 

includes a broad uniform formulary. FRA will work with DoD to encourage increased utilization of mail-order prescriptions 

to reduce co-pays for beneficiaries and reduce costs to the program to forestall increasing fees, and copayments. 

Current Status: The Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care has recommended in its interim report that 

pharmacy co-pays be increased and indexed to keep pace with health care inflation cost. FRA strongly opposes these 

proposed increases. Imposing higher health care costs on military retirees sends a powerful negative message not 

only to retirees, but to those currently serving about the value of their service to the Nation. The promise of access to 

health care benefits is an integral and long recognized part of the government’s commitment to those who have 

served our country in the past – and also those now serving our Nation in time of war. 

Bob Washington is Chairman of the Benefit Advisory Panel (BAP) that comments on the pharmacy formulary recommendations. 

The panel’s efforts are directed at ensuring that the formulary is as broad as possible, prior authorization 

requirements for obtaining non-formulary drugs and procedures for appealing decisions are communicated 

clearly to beneficiaries, and that the guidelines are administered equitably. This panel acts as an advocate for beneficiary 

concerns with TRICARE 

NES Joe Barnes testified before the Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care on 7 March 2007 and recommended 

improvements to the pharmacy benefit as detailed in Congressional testimony. 

Long Term Care – Continue monitoring the Long Term Care Insurance program administered by the Office of Personnel 

Management (OPM) for uniformed service members and gray area reservists. 

Current Status: The Leg Team is monitoring this program. 

Medical Recovery Act Reform – Eliminate a provision within the Medical Recovery Act that allows the military to 

garnish insurance and court settlements from service members and dependents injured in traffic accidents and other 

nonmilitary calamities that are not the fault of the member or dependent. 

Current Status: The Leg Team is working to raise awareness of this law and its impact on our members. 

Protect Personnel Programs 

Active Duty Pay - Secure additional annual active duty pay increases that are at least 0.5% above the Employment 

Compensation Index (ECI) along with targeted increases for mid- career and senior enlisted personnel to help close 

the pay gap between active duty and private sector pay, and work to restore the ratio of pay between junior and senior 

enlisted personnel which existed prior to the advent of the All Volunteer Force. 

Current Status: The House and Senate versions of the NDAA provide an additional 0.5 percent pay increase above 

the Administration’s request for military personnel (3.5 Percent, which is 0.5 percent above the Employment Compensation 

Index). In addition the House NDAA requires pay increases for FY 2009-2012 to be at least 0.5 percent 

the Employment Compensation Index (ECI). A Senate floor amendment is identical to the House provision to require 

pay raises for FY 2009-2012 to be at least 0.5 percent the Employment Compensation Index (ECI) that was not 

adopted. The Administration’s FY 2008 Budget includes a 3 percent across the board basic pay increase but does not 

provide for targeted pay increases for senior enlisted. FRA staff also worked with Hill staff to ensure that Coast 

Guard personnel also obtain a pay increase in FY 2008 that is equal to DoD pay increases. 

A 2.2 percent across the board basic pay increase for members of the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard that was 

enacted for FY 2007. This increase is the smallest increase since 1994. Also E-5s, E-6s and E-7s had targeted pay 

increases 1 April 2007 up to 8.14 percent. Most of these targeted pay increases are between two percent and five 

percent. 

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Effective 1 April 2007 the pay table is extended to 40 years of service from the previous 30 years of service allowing 

senior enlisted, warrant officers, and officers to stay in uniform longer. 

Education Enhancements – Improve education benefits for active duty personnel and family members, reservists, 

and veterans, plus survivors of disabled or deceased veterans who died of a service-connected disability or were 

killed on active duty. Continue to advocate for an open enrollment period for active duty personnel who did not enroll 

in the Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP) or MGIB. Encourage DOD to retain schools on military 

installations to ensure continuation of quality education for our military personnel. 

Current Status: The Senate adopted Sen. Blanche Lincoln’s (AR) amendment to the Senate NDAA to provide 10year 

portability for benefits for mobilized Reservists. Another amendment that failed would integrate the MGIB programs 

(both active and Reserve) into the VA. FRA also believes that the integration of active and Reserve force 

MGIB programs under Title 38 will improve administration for the MGIB, and be a step toward an improved “total 

force MGIB.” National President (NP) Jerry Sweeney testified before a joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs 

Committees hearing 29 March 2007 on this issue and FRA also has continued to ask that any reform include open 

enrollment for those who did not enroll in VEAP or MGIB. In addition FRA advocates the creation of a benchmark 

for the MGIB so its benefits will keep pace with the cost of an average four year college education. Service members 

should be allowed the option to enroll in MGIB upon re-enlisting. The statement is available on the FRA website 

under “Legislative” clicking “Our Legislative Agenda” and clicking on “Education Enhancements.” 

Chairman of the HASC Personnel Subcommittee, Rep. Vic Snyder (AR) has held subcommittee hearings on MGIB 

reform, and introduced “The Total Force G.I. Bill” H.R. 1102 to make MGIB benefits adequate and equitable for the 

Reserve component of the Armed Forces. Senator Blanche Lincoln introduced an identical bill in the Senate S. 644. 

The Partnership for Veterans Education is a coalition of more than 50 education, and military/veterans groups that 

includes FRA with the goal of modernizing the MGIB and supports the legislation. In 1985 Reserve and active duty 

programs were enacted into law, and at that time the Reserve MGIB benefit was at 47 percent of the active duty 

benefit. Today the Reserve benefit is only 29 percent of the same active duty benefit. 

FRA believes that the integration of active and Reserve force MGIB programs under Title 38 will improve administration 

for the MGIB. This legislation is at least a first step toward a “total force MGIB.” 

Dislocation Allowance – Work to authorize the payment of a dislocation allowance to members of the Armed 

Forces as part of their final compensation package upon retirement. 

Current Status: At the request of FRA, Rep. Thelma Drake (VA) introduced “The Military Retiree Dislocation Allowance 

Act” (H.R. 2996) to authorize the payment of a dislocation allowance for service members who are executing 

their final orders to retire or transfer to an inactive duty status. The bill applies to those with 20 or more years in 

the military moving their households to a location in excess of 50 miles from their final duty station. 

Commissaries / MWR – Oppose privatization and ensure adequate funding for the Defense Commissary Agency 

(DeCA) to preserve the value of the current benefit for all patrons, protect the exchange benefit and ensure adequate 

funding for MWR programs. 

Current Status: FRA hosted a recent briefing by the senior leadership of the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) 

for Military Coalition (TMC) organizations. The group was headed by Richard Page DeCA’s Chief Operating Officer, 

who discussed the agency’s mission, structure, funding, and benefits that DeCA augments military compensation 

providing 12 million beneficiaries savings that exceed 30 percent when compared to commercial stores. 

NES Joe Barnes is a member of the DeCA patron Council, and FRA seeks to protect access to the commissary benefit, 

and will continue to scrutinize store closures, privatization, staff reductions, or other initiatives that may diminish 

the scope and quality of the benefit. 

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Budgetary pressures, BRAC, and rebasing initiatives are impacting MWR programs and FRA is monitoring the effects 

of these pressures within the services. FRA believes that MWR programs are very important and a factor in 

maintaining morale and readiness. 

Active Duty and Reserve Component Personnel End Strengths – Track manpower levels to ensure there are an 

adequate number of personnel available to meet the demands of OIF, OEF and other operational requirements. 

Current Status: The FRA leg team welcomes the increased end strength for the Marine Corps (from 180,000 to 

189,000) but is concerned about the draw down in Navy end strength (from 340,000 to 328,000). The Coast Guard 

end strength remains constant at 45,500. 

BAH – Enhance enlisted housing standards by allowing E-7s and above to reside in separated homes. Track the Basic 

Allowance for Housing (BAH) to ensure it remains at the level of payments authorized commensurate with actual 

housing costs, as required by law. Ensure the housing privatization program remains favorable to military residents. 

Further oppose any increases in utility costs currently covered by rental payments to private contractors. 

Current Status: FRA continues to track BAH to ensure payments are commensurate with actual housing costs. On 1 

April 2007 service members experienced on average a 3.5 percent hike in BAH. That is smaller than in recent years 

and follows the end of a 5-year plan to eliminate out of pocket housing expenses. 

Reform of PCS Process – Track the implementation of improvements to the permanent change-of-station (PCS) 

process. Support the Families First HHG program and its early implementation and the continuation of adequate 

funding of the Transition and Relocation Assistance Programs. Increase the weight limit for the amount of household 

goods enlisted personnel are allowed to ship during PCS moves. 

Current Status: FRA staff attended a DoD briefing on the long-delayed full replacement value (FRV) coverage for 

military personal property shipments. The 2007 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandated FRV by 

March 2008 and DoD will provide FRV in some instances before the Congressionally mandated effective date. 

Shipments to and from overseas locations already have FRV coverage on 1 October 2007. Domestic shipments will 

be covered as of 1 November 2007 and non-temporary storage and local moves will be covered effective 1 March 

2008. 

FRA supports upgrading PCS allowances to reflect the expenses members are forced to incur in complying with 

government-directed relocations. Specifically the overwhelming majority of service families own two privatelyowned 

vehicles, driven by the financial need for the spouse to work, or the distance some families must live from an 

installation and its support services. Authority is needed to ship a second POV at government expense to overseas 

accompanied assignments. In many overseas locations, families have difficulty managing without a second family 

vehicle because family housing is often not co-located with installation support services. 

Coast Guard Parity – Ensure parity with DoD of pay and benefits for Coast Guard personnel with adequate funding 

within the U.S. Coast Guard budget. 

Current Status: FRA Leg Team is working with MCPOCG Bowen to authorize an increase in E-9 positions for the 

Coast Guard. The Senate NDAA provides for 1% to 1.25% in E-9 authorizations. MCPOCG has requested FRA 

support for parity increase in Coast Guard authorization. With 40 year retirements appearing to become a reality, not 

increasing promotion potential for the top enlisted grade could create grade stagnation. FRA is monitoring the Coast 

Guard budget as it moves through the authorization and appropriations process. Coast Guard parity with DoD personnel 

programs remains a high priority for FRA. 

Support Full Funding for the Impact Aid Program – Ensure that the Department of Education has adequate funding 

to reimburse local school districts for educating military children and that the DoD budget includes sufficient 

funds to provide support for highly impacted school districts and the continuation of the current DoD school system 

by retaining the school facilities now in its inventory. 

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Current Status: The Senate version of the FY 2008 NDAA authorizes $50 million in supplemental aid to local 

school districts including $35 million in impact aid, $5 million for educational services to severely disabled children, 

and an additional $10 million for districts experiencing rapid increases in number of students due to rebasing. The 

House NDAA authorizes $50 million for schools with at least 20% dependent population and $15 million for schools 

with rapid increase or decrease due to rebasing. The FY 2007 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Provides 

$35 million in supplemental funds to schools comprised of at least 20 percent military dependents and provides $10 

million for schools that experience significant negative or positive shifts in military dependent attendance due to 

force structure changes. The FY 2007 funding of more than $1.2 billion is identical to FY 2006 funding. 

Continue to monitor support for Sea Services recruiters – And work to ensure that they have unrestricted access 

to secondary schools, colleges and universities on the same basis as private sector employers. 

Current Status: FRA applauds the Supreme Court decision last year prohibiting colleges and universities from banning 

military recruiters on campus. This is a major step in the right direction relative to the so-called Solomon 

Amendment enacted in the mid-1990s which linked receipt of federal funding for colleges and universities to access 

to military recruiters on their campuses. FRA maintains dialog and continues as a strong supporter of Navy, Marine 

Corps, and Coast Guard recruiting programs. 

Voting Reform – Continue to monitor and seek support for improved voter participation in Federal elections and 

expedite the military mail processing of overseas ballots. 

Current Status: FRA hosted a Voting Information Teleconference on 11 October 2006 in conjunction with Absentee 

Voting Week 8-14 October. John R. Davis, FRA’s Director of Legislative Programs, hosted the teleconference 

and referenced the importance of voting and the Association’s efforts to improve voter participation in federal elections 

and monitoring efforts to expedite the processing of overseas absentee ballots. Ms. Polli Brunelli, Director, 

Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) for Department of Defense, explained how FVAP assists service members 

overseas with the voting process. According to Brunelli, voting participation of personnel in the Navy, Marine 

Corps and Coast Guard has increased significantly since the 2000 election. 

Safeguard Retiree Benefits 

SBP Paid Up Coverage – Shift the effective date for paid up coverage from 2008 to 2007. 

Current Status: The Senate approved Senator Bill Nelson’s floor amendment to the FY 2008 NDAA (H.R. 1585) to 

change the paid up date from 1 October 2008 to 1 October 2007 for those age 70 and older who have paid in 30 

years or more and eliminate the DIC offset. The House version of the NDAA does not provide any changes to the 

paid-up date. Effective 1 April 2007 the SBP annuity increased from 45% of retired pay to 50%, and will increase to 

55% 1 April 2008. FRA successfully advocated for increasing the annuity to 55% and is strongly supporting S. 935, 

sponsored by Senator Bill Nelson (FL) and H.R. 1927 sponsored by Rep. Ortiz (TX) to change the paid up date from 

1 October 2008 to 1 October 2007 for those age 70 and older who have paid in 30 years or more. 

Congress approved a provision in the FY 1999 Defense Authorization Act authorizing retired members who had 

attained age 70 and paid SBP premiums for at least 30 years to enter “paid-up SBP” status, whereby they would stop 

paying any further premiums while retaining full SBP coverage for their survivors in the event of their death. Because 

of cost considerations, the effective date of the provision was delayed until 1 October 2008. 

FRA Congressional testimony on this issue is available on the FRA webpage www.fra.org by clicking the “Legislative” 

tab at the top of the page and then clicking the underlined “FRA legislative Agenda” and than going to “SBP 

Paid up Coverage.” 

Concurrent Receipt of Military Retired Pay and Veterans’ Disability Compensation – Support legislation authorizing 

the immediate payment of concurrent receipt of full military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation 

for all disabled retirees. 

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Current Status: The House version of the 2008 NDAA expands Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) for 

personnel with fewer than 20 years but more than 15 years of service with 60 percent or greater disability rating beginning 

1 Oct. 2008. The Senate version of the 2008 NDAA expands CRSC to include medical retirees with less 

than 20 years of service, who are disabled due to combat related activities or combat training, and expands concurrent 

receipt for Individual Unemployable (IU) retroactively to 1 Jan. 2005. FRA also supports legislation authorizing 

the immediate payment of concurrent receipt of full military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation for all 

disabled retirees. Rep. Jim Marshall has introduced H.R. 333, “The Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act” that 

would provide comprehensive concurrent receipt reform that includes: 

1. Extending eligibility for combat-related special compensation (CRSC) and Concurrent Retirement and Disability 

payments (CRDP) to Chapter 61 (disability) retirees with fewer than 20 years of service; 

2. Eliminating the 10-year phase-in period for retirees with a disability rating of 50% - 90%; and those with 

service connected disabilities 

3. Extending concurrent retirement and disability payments’ (CRDP) eligibility to retirees rated less than 50%. 

FRA is tracking the work of the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission and has testified, submitted its own statement 

on this issue to the Commission and is also represented in a statement on behalf of the entire Military Coalition 

(TMC). FRA continues to strongly support full concurrent receipt for all disabled military retirees and also supports 

expanding Combat-Related Special Compensation to members who were medically compelled to retire short of 20 

years of service solely because of their combat-incurred disabilities, as envisioned in Senate Majority Leader Harry 

Reid (NV) S. 439 “The Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2007” that would permit retirees who receive serviceconnected 

disability from VA and their full retirement pay or Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). The 

bill would eliminate the phase-in period for concurrent receipt under the current law. The bill is identical to H.R. 

303, sponsored by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL). Rep. Bilirakis has also introduced H.R. 89 to extend eligibility for combat-related 

special compensation (CRSC) for those with fewer than 20 years of creditable service. FRA also supports 

ending the disability offset to retired pay immediately for otherwise-qualifying members rated as “unemployable” by 

the VA. The FY2005 Defense Authorization Act reduced the phase in period for disabled military retirees deemed 

“individual unemployable” (IU) from 2014 to 2009, and our members are extremely disappointed and perplexed that 

such undeserved discrimination will be allowed to continue for three more years. 

FRA Congressional testimony is available on the FRA webpage www.fra.org by clicking the “Legislative” tab at the 

top of the page, than clicking the underlined “FRA legislative Agenda” and than clicking on “Concurrent Receipt of 

Military Retired Pay and Veterans’ Disability Compensation.” 

Retention of Final Month’s Retired Pay at Time of Death – Support legislation authorizing the retention of the 

full final month’s retired pay by the surviving spouse (or other designated survivor) for the month in which the member 

was alive for at least 24 hours. 

Current Status: At the request of FRA, Rep. Walter Jones has introduced (H.R. 657, “The Military Retiree Survivor 

Comfort Act”) legislation authorizing the retention of the full final month’s retired pay by the surviving spouse (or 

other designated survivor) for the month in which the member was alive for at least 24 hours. The legislation is listed 

on the FRA Action Center and currently has 36 co-sponsors. 

Base Closures – Support retention of military treatment and other facilities at BRAC sites that are patronized by 

sizeable retiree and reserve populations and closely monitor the impact of proposed 2005 closures and realignments. 

Current Status: Thousands military members and families will be under great stress in the months and years ahead 

as a result of rebasing, closure, and transformation actions. But the impact extends beyond the active duty personnel 

currently assigned to the affected installations. The entire beneficiary community -Reserve, retirees, survivors, veterans, 

and others- experiences the traumatic impact of a realignment and closure actions. Support facilities are usually 

closed, and beneficiaries who relied on the base for support are forced to search elsewhere. FRA continues to stress 

the importance of considering the impact of considering the impact on all beneficiaries in closure and realignment 

initiatives. 

LEG-13

USFSPA – Encourage the introduction and enactment of legislation to eliminate inequities in the Uniformed Services 

Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA). 

Current Status: FRA staff attended a briefing on the Uniform Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA) 

at the Pentagon sponsored by Legal Assistance Policy Division, Client Services Branch that provided an overview of 

the current law and Pentagon efforts to reform it. DLP John Davis attended and stressed the fact that FRA is working 

to get a floor amendment to the Senate NDAA to make improvements to the Act. The US Supreme Court also denied 

an FRA supported petition for a Writ of Certiorari to review the constitutionality of the Uniform Services Former 

Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA). The Defense Department sent the following recommendations to staff of the 

House and Senate Armed Services Committee regarding amending the USFSPA that include several key provisions 

long supported by FRA (indicated by “*”). The DoD recommendations include: 

• Base former spouse award amount on member’s grade/years of service at the time of divorce (and not retirement)* 

• Prohibit award of imputed income while still on active duty* 

• Permit designation of multiple SBP beneficiaries* 

• Permit SBP premiums to be withheld from former spouse’s share of retired pay if directed by the court* 

• Eliminate the “10 year rule” for direct payment by DFAS 

• Repeal one-year deemed election period requirement 

• Authorize DFAS to apply COLA to dollar-specific awards if court ordered 

• Eliminate jurisdictional requirement or “forum shopping” 

• Authorize allocations of retired pay/SBP payments in single lump sum if present value is less than $5,000 

• Allow service member to waive refund of overpayments of retired pay to former spouse as a result of retroactive 

disability determination 

• Allow service member to submit application for direct payment to reduce tax liability 

• Allow service member to waive notice and provide court order upon request 

• Disregard periods of confinement for dependent’s victims of abuse 

The US Supreme Court denied an FRA supported petition for a Writ of Certiorari to review the constitutionality of 

the USFSPA. FRA is one of only a few associations supporting the petition. The Association continues to advocate 

for hearings and the introduction of legislation addressing the inequities of this law. FRA believes that USFSPA is a 

one-sided law and that Congress needs to review and amend it so that the Federal government is required to protect 

its service members against State courts that ignore its provisions. The Association believes that this law should be 

more balanced in its protection for both the service member and the former spouse. 

Military Retired or Retainer Pay COLA Equity – Fight any efforts to reduce military retired or retainer pay and 

ensure equitable cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for all military retirees. 

Current Status: FRA continues to monitor this issue and is not aware of any major threats to retiree COLAs at this 

time. 

Monitor Benefits and Programs Administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Provide emphasis on 

benefits for military retired veterans to ensure equity for these and other veterans in the administration of various VA 

programs. 

Current Status: In response to the media uproar about outpatient care at WRAMC, Chairman of the House Armed 

Forces Committee Rep. Ike Skelton (MO) introduced “The Wounded Warriors Relief Act” (H. R. 1538), to improve 

the management of medical care, personnel actions, and quality of life issues for members of the Armed Forces who 

are receiving medical care in an outpatient status. 

H.R. 1538 passed out of Committee on a unanimous vote after being amended to make the transition from DoD to 

VA a more formal and regimented procedure and to mandate that the VA increase the number of physicians at VA 

hospitals. The bill easily passed the House and passed the Senate after extensive amendments. 

LEG-14

FRA believes the veterans’ health care account should shift from discretionary to mandatory spending. FRA understands 

the jurisdictional and other challenges associated with this issue and believes that veterans’ health care is as 

important as other federal benefits funded in this manner. Regardless of the method used, the Association supports 

any efforts to help ensure full funding for VA health care to ensure care for all beneficiaries. 

Armed Forces Retirement Home – Support adequate funding for the operation of the Armed Forces Retirement 

Home’s two facilities and continue to provide adequate care for its residents. 

Current Status: The Senate adopted Senator Trent Lott’s (MS) amendment to the Senate version of the 2008 Defense 

Authorization bill (H.R. 1585) to make changes to the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) that is intended 

to stop the “civilianization” of AFRH staff by creating a new adjunct position of Chief Medical Officer 

(CMO) that reports directly to the DoD not to the COO. This also broadens the oversight with mandatory accreditation 

for all aspects care (independent living, assisted living, and long term care) to ensure improved quality of care. 

The advisory board would also include a one-star general and report directly to DoD. This amendment is in response 

to concerns mentioned in an interim GAO report on the AFRH. 

FRA hosted an Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) briefing at NHQ in April for an update on conditions at the 

Washington, D.C., campus and to learn more about the rebuilding plan for the Gulfport, Mississippi, location to be 

completed May 2010. Members of The Military Coalition (TMC) organizations attended the briefing. 

LEG-15

PROPOSED 2008 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR FRA 

FRA will fight to preserve and enhance benefits and quality-of-life programs for active, Reserve, retired, and veterans 

of the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard and their families and survivors. FRA’s legislative agenda for 2008 is 

listed below. 

Expand Health Care Options 

Oppose TRICARE Standard Enrollment Fees – FRA believes that the Defense Department has not sufficiently 

investigated other options to make TRICARE more cost-efficient as alternatives to shifting costs for TRICARE 

Standard and other health care benefits to retiree beneficiaries under age 65. 

Support Adequate Funding for Defense Health Program – Continue working with Congress and DOD to ensure 

adequate funding for the Defense Health Program in order to meet readiness needs, fully fund TRICARE, and improve 

access for all beneficiaries regardless of age, status or location. 

Support Health Care Enhancements for Reservists and Family Members – Support increased access to 

TRICARE benefits for reservists and their families. 

DOD/VA Health Care Resource Sharing – Support adequate funding for Department of Defense (DOD) and Department 

of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care resource sharing in delivering seamless, cost effective, quality services 

to personnel wounded while participating in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, other 

veterans, service members, reservists, military retirees and their families. 

Expand Health Care Options for Retirees Under Age 65 – Expand health care alternatives including TRICARE 

Standard, TRICARE Prime Remote, and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) as options for active 

duty and military retirees under age 65 who do not have access to military treatment facilities. 

Expand Military Retiree Access to the VA Health Care System – Support legislation expanding access to VA 

Hospitals and Clinics and to adopt VA Medicare Subvention. Also support opportunities to expand DOD/VA joint 

facilities demonstration projects and ensure that military retirees are not forced to pay for VA care or choose between 

DOD and VA for care. 

Managed Health Care Plans – Continue to monitor current programs to ensure the availability of best care for all 

beneficiaries. 

Pharmaceutical Drug Benefit – Continue to monitor the pharmacy benefit and ensure that the pharmacy program 

includes a broad uniform formulary. FRA will work with DoD to encourage increased utilization of mail-order prescriptions 

to reduce co-pays for beneficiaries and reduce costs to the program to forestall increasing fees, and copayments. 

Allow Military Retirees to Pay for Health Care with Pretax Dollars – Allow military retirees to pay health insurance 

premiums on a pretax basis and to allow for a tax deduction for TRICARE supplemental insurance premiums. 

(Addition) 

Protect Personnel Programs 

Active Duty Pay – Secure additional annual active duty pay increases that are at least .05% above the Employment 

Cost Index (ECI) along with targeted increases for mid-career and senior enlisted personnel to help close the pay gap 

between active duty and private sector pay. 

Education Enhancements – Improve education benefits for active duty personnel and family members, reservists, 

and veterans, plus survivors of disabled or deceased veterans who died of a service-connected disability or were 

killed on active duty. Continue to advocate for an open enrollment period for active duty personnel who did not en- 

LEG-16

oll in the Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP) or MGIB. Encourage DoD to retain schools on military 

installations to ensure continuation of quality education for our military personnel. 

Dislocation Allowance – Work to authorize the payment of a dislocation allowance to members of the Armed 

Forces as part of their final compensation package upon retirement. 

Commissaries / MWR – Oppose privatization and ensure adequate funding for the Defense Commissary Agency 

(DeCA) to preserve the value of the current benefit for all patrons, protect the exchange benefit and ensure adequate 

funding for MWR programs. 

Active Duty and Reserve Component Personnel End Strengths – Track manpower levels to ensure there are an 

adequate number of personnel available to meet the demands of OIF, OEF and other operational requirements. 

BAH – Enhance enlisted housing standards by allowing E-7s and above to reside in separate homes. Track the Basic 

Allowance for Housing (BAH) to ensure it remains at the level of payments authorized commensurate with actual 

housing costs, as required by law. Ensure the housing privatization program remains favorable to military residents. 

Further oppose any increases in utility costs currently covered by rental payments to private contractors. 

Reform of PCS Process – Track the implementation of improvements to the PCS process. Support the Families 

First HHG program and its early implementation and the continuation of adequate funding of the Transition and Relocation 

Assistance Programs. Increase the weight limit for the amount of household goods enlisted personnel are 

allowed to ship during PCS moves. 

Predatory Lending Protections – Ensure that active duty personnel and their dependents have adequate protections 

against predatory lenders who target military personnel and their families. 

Coast Guard Parity – Ensure parity with DOD of pay and benefits for Coast Guard personnel with adequate funding 

within the U.S. Coast Guard budget. 

Support Full Funding for the Impact Aid Program – Ensure that the Department of Education has adequate funding 

to reimburse local school districts for educating military children and that the DOD budget includes sufficient 

funds to provide support for highly impacted school districts and the continuation of the current DoD school system 

by retaining the school facilities now in its inventory. 

Continue to monitor support for Sea Services recruiters – And work to ensure that they have unrestricted access 

to secondary schools, colleges and universities on the same basis as private sector employers. 

Voting Reform – Continue to monitor and seek support for improved voter participation in Federal elections and 

expedite the military mail processing of overseas ballots. 

Safeguard Retiree Benefits 

SBP Paid Up Coverage – Shift the effective date for paid up coverage from 2008 to 2007. 

Concurrent Receipt of Military Retired Pay and Veterans’ Disability Compensation – Support legislation authorizing 

the immediate payment of concurrent receipt of full military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation 

for all disabled retirees. 

Retention of Final Month’s Retired Pay at Time of Death – Support legislation authorizing the retention of the 

full final month’s retired pay by the surviving spouse (or other designated survivor) for the month in which the member 

was alive for at least 24 hours. 

Base Closures – Support retention of military treatment and other facilities at BRAC sites that are patronized by 

sizeable retiree and reserve populations and closely monitor the impact of closures and realignments. 

LEG-17

USFSPA – Encourage the introduction and enactment of legislation to eliminate inequities in the Uniformed Services 

Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA). 

Military Retired or Retainer Pay COLA Equity – Fight any efforts to reduce military retired or retainer pay and 

ensure equitable cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for all military retirees. 

Monitor Benefits and Programs Administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Advocate for benefit 

enhancements for Sea Service and military retirees to ensure equity for these and other beneficiaries in the administration 

of various VA programs. 

Armed Forces Retirement Home – Support adequate funding for the operation of the Armed Forces Retirement 

Home’s two facilities and continue to provide adequate care for its residents. FRA strongly supports the rebuilding 

of the Armed Forces Retirement Home at Gulfport, previously known as the U.S. Naval Home. 

LEG-18


ON MEMBERSHIP AND RETENTION 



Shipmate National President Sweeney, and members of the FRA. 

It is my privilege to render my first annual report of the National Committee on Membership and Retention assisted 

by former DMD Bob Washington. I assumed the chair’s position as of September 1, 2007 after commencing work at 

the FRA Headquarters Staff as of July 30, 2007. I am a retired Chief Petty Officer from the United States Coast 

Guard Reserve and possess several years’ business experience in human resources management and development as 

well as community outreach. Bob Washington has transitioned his role as DMD over to me and he is now the Manager-Outreach 

Programs. His overall responsibilities will be to enhance communications and awareness of FRA programs, 

establish partner relations with Fleet, Force, CNO-Directed, Command and other active/reserve senior leaders, 

develop close partnership with the healthcare contractors in order to disseminate information about changes in 

coverage and/or fees, develop a FRA Speaker’s Bureau for presenters to participate as various events, establish partnerships 

with family service centers, Transitional Assistance Program (TAP) classes, as well as local branches to 

assist with recruiting efforts. 

MEMBERSHIP TRENDS 

The Fleet Reserve Association has experienced a decrease in membership for the 2006-07 membership year. The 

membership on 31 March 2007 stood at 98,629 as compared to 104,889 on 31 March 2006. In simple mathematics 

this is a decrease of 6,260 members. Of this total, 97,776 were members in good standing. This means 853 members 

were past due in remitting their membership dues. 

Our number one challenge continues to be membership retention. Non-payment of dues was the number one reason 

for non-renewals. Last year we recruited approximately 3,619 new and reinstated members of which 1,377 were retirees, 

975 active duty/ reserves, and 596 veterans. On the flip side, 10762 members were lost last year. This number 

included deaths, 8,531 retirees, which 6,381 were over 65, and 2,056 were under 65, 1,815 active duty/reserve and 

17 veterans. In January 2007, we reported in order to sustain an even or a positive gain, we must recruit 900 new 

and/or reinstated members, and stay below 500 non-payment of dues members. In July 2006, we established the 

“Bring’em Back Call Program.” This initiative was a variation of PNP George Kaye’s Member-Get-A-Member Program. 

There were 1200 calls completed to MALs since July of 2006; 119 non-renewed members paid their dues, 

which showed a 9.9% response rate. In April 2007, 101 MAL shipmates were contacted and 45 paid their dues, 

which was a 44.5% response rate. This program reinforces the importance of personal contact and outreach efforts, 

which can also prove to be successful at the branch level, if instituted. 

There are instructions on the website as to how to download the Non Payment of Dues (NPD) list. National President 

Sweeney has been provided with this list to brief branches on his visits throughout the Association. Regional 

Presidents received this list monthly on the branches in their respective Regions, and we have added phone numbers 

to the branch reports to call-em back. If we can get the branches involved in the call program, the response rate 

would be vastly improved. We have completed several tasks in our marketing efforts. We updated our website, 

changed the name of our magazine, revised our brochures and recruiting materials, and extended our outreach efforts. 

The Director of Membership Development is the permanent Chairman of the National Committee on Membership & 

Retention. There are nine additional members, one from each region. A member’s term is three years. There are 

three members replaced or reappointed each year by the incoming National President. The primary duty of this 

committee is to advise ways and means of increasing FRA membership, improving membership retention and publicizing 

the aims and purposes of the FRA among eligible potential members. 

The Membership & Retention Committee meets monthly by conference call to discuss membership issues and initiatives. 

The Committee members by regions are: 

M&R-1

DMD Penny Collins, Chairman, Branch 24, East Coast (Effective 9/1/07) 

RPEC Bob Washington, Chairman, Branch 181, East Coast (Through 8/31/07) 

PRPNE Bill Reese, Branch 1, Northeast, (3 yrs) 

PRPSC Jerry Hobson, Branch 282, South Central, (3 yrs) 

PRPSW Gus Hermes, Branch 61, Southwest, (3 yrs) 

PRPNC Pat J. Farvour, Branch 180, North Central, (2 yrs) 

PRPNEng John Kotheimer, Branch 338, New England, (1 yr) 

Shipmate Cardell E. Campbell, Branch 67, East Coast, (2 yrs) 

Shipmate Art Archer, Branch 261, West Coast, (2 yrs) 

Shipmate Michael Wilson, Branch 103, Northwest, (1 yr) 

Shipmate Charles A. Hines, Branch 269, Southeast, (1 yr) 

NES Joe Barnes, Branch 181, East Coast (Advisor) 

The Membership & Retention Committee and the Staff at the National Headquarters can not do it alone. It is going 

to take a team effort from all members of the FRA to make a serious concentrated effort to recruit members into the 

Association and to stop the continuous downward trend in members. 

MEMBERSHIP AND RETENTION COMMITTEE ADDITIONAL REPORTS 

This report contains two enclosures that are pertinent to this report. It is requested you take the time to read these 

enclosures and familiarize yourselves with the information contained therein. 

The enclosures are: 

1. Fourth Quarter 2006-07 Membership Report (Including Transfers from MAL, Branch 

Voting Strength, and Assignment to Membership Groups) as of 31 March 2007. 

2. A listing, by branch, of members who passed away during the period 1 April 2006 

through 31 March 2007. 

TYPE 

Regular Dues Paying 

Life 

Disability 

Honorary 

Over Age 90 

50 Plus Years 

Medal of Honor 

Total 

COMPOSITION OF FRA MEMBERSHIP BY MEMBER TYPE 

NUMBER OF MEMBERS 

M&R-2 

90,502 

6,008 

154 

152 

25 

1,269 

11 

98,629 

ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS 

YEAR END USN USMC USCG TOTALS 

PERCENTAGE OF MEMBERS 

TOTAL 

MEMBERSHIP 

91.760% 

6.092% 

0.156% 

0.154% 

0.025% 

1.287% 

0.011% 

93.932% 

PERCENTAGE 

ACTIVE 

DUTY 

1979 34,687 2,490 422 37,599 147,609 25.47 

1980 34,699 2,287 414 37,400 147,934 25.28 

1981 33,565 2,231 396 36,192 147,908 24.47

YEAR END USN USMC USCG TOTALS 

M&R-3 

TOTAL 

MEMBERSHIP 

PERCENTAGE 

ACTIVE 

DUTY 

1982 25,730 1,681 338 27,749 156,191 17.77 

1983 25,635 1,590 406 27,631 157,829 17.51 

1984 26,288 1,629 263 28,180 162,422 17.35 

1985 25,036 1,546 273 26,855 167,709 16.01 

1986 23,636 1,410 330 25,376 163,610 15.51 

1987 22,268 1,282 345 23,895 156,114 15.31 

1988 22,595 1,296 438 24,329 150,535 16.16 

1989 23,609 1,381 565 25,555 153,207 16.68 

1990 23,306 1,342 684 25,332 154,657 16.38 

1991 22,375 1,274 712 24,361 151,398 16.09 

1992 22,708 1,413 917 25,038 152,886 16.38 

1993 17,436 1,129 952 19,517 170,786 11.43 

1994 13,419 741 799 14,959 164,076 9.12 

1995 11,647 609 932 13,188 160,951 8.19 

1996 10,314 565 717 11,596 158,109 7.33 

1997 9,276 532 601 10,409 163,137 6.38 

1998 8,402 502 565 9,469 158,330 5.98 

1999 8,794 599 585 9,978 154,638 6.45 

2000 8,662 590 561 9,813 150,944 6.50 

2001 8,347 579 566 9,492 145,352 6.53 

2002 7,506 543 513 8,562 139,157 6.15 

2003 6,467 446 441 7,354 131,667 5.58 

2004 6,149 413 422 6,984 124,325 5.62 

2005 Unavailable (*) 114,858 

2006 4,507 292 323 5,122 105,000 4.88 

2007 4,068 311 289 4,668 98,629 4.73 

(*) Data was not captured as of 31 March 2005 - iMIS related.

FRA MEMBERS WITH 60 OR MORE YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP 

(As of 31 March 2007) 

NAME BRANCH DATE JOINED FRA 

69 YEARS 

John H. Vandenbos 010 l February 1938 

67 YEARS 

William R. Thrift MAL l November 1940 

66 YEARS 

Clifford A. Chaffee 043 1 February 1941 

James P. Morrison 009 1 July 1941 

John Taras 002 1 December 1941 

65 YEARS 

Peter C. O’Conner 009 1 January 1942 

Harry R. Anderson 047 1 May 1942 

William J. Cusick 003 1 October 1942 

64 YEARS 

George M. Pearson MAL 1 August 1943 

Roy A. Teal 043 1 October 1943 

Carl J. Marble MAL 1 November 1943 

Glade Manwill MAL 1 November 1943 

63 YEARS 

James F. Terrell 001 1 February 1944 

John D. LeRoy 093 1 February 1944 

Michele Pastore 009 1 July 1944 

62 YEARS 

Jarrell M. Agee 009 1 February 1945 

Leonard L. Purifoy 091 1 February 1945 

Edwin Schalbert 101 1 February 1945 

Michel Miller 043 1 March 1945 

Henry R. Griffin, Jr. MAL 1 June 1945 

Richard F. Herriman 010 1 July 1945 

R.E. Wachter 043 1 September 1945 

Pete Lisko 024 1 October 1945 

Raymond Barton MAL 1 December 1945 

Henry R. Harpe 024 1 December 1945 

Cleo E. Peterson 069 1 December 1945 

Kenneth E. Milke 113 1 December 1945 

Eugene K. Messersmith 347 1 December 1945 

M&R-4

61 YEARS 

August Egri 009 1 January 1946 

Stanley Tryzbiak 117 1 January 1946 

Glen Atkins 061 1 January 1946 

Arthur Page 102 1 January 1946 

Marshall McSpadden 060 1 January 1946 

Joseph Wiczus MAL 1 February 1946 

Cletus Prieur 043 1 February 1946 

Peter Chang 048 1 February 1946 

Rupert Howell 004 1 February 1946 

Frank Kurtz 004 1 February 1946 

Ralph Johnson 101 1 March 1946 

Ernest Stahlberg 008 1 March 1946 

Ray Dustrude 151 1 April 1946 

Edward Nickelatti 043 1 April 1946 

Kenneth Goodale 067 1 April 1946 

Jack Barr 245 1 April 1946 

Francis Baglioni 006 1 May 1946 

Herbert Zobel 029 1 May 1946 

Roland Stack 022 1 May 1946 

Richard Law 090 1 May 1946 

William Gardner MAL 1 May 1946 

Noah Booth 147 1 May 1946 

Joseph Carlsen MAL 1 May 1946 

John Yedinak 124 1 May 1946 

Leroy Hirni 097 1 May 1946 

Charley Odom 194 1 June 1946 

Owen Brown 061 1 June 1946 

William Coffey 020 1 July 1946 

Dean Benoy 068 1 July 1946 

Michael Prawlocki 051 1 August 1946 

John Childs 020 1 September 1946 

George Flanders 009 1 September 1946 

L Latouche MAL 1 September 1946 

Roy Brown 113 1 October 1946 

Eugene Lake 004 1 October 1946 

Royal Lester 043 1 November 1946 

George Thomas 008 1 November 1946 

Robert Hawkins 347 1 November 1946 

John Johnson 096 1 December 1946 

Martin Germonto MAL 1 December 1946 

60 YEARS 

Fred Ivey MAL 1 January 1947 

Glen Smith 096 1 February 1947 

Lehman Bryant 009 1 February 1947 

Mancel May 191 1 February 1947 

Robert Haigler 123 1 March 1947 

J Ballman MAL 1 April 1947 

Sam Goodman 274 1 April 1947 

Frank Adamich 174 1 May 1947 

Victor Miranda 009 1 May 1947 

Larry Barr 004 1 May 1947 

M&R-5

Frank Baldino 366 1 May 1947 

James Thomas 061 1 July 1947 

Theodore Watson MAL 1 July 1947 

Arthur Christoff 009 1 July 1947 

Jessie Dye 009 1 July 1947 

James Vorhes 313 1 July 1947 

Theodore Sanderson MAL 1 August 1947 

MEMBERSHIP AWARDS 

2006-07 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE ’06 AWARDS 

FRA’s 2006-2007 Membership Award Program closed as of 31 March 2007. Recruiting award winners were selected 

from the 785 Shipmates and Ladies who recruited members during the past year. 

1 st Prize ($400) 

Karl W. Zuege, Branch 235 

2 nd Prize ($300) 

Michael P. Norman, Branch 46 

3 rd Prize ($200) 

Michael T. Wilson 103 

4 th through 10th Prizes 

5 Years Paid Membership Dues 

in FRA or LA FRA 

Ralph A. Preston, Branch 99 

Edward J. Nutick, Branch 94 

Kenneth Carter, Branch 24 

George N. Kollarik, Branch 124 

Paul J. Hendry, Branch 290 

James Hammond, Branch 283 

George N. Dorsey, Branch 24 

GOLD LAPEL BUTTON AWARD 

Any member of the Fleet Reserve Association or Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association who recruits ten 

new or reinstated members for the Fleet Reserve Association shall be presented with a Gold Lapel emblem of the 

Fleet Reserve Association, a Gold Membership Card, and a Letter of Commendation signed by the National President. 

The Gold Lapel Button Award was presented to the following during the 2006-07 membership year: 

NAME BR/UNIT NAME BR/UNIT 

Coy L. Gillenwater 162 Lori L. Dearth 070 

SILVER ANCHOR SQUADRON AWARD 

Any member of the Fleet Reserve Association or Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association who recruits 

fifty new or reinstated members for the Fleet Reserve Association subsequent to 13 September 1974 shall be presented 

with a Silver Anchor Squadron Award Pin, Silver Anchor Squadron Certificate and a Letter of Commendation 

signed by the National President. 

M&R-6

The following members qualified for and was awarded the Silver Squadron Award during the 2006-07 Membership 

Year: 

AWARD NO. DATE ISSUED RECIPIENT BR/UNIT 

None None None None 

THE INDIVIDUAL AND BRANCH CHARLES E. LOFGREN AWARDS 

The Charles E. Lofgren Awards for excellence in FRA membership recruiting is to perpetuate and honor the memory 

of our late National Secretary, Charles E. Lofgren. 

There are ten Charles E. Lofgren Awards, five for individual top recruiters and five for the top FRA branches in recruiting. 

They are awarded to individual recruiters and branches in each of the Association’s five membership 

groups. The individual awards consist of a commemorative watch. The branch award is a ship’s bell mounted on a 

handsome base. The recipients are determined at the national convention each year. The 2006-07 recipients for the 

individual Charles E. Lofgren awards were: 

Group I: George N. Dorsey Jr., Annapolis Branch 24 (36 members) 

Group II: Richard Moriarty, B. Duke Woody Branch 147 (31 members) 

Group III: Dale P. Kaiser, Detroit Branch 27 (8 members) 

Group IV: PNP George Hyland, Niantic Branch 237 (10 members) 

Group V: Michael Bevill, Lone Star Branch 11 (19 members) 

The FRA branches that received the Branch Charles E. Lofgren Awards: 

Group I: Goose Creek Branch 269, Goose Creek, South Carolina 

(17.18% recruiting gain with a 13.06% suspension loss) 

Group II: Yokosuka Branch 103, Yokosuka, Japan 

(78.93% recruiting gain with 21.27% suspension loss) 

Group III: St Andrews Bay branch 346, Panama City Beach, Florida 


Group IV: Putnam Country Branch 183, Interlachen, Florida 


Group V: Green Mountain Branch 235, Rutland, Vermont 

(24.19% recruiting gain with 5% suspension loss) 

Our sincerest congratulations to the hard working and deserving Charles E. Lofgren Award recipients. Their individual 

and collective endeavors in membership promotion and retention are deeply appreciated. 

THE ABRAHAM M. ROSENBERG MEMBERSHIP AWARD 

From the five branches winning the Charles E. Lofgren Award, one branch is selected for its achievements in outstanding 

membership promotion. Shipmate Abraham M. Rosenberg served as National President in 1934-35. He was 

a member of Cleveland Branch 17 and is credited with establishing the Association’s financial stability in the late 

1930’s. Yokosuka Branch 103, Yokosuka, Japan, was selected as the Abraham M. Rosenberg Award recipient. 

FRANK J. McPHERSON MEMORIAL AWARD 

This award is competitively awarded by the National Convention Membership and Retention Committee to one 

shipmate who exemplifies the three Cardinal Principles of the Fleet Reserve Association, especially in membership 

endeavors. The shipmate selected must have expended extensive effort towards the overall growth of the Fleet Reserve 

Association. The selectee need not necessarily be a top recruiter, but an individual who has maintained a positive 

public attitude as it affects the membership and retention of members of the Association. Names of qualified 

nominees for this award, accompanied by an affidavit supporting the nomination may be submitted by branches, to 

M&R-7

the respective Regional Chairman, Membership and Retention Committee not later than 30 June. Regional Presidents 

shall forward their region’s nominee, along with supporting documents, to the Chairman, National Committee 

on Membership and Retention not later than 7 days prior to the convening of the national convention. (The deadline 

for 2007 is 23 October.) 

FRA 100% AWARD 

At the 68th National Convention in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, this committee was tasked to initiate a new award for 

excellence in membership retention. The FRA 100% Award is awarded to each branch who maintains the same 

membership total or increases their branch membership by one or more members from 1 April through 31 March of 

the following year. This total must indicate the branch has maintained or increased total members on board overcoming 

deaths and suspensions. In addition, those members transferred into the branch from the Membership-at-Large 

rolls are not included in the retention figures. Only those branch whose membership was the same or increased by 

one or more through normal recruiting and retention efforts will be recognized. 

The results of this program by year are as follows: 

1995-96 - 41 branches 

1996-97 - 38 branches 

1997-98 - 40 branches 

1998-99 - 55 branches 

1999-00 - 63 branches 

2000-01 - 59 branches 

2001-02 - 74 branches 

2002-03 - 40 branches 

2003-04 - 50 branches 

2004-05 - 22 branches 

2005-06 - 53 branches 

2006-07 - 46 branches 

Of the 283 branches, 46 branches (16.25%) qualified for the Award for 2006-07. Those branches qualifying with 

percentage recruiting gain are as follows: 

GROUP I 

(1 of 9 Branches 11.11%) 

Goose Creek Branch 269 – 17.18% - Southeast Region 

GROUP II 

(4 of 27 Branches – 14.81%) 

Yokosuka Branch 103 – 78.93% - Northwest Region 

Corpus Christi Branch 94 – 7.37% - South Central Region 

Tom Vallee Branch 93 – 3.18% - East Coast Region 

Atlanta Branch 89 – 0.46% - South East Region 

GROUP III 

(1 of 41 Branches – 02.43%) 

St Andrews Bay branch 346 – 3.19% - Southeast Region 

M&R-8

GROUP IV 

(3 of 68 Branches – 04.41%) 

Putnam County Branch 183 – 6.61% - Southeast Region 

Indianapolis Memorial Branch 130 – 3.01% - North Central Region 

Baton Rouge Branch 371 – 2.29% - South Central Region 

GROUP V 

(37 of 137 Branches 27.01%) 

Green Mountain Branch 235 – 24.19% - New England Region 

Davenport Iowa Branch 242 – 15.00% - North Central Region 

Cheyenne Branch 59 – 13.92% - North West Region 

Lone Star Branch 11 – 13.41% - South Central Region 

Dagupan City Branch 247 – 12.90% - North West Region 

Grand Strand Branch 254 – 12.50% - Southeast Region 

Hangtown Branch 275 – 12.22% West Coast Region 

Air Capitol Branch 241 – 11.84% - North Central Region 

Fayetteville NC Branch 259 – 11.36% - East Coast Region 

Upper Peninsula Branch 138 – 10.34% - North Central Region 

Tennessee Valley Branch 44 – 9.09% - Southeast Region 

Calusa Branch 118 – 9.09% - Southeast Region 

Miagao Branch 64 – 8.11% - Northwest Region 

San Angelo Branch 295 – 6.67% - South Central Region 

Slidell Branch 222 – 6.49% - South Central Region 

Ft Wayne Branch 348 – 5.41% - North Central Region 

Bicol Region Branch 127 – 5.26% - Northwest Region 

Green Valley Branch 77 – 4.69% - Southwest Region 

USS Idaho Branch 133 – 4.41% - Northwest Region 

Bluegrass Branch 284 – 4.35% - North Central Region 

Chattanooga Choo Choo Branch 187 – 3.85% - Southeast Region 

Bedford Springs Branch 87 – 3.57% - New England Region 

Mohave County Branch 260 – 3.37% - Southwest Region 

Colo-Wyo Border Branch 21 – 2.44% - West Coast Region 

Baguio City Branch 154 – 2.22% - Northwest Region 

Colorado West Branch 244 – 2.17% - West Coast Region 

Lewis Clark Valley Branch 63 – 2.04% - Northwest Region 

Sarasota Branch 250 – 1.92% - Southeast Region 

Capital Olympia Branch 191 – 1.75% - Northwest Region 

Golden Empire Branch 26 – 0.00% - Southwest Region 

Antietam Branch 142 – 0.00% - East Coast Region 

Southern Luzon Branch 171 – 0.00% - Northwest Region 

Gainesville Branch 179 – 0.00% - Southeast Region 

Peoria Branch 221 – 0.00% - North Central Region 

Ozark Branch 227 – 0.00% - South Central Region 

Volusia County Branch 335 – 0.00% - Southeast Region 

M&R-9

BRANCH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 

NEW BRANCHES CHARTERED 

(1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007) 

BRANCH NO. LOCATION REGION AUTHORIZATION 

283 Elsmere, KY North Central NBR 63-06 of 18 September 2006 

BRANCHES THAT MERGED 

(1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007) 

Branch 213 - Tara Branch (Southeast Region) merged with Atlanta Branch 089 by 

NBR 28-06 of 13 April 2006 (53 members transferred) 

Branch 125 - East Bay Branch (West Coast Region) merged with Vallejo Branch 08 by 

NBR 54-06 of 28 July 2006 (28 members transferred) 

Branch 002 - Schuyler S. Pyle Branch (Northeast Region) merged with Staten Island Branch 226 by 

NBR 64-06 of 18 September 2006 (128 members transferred) 

BRANCHES SURRENDERING CHARTER 

(1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007) 

Branch 231 - Memphis, TN, Charter Surrendered by NBR 29-06 of 31 March 2006 

(197 members transferred to MAL) 

Branch 157 - Yuma, AZ, charter surrendered by NBR 37-06 of 19/20 May 2006 


BRANCH CHARTER SUSPENDED 

(1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007) 

Branch 40 - Chesapeake, VA (East Coast Region) by NBR 36-06 of 19/20 May 2006 

Branch 103 - Yokosuka, JA (Northwest Region) by NBR 57-06 of 18 September 2006 

Branch 111 - Batangas, PI (Northwest Region) by NBR 58-06 of 18 September 2006 

Branch 154 - Baguio City, PI (Northwest Region) by NBR 59-06 of 18 September 2006 

Branch 374 - Salem, OR, (Northwest Region) by NBR 60-06 of 18 September 2006 

Branch 232 - Cape May, NJ (Northeast Region) by NBR 61-06 of 18 September 2006 

BRANCH CHARTER SUSPENSION LIFTED 

(1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007) 

Branch 40 - Chesapeake, VA (East Coast Region) by NBR 52-06 of 11 July 2006 

Branch 154 - Baguio City, PI (Northwest Region) by NBR 13-07 of 6 October 2006 

Branch 103 - Yokosuka, JA (Northwest Region) by NBR 14-07 of 6 October 2006 

Branch 374 - Salem, OR, (Northwest Region) by NBR 18-07 of 31 January 2007 

M&R-10

BRANCH CHARTER REVOKED 

(1 April 2006 - 31 March 2007) 

Branch 82 - Manila, PI (Northwest Region) by NBR 56-06 of 18 September 2006. 


GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS 

The FRA is comprised of nine geographical regions. As of 31 March 2007 there were 273 FRA branches throughout 

the nine regions. The number of branches in each region is as follows: 

North Central: 48 West Coast: 26 

Southeast: 49 South Central: 24 

East Coast: 37 Northeast: 22 

Northwest: 37 New England: 16 

Southwest: 27 

FRA’S OPERATION FRA ’07-’08 

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM 

FRA kicked off its new 2007-08 Membership Award Program on 1 April 2007. The Program is referred to as Operation 

FRA ’07-’08 Membership Program. This promotion will run from 1 April 2007 and will terminate on 31 March 

2008. All one needs to do to qualify for the award is: (1) Recruit three new or reinstated members and receive the 

Operation FRA ’07-’08 lapel pin along with one entry in the FRA ‘08 drawing. (2) Submit the dues and membership 

application to: FRA, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2754. (3) You do not need to hold the applications, 

we will track them for you. Once you have earned the award, re-qualifying will earn additional entries, i.e., recruiting 

additional new or reinstated members, after the initial three, earns you an additional entry, in the drawing, for 

each. (4) BONUS-Recruit a total of 32 new or reinstated shipmates and receive a free lifetime membership in FRA! 

(Current life members will receive a $200.00 cash prize for recruiting 32 new/reinstated members.) 

As this report is written, through the efforts of the shipmates in the FRA and the ladies in the LA FRA, we have 

1702 new or reinstated members. 

The complete details of the program were in the April 2007 issue of FRA Today. 

M&R-11 


PENNY COLLINS 

Chairman 

Shipmate National President, this concludes my report and I move that it be received.

BRANCH 1 (11) 

GEORGE L. CARLIN 

William O. Braxton 

Elmer Chorba 

Laureto A. Farinas 

James W. Hairston 

Daniel F. McDade 

Thomas J. Moore 

William C. Nikovits 

Thomas J. Travis 

William C. Weber 

Stephen P. Yorden 

John W. Zaengle 

BRANCH 3 (8) 

USS CONSTITUTION 

Donald E. Bush 

Guido Cardinelli 

Abbott G. Davis 

Edna F. Ebbs 

Clifford F. Ennis 

Edward P. Kornotowski 

Charles Walter Ross 

Stanley L. Spangler 

BRANCH 4 (10) 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

Richard J. Chenoweth 

George J. Daley 

Fred W. Evans 

Lenora I. Kitts 

Jaroam Price 

William C. Shalag 

Paul R. Spencer 

Donald L. Stillson 

Simeon B. Terpak 

Arthur R. Tintorri 

BRANCH 5 (17) 

NORFOLK 

John W. Blair 

Angel C. Dajon 

Jackson E. Ellis 

Rufo G. Estaris 

John C. Herubin 

Irving E. Hughes 

Thomas A. Imeson, Jr. 

Emmett K. Jennings 

Paul R. Myers, Jr. 

Ray H. Nelson 

Claude Porter 

IN MEMORIAM 

William Rainey 

Richard R. Saburn 

Anthony J. Scarangella 

Ralph W. Shook 

Benjamin N. Sikes 

Jose Solis 

BRANCH 6 (13) 

BALTIMORE 

Frank V. Bolla 

John R. Burt 

Roseanne Caruso 

Frank E. Cashman 

Martin Crane 

Charles W. Diehl 

Mark J. Dondero 

Emanuel Fox 

Stanley G. Garty 

Vernon M. Kershaw 

Jean M. Sauerwald 

Lloyd B. Spencer 

Louis A. Wood 

BRANCH 7 (1) 

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. 

Donald M. Anderson 

BRANCH 8 (18) 

VALLEJO 

John M. Beaton 

Henry V. Bouscaren, Jr. 

Junior L. Carey 

George P. Czifro 

Robert E. Dowd 

Raymond W. Egbert 

Norman C. Frid 

Leo E. Graff 

William E. Herig 

Richard W. Kistler 

Thomas B. Kuykendall 

Walter I. Libby 

John D. Pasini 

Ralph D. Patton 

Kenneth W. Pierce 

Harold J. Skov 

Howard T. Varley 

Edward O. Watson 

BRANCH 9 (61) 

SAN DIEGO 

Eduardo C. Abuyen 

D-1 

Terrance W. Andrews 

Leonard J. Breen 

Alvin R. Brooks 

Cois G. Burchett 

James H. Calder 

John Chrzan 

Albert R. Clinton 

Douglas W. Coleman 

John A. Cormier 

Donald G. Disney 

August Egri 

Walter G. Erickson 

Floyd T. Estes 

Lowell D. Farris 

Roy Gale 

Willie R. Gallimore 

Walter Gardon 

Eugene D. Garner 

Grover L. Handley 

Michael C. Haney 

John H. Harshbarger 

Forrest M. Haynes 

Edwin W. Holmes 

Arthur R. Holtry 

Jesse R. Jackson 

Walter L. Knight 

Gaines H. Knight 

Frank Kulischak 

Jeset S. Lazo 

Franklin H. Lehr 

Thomas M. Lester 

James H. Longest 

James R. Lord 

James K. Lovsted 

George L. Markle 

Harold L. Masden 

Carl H. Matteson 

John G. Moore 

James H. Nieuwenhuis 

Otis C. Novell 

Oscar W. Olsen 

Bennie C. Page 

William J. Phillips 

Eugene C. Price 

Antonio Regalado 

Francis H. Richardson 

William R. Schultz 

William Simmons 

Carl D. Sowell 

Joseph J. Spinello 

Ira E. Strahl

Douglas Tice 

Leonard V. Tomlin 

Charles A. VanHise 

Louis Vothelin 

H. D. Warden 

George W. Williams 

Roscoe Williams 

Jacob J. Yost 

Robert J. Young 

BRANCH 10 (14) 

OAKLAND/SAN LEANDRO 

Vicente R. Academia 

Dudley A. Colloran 

Robert D. Humphrey 

George G. Lawless 

Lyle M. Maraccini 

Darrell H. Murphy 

George S. Nilsson 

Frederick L. Painter 

Richard D. Peoples 

Walter N. Poindexter 

Myron A. Solversen 

Cecil D. Thomas 

David J. Vincent 

BRANCH 11 (1) 

LONE STAR 

Freddie W. McMeans 

BRANCH 12 (3) 

CHICAGO 

Granville E. Erickson 

George B. Owen, Jr. 

Roger K. Smith 

BRANCH 13 (3) 

ATLANTIC CITY 

Robert Cleveland 

William G. Higdon 

Carroll J. Hinton 

BRANCH 14 (8) 

MILWAUKEE 

John H. Foley 

Robert A. Getty 

William C. Haynes 

Edward G. Kotschi 

William H. Lunn 

John W. Perry 

Herman J. Rader 

William Starr 

BRANCH 15 (2) 

THE LELAND ALEXANDER 

MEMORIAL GOLDEN 

CORNER 

Dee L. Combs 

Robert W. Lecroy 

BRANCH 17 (4) 

CLEVELAND 

Lynn Keck 

Lester T. O’Brien 

Raymond C. Richards 

Thomas W. Urick 


SEATTLE 

Thomas W. Arata 

Gerard Barta 

Dale R. Bradley 

Lloyd H. Brown 

William C. Carbaugh 

Leslie J. Click 

Ronald J. Cook 

Elbert B. Cornelison 

Russell A. Davis 

William W. Dodson 

Andrew J. Espinoza 

Robert F. Frederick 

Eugene R. Garrow 

Frederick E. Gloede 

Clifford F. Hester 

Robert E. Holt 

Joseph C. Howard 

Norman F. Johnson 

Donald J. Major 

Harvey E. Markley 

John M. McFarland 

Marian E. McNamara 

Keith W. Morey 

Phillip G. Poeppel 

Joseph Popp 

Bernard F. Rossman 

Lester D. Thompson 

William F. Vance 

Earl Walker 

Ernest B. Williams 

John Woloszyn 


NEWPORT 

Thomas B. Archambault 

Damien Blanchette 

William R. Bower 

John C. Clark 

Douglas W. Demoss 

D-2 

Joseph P. Dermody 

Paul E. Lee 

Allen R. McGuire, Sr. 

Jeremiah P. Murphy 

Dennis L. Selleck 

Earl J. Taylor 

William F. Wilkins 


GROTON 

Brian E. Burger 

Anthony Cherwa 

William S. Eck 

Albert A. Ferris 

John Flatley 

Edward M. Gulowsen 

Melvin Heisser 

Richard E. Hincken 

Bobby G. Hodges 

Joseph J. Holmes 

Roderick C. Huggan 

Raymond E. King 

James D. Lemerlin 

Walter E. Mitchell 

Peter Piazza 

Daniel J. Westhusin 


PENSACOLA 

Benjamin S. Adams 

Thomas J. Andreola 

Floyd B. Athow 

Harold K. Bechtel 

James L. Bland 

Roy K. Brooks 

Alvin D. Bruce 

Maxwell Burke 

Charles E. Cephas 

Victor Christine 

Leo O. Davenport 

Peter H. Derby 

Herbert L. Dobbins 

Quentin L. Dolbier 

James D. Elder 

Jesse A. Fairley 

Robert R. Goens 

Kenneth H. Guild 

Milton P. Hebert 

A. J. Holder 

Sidney E. Hull 

Fred W. Jordan 

Stanley A. Kijanka 

Walter L. Kinsey 

Albert F. Langnau

Alvin D. Lewis 

Michael E. Lowey 

Raymond P. McDaniel 

Carl Ernest McKee 

Clinton P. Monroe 

William P. Nodhturft 

William C. Owens 

Donald V. Page 

Victor J. Parello 

Raymond F. Pitman 

Edgar W. Raulerson 

Wayne A. Reed 

Dev P. Riddlebarger 

Dale L. Roberts 

Maurice Sandson 

David J. Saporito 

Raymond J. Smith 

Edgar L. Stewart 

Felix P. Thompson 

Alberto S. Tolentino 

Joe E. Usher 

John M. Ward 

Ronald Lee Weckerly 

Elra H. Wilday 

Archie Willoughby 

BRANCH 23 (5) 

BUFFALO 

William Carruthers 

Foster A. Marth 

Edmund M. Mason 

Mack Paxton 

Thaddeus F. Plisak 


ANNAPOLIS 

Robert C. Ashley 

John A. Bachmann 

Ronald C. Brinster 

John P. Cavanaugh 

George J. Coleman 

Albert A. Demboski 

Robert C. D’urso 

William Emery 

Donald E. Evans 

Benjamin L. Gibbs 

Frederick E. Harr 

William H. Healey, Jr. 

John T. Holloway 

Dudley Holstein 

Robert M. Leonard 

Robert Lewis, Jr. 

Stephen Lowe 

Joe D. Murphy 

Michael P. Nash 

Richard D. Neyhart 

Donald L. Nichols 

Peter P. Panyon, Sr. 

Walter L. Prediger 

Russell W. Rogers 

Douglas A. Whitcher 

Louis G. Wingate 

Gerard H. Wirth 

BRANCH 25 (3) 

ST. AUGUSTINE 

Gerald L. Crowder 

Henry W. Ford 

Thomas E. McDaniel 

BRANCH 26 (1) 

GOLDEN EMPIRE 

Anthony Briseno 

BRANCH 27 (7) 

DETROIT 

Jackie L. Adkins 

Clarence Gorski 

James R. Reno 

John J. Smoke 

Walter W. Wardell 

Finis A. Wynn 

Richard R. Ziemer 

BRANCH 28 (1) 

O-K-I 

Stanley Kakol 


BREMERTON 

Wallis M. Belyea 

George A. Freeman 

Ralph A. Gonzales 

John N. Jurinski 

Elmer H. Linenbroker 

John F. McDonald 

Edwin Meyer 

Harold M. Miller 

Bernard H. Ouellet 

Kenneth M. Salmon 

Alton C. Shimkovitz 

William F. Vedder 

James W. Wells 

BRANCH 30 (2) 

BRUNSWICK 

Paul L. Davenport 

Billie C. Murphy 

D-3 

BRANCH 31 (1) 

NORTH SHORE 

Anthony Morano 

BRANCH 32 (4) 

SHOW ME 

William J. Burks 

Henry C. Cooper 

James W. Remer 

James Rose 

BRANCH 33 (6) 

MOUNTAIN STATE 

Robert D. Bell 

Gaines J. Brown 

John J. Burke 

Marvin L. Clouston 

Michael F. Ralbusky 

Henry S. Shepherd 

BRANCH 34 (1) 

TALLAHASSEE 

Roy W. Markus 

BRANCH 36 (2 

CAVITE CITY 

Constancio Cosme 

Candido Olivares 

BRANCH 37 (3) 

PORTSMOUTH, VA 

Ottis D. Morris 

James C. Robinson 

Roy L. Tucker 

BRANCH 38 (5) 

INLAND-EMPIRE 

Dan E. Carlson 

Robert Garten 

Edward W. Granek 

George E. Hoffman 

Leroy P. Selberg 

BRANCH 40 (6) 

CHESAPEAKE 

Henry G. Agnew 

Carl Maxie Brashear 

Dennis D. Lillefloren 

George E. Outten 

Frank Piercy 

Daniel Sanderlin 

BRANCH 41 (8)

ROANOKE VALLEY 

Gordon G. Alley 

Boyd G. Hart 

Harry R. Hill, Jr. 

George Kirby 

Donald J. Mette 

Ralph E. Smith 

John A. Stinson 

Richard P. Williams 


QUONSET/DAVISVILLE 

George R. Baetzel 

Raymond Bass 

Andrew Bloschichak, Jr. 

Malcolm L. Craig 

Frederick F. Dyrdal 

Kenneth E. Green 

Archie R. Johnson 

Joseph K. Kuzman 

Gabriel H. Lavay 

Harvey L. Lehman 

Howard S. Lufkin 

William R. Moore 

George W. Myers 

Manuel Pontes, Jr. 

Walter H. Pracht 

Keith E. Randall 

Thomas L. Raught 

Jackie Rogers 

Russell E. Sarna 

Herman C. Tudone 


LONG BEACH 

Frank M. Adkisson 

Eugene V. Cameron 

Harry E. Collier 

Claudius C. Colvin 

Leslie D. Earl 

Guy R. Evatt 

Walter Gartner 

Lyttle J. Goade 

Andrew Guna 

Grover T. Hailey 

Archie E. Hammond 

Thomas Hessie 

Edmund P. Howell 

Oscar M. Hurt 

Daniel J. Murphy, Jr. 

Robert G. Newell 

George W. Norris 

William Peden 

Harold F. Pierce 

Stuart H. Proffitt 

Richard D. Reed 

Ray Regiani 

Floyd P. Rogers 

Rafael G. Sanchez 

Donald E. Schlaich 

Frank W. Slater 

Claud A. Thomas 

Harold Thomas 

Fred A. Walton 

BRANCH 44 (1) 

TENNESSEE VALLEY 

Orville Mangrum 


PEARL HARBOR- 

HONOLULU 

Richard K. Augenstein 

Ermal R. Bishop, Jr. 

Warren F. Brooks 

William W. Daves 

Charles L. Groom 

Johnnie Jenkins 

Howard J. Knoepfler 

Hamilton R. Kupper 

Lewis R. Lafontaine 

Ralph A. Martin 

William E. Moline 

Frederick E. Moorhead 

James O. Murchison, Jr. 

Clemet H. Rogers 

Ansil L. Saunders 

Daniel F. Sullivan 

Leonard Tom Tumbelty 

Archie O. Wadsack 

Ronald A. Young 


JAMES HUNTER 

Elvin W. Allen 

Clifford Briggs 

Paul R. Brunning 

Edward R. Coleman 

Sampson Foster 

George J. Frank 

John D. Gammon 

Louis V. Hoeniger 

Lofton L. Holdford 

Deerwood J. Honeycutt 

Raymond R. Horner 

Herbert J. Horstman 

Frank L. Inman 

William F. Knaust 

D-4 

Ernest N. Maynard 

Carl E. McAdoo 

Timothy R. McMaster 

Howard G. Moebus 

George A. Parrott 

Raymond B. Paul 

Julius M. Rayfield 

Jim T. Roberts, III 

Frank L. Rodi 

James E. Stegall 

Herbert O. Stoner 

Paul A. Thatcher 

Douglas B. Tipton 

Erskine B. Trotter 

Ollie G. Webb 

Ira A. Whitten 

Wallace J. Worden 

BRANCH 48 (7) 

SAN FRANCISCO 

Lester E. Andersen 

Jesus P. Carolino 

Henry C. Choromanski 

Gordon F. Dyer 

Edward L. Koehler 

Leonard D. Thogmartin 

Allan A. Thompson 

BRANCH 49 (5) 

MILE-HIGH 

Clarence B. Daley 

Donald C. Garlick 

Foster A. Jones 

George E. Strein 

Monroe T. White 


L. MENDEL RIVERS 

Charles D. Benjamin, Jr. 

James F. Bennett 

Cass M. Cassillas 

Owens E. Cook 

Clair V. Cummings 

Joseph F. Dickmann 

Boyce A. Garrick 

Curtis O. Groom 

John R. Harper 

Lawrence C. Hazen 

John H. Heiland, Jr. 

John B. Herchak 

Guy E. Johnson 

Michael S. King 

Morell F. Lopez 

Donald W. McGraw

Aldo W. Paglierni 

John C. Pike 

Joseph G. Pire 

Michael Roman 

Charles O. Ruby 

Elbert L. Russell 

Troy E. Stevenson 

James L. White 

Claude R. Willis, Jr. 

BRANCH 51 (8) 

FLAMINGO 

Bernard D. Anlage, Jr. 

James H. Apperson 

Alvin R. Davis 

Arthur C. Downey 

Eugene R. Hutchins 

Charles G. Mood 

Nathaniel R. Williams 

Jeff D. Willmon 

BRANCH 52 (8) 

DURHAM-RALEIGH 

William Grady 

Jessie R. Hall 

Odell F. Hardee 

Eugene Johnson 

Robert F. Matthews 

Richard J. Reynolds 

Bruce C. Shorts 

Joseph T. Wilson 


GREAT LAKES 

Homer D. Brown 

Ralph Cragg 

Thomas W. Farmer 

Cloyd J. Hartman 

Martin W. Huska 

Olaf R. Iverson 

Thomas J. Kirk 

Roger L. Lansing 

Morris D. Meeke 

Orrin P. Ryan 

Frank Sterioti 

BRANCH 54 (1) 

INDIAN NATIONS 

Clifford O. Wood 


CITY OF ROSES 

Charles W. Adams 

Glenn Baldwin 

James L. Bodack 

Edward L. Johnson 

Charles G. Martin 

Richard T. Ray 

Bobby D. Scdoris 

Wilson T. Scott 

Howard W. Shope 

John J. Turnbull 

Marvin R. Westover 


SOUTH JERSEY 

Bate H. Beaty 

James E. Conway 

Andrew F. Dell 

John H. Helmick 

Arthur W. Hill, Jr. 

William Homan 

Stanley H. Kaftanowicz 

William A. Kuhn 

Norman Lee 

John F. Lewis 

George Lunn 

Henry F. Lutz 

John Moore 

Raymond Musciano 

James M. Rushing 

Charles J. Schiers 

John C. Wilbiekaitis 

William W. Yoder 

BRANCH 59 (1) 

CHEYENNE 

Faith M. Cohick 


OCEAN VIEW 

John S. Beasley 

Wilbur D. Boroughs 

Murry L. Buck 

Dale R. Callison 

Robert W. Carter 

Malcolm G. Clark 

Joseph H. Cochran 

John Coleman 

Steve Dembitsky 

Freeland Everett 

David E. Farley 

Larry D. Gordon 

Harold E. Henline 

Gerald L. Holtz 

Maurice E. Langley 

Nicholas Larry 

Joseph M. Lenihan 

D-5 

James V. Letizia 

William P. Lewis, Jr. 

William E. Link 

Robert D. Loar 

Donald B. Lusk 

Paul N. Martens 

Donald B. McKigney 

Clifford F. McRorie 

Gene N. Meier 

Melvin Miller 

Charles O. Mitchell 

Glenn A. Ross 

Albert J. Sands 

Eugene Savage 

Carl H. Schank 

Casimer T. Sobczak 

Edward C. Soblotne 

Billie Jo Spencer 

William R. Thomashefski 

Andrew J. Tingle 

Marvin L. Twisdale 

Owen Unterberger 

Alfonso Vardaro 

Allan R. Waters 

Wallace H. Watts 

Jack M. Waugh 

Leonard N. Webb 


CHULA VISTA 

Michael J. Abraham 

William E. Arns 

Edward A. Beam 

Glen A. Bennion 

Clinton A. Bolinger 

Larry Boyette 

Glen C. Downing 

Larrabee F. Foster 

Clayton P. Gingerich 

John G. Green 

William O. Hall 

Lawrence H. Hallock 

Carl E. Hanker 

Cory Helman 

Ralph S. Horne 

Phillip D. Hunt 

Kenneth D. Hutchinson 

Wayne R. Klipfel 

Lester D. Knox 

Thomas J. Langston 

Ralph D. Lilley 

Arthur F. Loader 

Paul C. Mackey 

William Martin

Henry C. Mueller 

Lester E. Murphy 

George T. Parmelee 

Joseph Pasternak 

Charles D. Phillips 

Richard H. Quigley 

Neville E. Rosser 

Namon L. Scott 

Reginald E. Smay 

Felipe D. Tambio 

Harland A. Vanness 

Clarence Warner 

Jarrett R. Williams 

Dick C. Wilson 

Benjamin J. Wujek 

BRANCH 62 (4) 

SAN DIEGO 

Clarence F. Adams 

Theodore J. Carter 

Maple Grant 

James C. Hagler 

BRANCH 63 (2) 

LEWIS CLARK VALLEY 

John M. Anderson 

Larry W. Barnes 

BRANCH 64 (2) 

MIAGAO 

Norberto D. Galeno 

Antonio Portillo 

BRANCH 66 (6) 

SOUTH SHORE 

Samuel T. Beck 

W. F. Creeden 

John V. Curran 

Joseph Degrace 

William R. Lown 

Paul A. Roy 

BRANCH 67 (7) 

CAPITAL CITY 

Marvin C. Davis 

Francis Ehrenreich 

Robert Hacker 

William A. Holdforth 

Austin R. Knox 

William J. Palmer 

Paul T. Tressler 

BRANCH 68 (6) 

CAVEMAN 

George D. Boyle 

Rudolph M. Buselmeier 

Arden M. Dietz 

Rex R. Fifield 

Robert R. Gross 

Andrew J. Sagi 

BRANCH 69 (3) 

CAMELLIA CITY 

John Armstrong 

Richard G. Holmes 

Francis W. Patton 


POWAY VALLEY 

Ross E. Campbell 

Anthony S. Creider 

James R. Cuddihy 

Adrian R. Edick 

Glen K. Engsberg 

James H. Fillyaw 

Ignatius J. Goula 

Wayne R. Harrison 

George A. Johnson, Jr. 

Forrest R. Martin 

Max E. Murdock 

Woodrow H. Norris 

Edward J. Pearson 

Charles F. Proctor 

Wilfredo G. Santos 

BRANCH 71 (6) 

LONG ISLAND 

Richard V. Brew 

Edward J. Narlesky 

Joseph G. Olah 

Paul L. Peters 

Nelson L. Smallwood 

Robert K. Weiss 

BRANCH 72 (4) 

FALL RIVER 

Arthur L. Boisclair 

Normand P. Guay 

Daniel L. Lowe 

Paul L. Pimental 

BRANCH 75 (2) 

GEORGE T. HIGGINS 

Arthur Daniels 

Albert J. Richard, Jr. 

BRANCH 77 (3) 

GREEN VALLEY 

D-6 

William W. Cernosek 

Raymond F. Dees, Jr. 

James E. Richards 

BRANCH 83 (1) 

SAN NARCISO 

Francisco Dumlao 


SAN DIEGO 

Carlito S. Calabia 

Lorenzo V. Cruz 

Ceferino Federe 

Wilson M. Felarca 

Benjamin B. Felizardo 

Carlos R. Linayao 

Domingo Monta 

Apolinar Olaes 

Lucio S. Pontanares 

Taquio Redondo 

Payne Sahagun 

Florencio V. Tambio 

BRANCH 85 (4) 

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY 

Edward T. Carroll 

Calvin A. Catlin 

Fred W. Markert 

Roy V. Wishart 

BRANCH 86 (4) 

MILLINGTON 

Hugh O. Gill 

Glenn J. Mitchell 

Josephine R. Noah 

Charles R. Reedy 


ATLANTA 

Francis J. Beckley 

James G. Boyer 

James C. Brooks 

Charles R. Burge 

Don C. Bursey 

John R. Edmondson 

Quilla C. Edwards 

Gordon R. Gaddis 

John B. Henderson 

Carl G. Luiz 

William G. McCarley 

Raymond G. Phillips 

Ervin P. Rayfield 

Samuel E. Riddle 

Carol B. Smith

Richard C. Smith 

Philip M. Vaughan 

Ara L. Weldon 

Joseph Wells 

BRANCH 90 (2) 

BONANZA 

Gerald V. Eastey 

Donald C. Herr 


FIRST COAST 

Norman T. Abrams 

Einar H. Anderson 

Vernon W. Becvar 

Harvey P. Beland 

Maxie H. Benton 

Robert H. Buckner 

James H. Byers 

Harvey N. Coker 

Donald E. Collins 

Robert F. Conley 

John G. Cooke 

Charles G. Cooper, Sr. 

John T. Eason 

Walter B. Glennon 

Charles H. Guest 

Richard H. Halterman 

Alfred A. Hysmith 

George W. Jacobs 

Johnnie F. Johnson 

Harold F. Langford 

Benjamin F. McCulley 

Joseph Montorsi 

Richard J. Mullaney 

Arthur L. Nichols 

Ernest C. Nicholson 

George R. Page 

Perry O. Peckham 

William E. Penny 

Roland R. Reel 

James W. Reynolds 

Christopher J. Richter 

Anthony C. Riek 

Edward E. Rogers 

Benjamin Santos 

Robert Scharpff 

Wilfred J. Schofield 

Harry P. Sirrine 

George A. Skog 

Louis C. Warren 

Jimmy Don Wright 

BRANCH 92 (7) 

NEW ORLEANS 

Richard J. Achee 

John C. Ball, Jr. 

Clarke R. Harwood 

Albert J. Lachney 

Nellie D. Lee 

Charles E. Mason 

Evans M. St. Romain 

BRANCH 93 (8) 

TOM VALLEE 

Ronald P. Clarke 

John K. Claugherty 

Wayne Fisher 

Bob Halasz 

Palmer A. King 

Andy LeBlanc 

Lawrence P. Malone 

Lawrence T. Nosek 

BRANCH 94 (9) 

CORPUS CHRISTI 

James D. Friend 

Virgil D. Lewis 

Howell E. Moreland 

Benjamin F. Mullikin 

Wallace W. Page 

Joseph S. Rose 

Elton H. Simmons, Jr. 

Frederick A. Waldbauer 

John J. Whalen 

BRANCH 95 (3) 

CHINA LAKE 

James B. Goforth, Sr. 

James C. Herman 

Norman F. Miller 


DALLAS 

Jimmie D. Adams 

Roger L. Brady 

William B. Chighizola 

Printice B. Crouch 

Raymond Cummins, Jr. 

Ronald Hewitt 

J. B. Johnson, Jr. 

Fred E. Jones 

Durwood T. Long 

Charles E. Martin 

Burl W. McGahey 

James Miller 

Patrick H. Moore 

William J. Morgan 

D-7 

James F. Tabor 

Horace J. Walker 

Edward D. Weaver 

Guy M. Whetstone 

John L. Williams 

Carvel D. Yarbrough 

BRANCH 97 (9) 

WHIDBEY ISLAND 

Robert J. Barclay 

William S. Brandenburg 

Oscar L. Carter 

Milton C. Early 

Clifford A. Hornung 

Victor C. Slough 

Edwin M. Spromberg 

Herbert W. Williams 

Vaughn Wilson 

BRANCH 98 (1) 

SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER 

James H. Wood 


KEMPSVILLE 

James A. Bainbridge 

Everett G. Coe 

Raymond J. Cremin 

George F. Daniels 

Thomas F. Fike 

Harold W. Finchem 

Jack Helsley 

Franklin C. Hubbard 

Gerald F. Jorgensen 

Daniel L. Kolaczyk 

Charles R. Lee 

Don Lizada 

Homer C. Mantz 

James E. Morrissey 

Harry E. Morter, Jr. 

Karl O. Morton 

Finas R. Moss 

Marvin D. Newell 

Delphino F. Quinto 

William J. Richmeier 

Eugene T. Siebels 

James M. Slider 

Richard A. Ughetto 

Richard Walsh 

Harold L. Wasson 

Earl T. Wilson 

Ashley V. Wilson 

Thomas G. Wood

BRANCH 101 (26) 

SANTA CLARA VALLEY 

Bernhard A. Ackert 

Dale R. Annesley 

Roscoe J. Brown 

Marcelo M. Campano 

Richard W. Cox, Jr. 

Estill P. Earls 

Daniel G. Elliott 

John W. Gallant 

Lester Gudger 

Joseph E. Heacock 

Max W. Kuhne 

Arthur H. Lacey 

Edgar D. Madden 

Gerald F. McKinney 

Elvious E. Moore 

Ronald W. Morgan 

Gilbert J. Morgan 

Jacob E. Opp 

Theodore Pianko 

Antonio A. Quebec 

Frank Joseph Sedlar 

Stanley J. Stanavitch 

Richard D. Tomlinson 

Charles W. Traughber 

Julian L. Tuazon 

Rudolph F. Wimmer 


SUNSHINE 

Stephen J. Fundak, Sr. 

David W. Hellen 

James L. Schoenberger 

William L. Sellers 


YOKOSUKA 

John E. Leonard 

David R. Moreland 


MT. RAINIER 

Virgil W. Allen 

Melvin E. Bennitt 

Robert J. Chabo 

Anthony L. Miller 

John G. Pantelis 

Jay D. Skidmore 

Charles E. Tank 


TRI-STATE 

Harry L. Phillips 

BRANCH 106 (16) 

HARRISBURG 

Robert B. Cassell 

William L. Enders 

Ragnar W. Franzen 

Ira G. Gilleland, Jr. 

Colin N. Gurganious 

Joseph Manura 

Murray J. Martin, Jr. 

Lewis R. Masters, Sr. 

Nelson G. Mattingly 

Eugene L. Miller, Jr. 

Earl E. Ober, Jr. 

Richard N. Peterson 

Earl S. Price 

Roy E. Rowe 

Mack I. Thrasher 

Ralph J. Wright 


NORCO 

Delbert D. Bennett 

Kenneth M. Boblett 

Gerald A. Johnson 

Robert S. Kronberger 

Thomas L. Lyons 

Francis E. Marcotte 

Frank J. Neider 

William F. Newbury 

Thomas A. Schoebel, Sr. 


FUN ‘N SUN 

Francis L. Broedel 

John E. Feidt 

Frederick C. Macnamee 

Paul L. Veon 


MIDDLE TENNESSEE 

Virgil A. Barton 

George D. Dial 

Shirley H. Griggs 

Herbert H. Holt 

Carl J. Mayfield 

Morris Lee Pence 

Claudie L. Richardson 

Elmer D. Thornton 


BATANGAS 

Joe Buquid 

D-8 


BIRMINGHAM 

Donald H. Ledyard 

Billy H. Robertson 


P.W. “BILL” GROOM 

Robert S. Baer 

Jackie D. Clark 

Jack R. Dewitt 

Elmer Higgins 

Jerry D. Tessaro 


BLACK DIAMOND 

Carl C. Funk 

Andrew Koval 

William F. Uhl 

BRANCH 117 (10) 

THE DELBERT D. BLACK 

Stuart W. Baldick 

Alonzo W. Bishop 

Leo S. Dean 

Forrest G. Fernaays 

James R. Foster 

Richard V. Reeve 

Marvin L. Smith 

William T. Stone 

E. J. Urban 

Robert E. White 


CALUSA 

Adolph O. Furstenberg 

Hugh W. Piper 


OUACHITA VALLEY 

Coleman Y. Bennett 

John W. Griffing 

BRANCH 120 (14) 

OXNARD 

George N. Adelman 

Thomas H. Bowen 

Joseph R. Deluca 

John H. Eberly 

John H. Fields 

William L. Fillyaw 

Homer L. Fullbright 

James W. Hungerford 

Norman L. Lammer 

Leroy A. Miller

Donald F. Morris 

Bryan W. Piechota 

Harold L. Stewart, Jr. 

Lynn A. Wink 


LAKEHURST 

Lewis W. Gibson 

Forrest Graves 

Robert L. Jones 

Eugene A. Kasper 

Stephen Lazorchak 

John Matluk 

Ward J. Maxson 

Edward J. Reihing 

Kenneth K. Tinsley 

BRANCH 126 (33) 

WEST JACKSONVILLE 

Joe L. Bailey 

Hubert L. Black 

Edgar Buell 

Joseph F. Cahill 

Raymond C. Cluey 

Felix Doro 

Roy Fenstermaker 

Robert M. Fulton 

William S. Gates 

Glenn H. Gentry 

Robert J. Griffin 

Herbert P. Hakenewerth 

Millard Hardin 

Robert T. Hawes 

Virgil H. Henderson 

Darwin L. Herndon 

Charles C. Irwin 

Horace A. Johnson 

Joseph K. Kaufmann 

Benjamin G. Kersey, Jr. 

Henry B. Kolsom 

Harold L. Leblanc, Jr. 

Murl J. Lucas 

Edward S. Macomber, Jr. 

Donald P. McIntire 

Aloysius R. Mueller 

Teodulo T. Pangan 

Gerald R. Petitpas 

Eugene C. Rudy 

Ollie D. Taylor 

Walter H. Ward 

Paul Harden West 

Harold N. Wilson 


BICOL REGION 

James Ray Vanek 


USS INDIANAPOLIS 

MEMORIAL 

Peter Vaughn Arnold 

Carl V. Dobbs 

A. J. Scheidelmeier 

Loren E. Van Ness, Jr. 


BLACKSTONE VALLEY 

Desmond E. Cherry 

Richard H. Krepp 

Robert E. Michaud 

William O’Connor 

Travis C. Ridgway 

BRANCH 136 (24) 

VIKING 

Roy G. Aslagson 

James D. Baker 

Jerome Blaisdell 

William L. Clark 

Douglas L. Davis 

Bernard G. Decent 

Donald E. Emslander 

Frank Christopher Gores, Jr. 

Russell E. Haugen 

Steve Hudak 

John I. Huju 

Joseph E. Magiera 

Miles J. McDermott 

David R. Monitor 

David R. Olsen 

Sylvester M. Pauly 

Richard E. Prochaska 

Curtis R. Sommerdorf 

Karl S. Speak 

Edward L. Swanson 

Darrell A. Tutt 

Robert E. Wagner 

Thomas J. Widel 

Everett M. Youngdahl 


SIERRA-TAHOE 

Carl J. Griggs 

Lawrence E. Jacobsen 

Paul R. Mumford 


SAN JOSE 

D-9 

Harry E. Fries 

Raymond F. Jones 

Juan S. Orap 

John W. Runcie 

Jack H. Westerman 

Leslie A. Williams 

BRANCH 141 (14) 

CHERRY POINT 

Neil Baker 

Michael J. Burke 

John R. Duke 

Robert B. Ham 

Jack S. Hancock 

Jack R. Harmon 

Harold Joseph Hart, Jr. 

Ellis E. Ireland 

Larry F. King 

Murray T. Lewis 

Jeffrey J. McAllister 

William Oehl 

Louis J. Realini 

Aaron Smith 


SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 

James J. Reddy 


LINCOLN 

Max W. Gordon 

Maynard D. Kuenning 

Loraine Stamler 


JOHNSVILLE/WILLOW 

GROVE 

John E. Antonitis 

Gerald A. Leggett 

Lex M. Neal 

Gerald H. Swarm 

BRANCH 147 (32) 

B. DUKE WOODY 

Hilton Austin 

James M. Bailey 

Peter Barby 

William H. Clark 

Earl C. Cordoni 

Clarence Crouch 

John C. Cutillo 

Bennie L. Davis 

Walter L. Dixon 

Loren F. Dougherty

Nicholas Gledich 

John C. Grady 

Frank G. Hendry 

Glenn G. Jacob 

George T. King, Jr. 

Francis C. Mahanke 

John P. Mc mullen 

Walter B. Moore 

Conover E. Morton 

Joseph G. Odette 

Robert W. Repp 

Harrison I. Roberts 

Robert J. Rutkoskie 

Franklin P. Skeen 

James F. Sneed 

Marion G. Spain 

Charles R. Tisdale 

Edward Vanzura 

Robert F. Watson 

John H. Wilde 

Thomas Raymond Wiley 

Lenord Williams 


EUGENE 

Gustve E. Aronson 

Vern Delowls Campbell 

John C. Huddleston 

Normond F. Humphrey 


PINETREE 

David A. French 

Edward E. Lozier 

Donald T. Soiett 

Floyd E. Staples 

Donald L. Stark 


PIKES PEAK 

James C. Messer 

BRANCH 159 (14) 

SPACE CITY 

Ollie J. Bolner 

John C. Bookout 

Charles E. Cole 

William Z. Davis 

Ruster J. Duhon 

James C. Grimsley 

Fred B. Grissom 

William H. Hockaday 

Gilbert E. Murray 

John S. Oliver 

Clayton F. Porter 

Richard L. Sheppard 

Billie J. Strait 

Wayne K. Wall 


GREEN COUNTRY 

Carl N. Blair 

Douglas W. Jones 

BRANCH 161 (13) 

MO-KAN 

Donald C. Foltz 

Melvin E. Forster 

Lynn L. Gregg 

Isaac H. Harris 

Joseph A. Hatfield 

Victor J. Kasper 

Howard L. Lightwine 

James R. Lord 

Joseph A. Mogusar 

Leroy Norton 

Benjamin J. Owen 

Orvel E. Shafer 

Kenneth L. Womack 

BRANCH 162 (14) 

NOLA 

Sam F. Anzalone 

Robert D. Benson 

Frank R. Brown 

Richard E. Garrison 

Wanda P. Hurst 

Herman O. McKinney 

Winnfred K. Mitchell 

Charles A. Page 

Jack M. Register 

Remmel Wayne Ridge 

Paul F. Rott 

John Wells Schassar 

Theodore L. Shope 

Arthur W .Zink 

BRANCH 163 (26) 

VALLEY OF THE SUN 

Earl Allison 

James Balogh 

Emerson F. Batchelder 

Donald R. Dennis 

John L. Devous 

Robert O. Dixon, Sr. 

Joseph F. Doherty 

John H. Falconer 

Gene F. Foshe 

D-10 

Lee R. Gault 

James C. Hampton 

Joseph E. Hocking 

Guy C. Huckins 

William F. McKenna 

Everett L. Mills 

William Murnane 

Arthur R. Netherton 

Francis M. Petty 

Frank W. Rumbaugh 

Joseph W. Schneider 

Bernard Shrewsbury 

William C. Skinner 

Eldon E. Smart 

Charles S. Swab 

Melvin Talcott 

Jack E. Warth 

BRANCH 166 (15) 

VIRGINIA BEACH 

Alberto R. Asercion 

William H. Caten, Jr. 

Ted W. Chapman 

Stanley W. Collier 

Charles T. Coral 

John G. Ferguson 

John Hein 

Richard H. Kilroy 

Charles S. King 

Jenro Lambaiso 

Dewey R. Mariott 

Eugene D. Matthews 

Albert H. Osborne 

Allen E.I. Thompson 

Maurice E. Tower 


SUNFLOWER 

Marvin E. Hett 


BAINBRIDGE 

Richard J. Cotton 

Walter S. Gorsuch 

Tom Jenkins 

Donald E. Wolfe 


EVERETT 

Stephen E. Clinko 

Donald L. Hoffner 

Sevilla G. Jimenez 

BRANCH 171 (2)

SOUTHERN LUZON 

Eugenio Caldo 

Isaias E. Reyes 


PENINSULA 

Leon E. Paquette 

John W. Tittman 

BRANCH 174 (10) 

DUNGENESS 

Robert A. Gennings 

Kenneth D. Hafner 

Ralph J. Helser 

Calvin L. Larsen 

Theodore E. Peterson 

Michael M. Pritzos 

Jimmy R. Snodgrass 

Gustav A. Stenbom 

Burr K. Vail 

Dee L. Yager 

BRANCH 175 (29) 

ORANGE COUNTY 

Frank A. Beutler 

Robert E. Bittenbender 

Harry E. Brooks 

William R. Burkes, Jr. 

Stanton L. Costner 

Clarence L. Dalen 

Leo L. Dausel 

Ruth I. Delacqua 

Raymond W. Dinnan, Jr. 

Albert L. Eichler 

Richard M. Elliott 

Santo H. Formolo 

Armen W. Griess 

Amos W. Houser 

Charles R. Howlett 

Joseph T. Leavy 

Walter K. Lesser 

Oscar L. Montgomery 

Charles R. Moore, Jr. 

Alfred N. Nossokoff 

John L. Rennebu 

Walter A. Rogers 

Joseph Rowen, Sr. 

Frank H. Satzinger 

Clyde F. Stuart 

Billie J. Whittington 

Robert E. Windham 

Johnnie Wright 

Curtis G. Zimmerman 


OLD PUEBLO 

Edward A. Blackburn 

John T. Holbery 

Paul K. Huber, Jr. 

Murrel S. Owen 

Rudolph E. Radau 

Gerald R. Sylvester 

Glenn R. Wilson 


DERBY 

Charles G. Bard 

Raymond E. Meador 

William H. White 

George J. Wilke 


MONTEREY PENINSULA 

Thomas E. Avilla 

Johnnie B. Borum 

Martin C. Frigerio, Jr. 

Hershel G. Gilbert 

Jack W. Rogers 


GAINESVILLE 

William A. Tharp 

Robert S. Yelle 


PACKERLAND 

Roger A. Bender 

Charles E. Bird 

Anthony J. Ebersberger 

Kenneth G. Hagen 

Algene R. Hendrickson 

Henry K. Sorenson 


NAVY DEPARTMENT 

William H. Gibbs 

Larry H. Harris 

Joseph R. Hutchins 

Ralph McCall 

Anthony S. Santilli 

Robert W. Sullivan 

Maurice J. Warner 

Chester L. Witherspoon 

BRANCH 182 (11) 

TRIANGLE 

C. L. Bransford 

Leon R. Bryan 

D-11 

George W. Gilkenson 

Ernest E. Huffman 

Michael M. Loe 

William H. Mackey 

John E. Rhodes 

Albert Ruberg 

John G. Shannon 

James M. Tarwater 

Thomas E. Ward 


PUTNAM COUNTY 

Thomas R. Frith 

Thomas H. Keith 

Louis W. Mobley 

Everett E. Ridinger 


SALT LAKE CITY 

Lon N. Christensen 

Richard E. Snelson 

Artie J. Stocks 

BRANCH 186 (13) 

CITRUS FLORIDA 

Jimmy R. Baker 

James E. Blocker 

James Brannon 

Vincent T. Gulfo 

Francis F. Loughrey 

Alan R. Luger 

Francis A. Malinski 

Stephen I. Melnik 

Matthew Morse 

Walter E. Roush 

Dewey J. Shipp 

George A. Staples 

Richard H. Welch 


GASPARILLA 

Benjamin Berger 

Claude D. Branch 

Clayton F. Parker 


CAPITAL OLYMPIA 

Beran J. Timmermeyer 


SILVER DOLLAR 

Arlene K. Babbitt 

Edwin C. Gradick 

Terry J. Hering

Jack C. McCoy 

Lester L. Rouse 


KNOXVILLE 

W. C. Brandon 

Robert Carr Crawford 


MODESTO 

Stephen O. Gray 

Jerome F. Jennings 

James D. Maynard 

Bill D. Willis 


CENTRAL OREGON 

Louis A. Cubero 

Joseph A. Maltby 

William W. Skilling 


USS NEW MEXICO 

G. G. Hardin 

Dean F. Harmeson 

Robert E. Lapp 


CAPITAL AREA 

Lewis Bullard 

Robert J. Creech 

Robert W. Fuqua 

Wilfred H. Ohlmeier 

Lewis H. Richey 

Wade L. Smith, Jr. 


COLUMBIA 

John R. Combs 

Robert R. Hammond, Jr. 

J. Carl Vaughan, Jr. 


ALAMO CITY 

Elbert L. Cassell 

Edgar R. Gaver 

Stephen K. Morrison 


TAR RIVER 

Raymond Gene Crites 

Robert Lewis Viverette 


CAVELAND 

William W. Flowers 

James E. Taylor, Sr. 


POTOMAC REGION 

Norman W. Dunlap, Jr. 

Merle S. Wass 

BRANCH 208 (12) 

CAMP LEJEUNE 

John Baran 

Robert P. Broadhead 

William P. Burke 

Roy K. Ehrisman 

John F. Gallagher, Jr. 

Jefferson W. Hamby 

Douglas J. Lamora 

Richard B. Mankin 

Robert G. Oswald 

John A. Rodriguez 

Hubert G. Seeker 

Emile Sporbert 


BOB "HE-COON" SIKES 

Harry M. Butler 

Richard T. Jernigan 

Richard E. McMichael 

Dennis F. O’Hara 

Harold S. Rawlinson 

Charles I. Reklinski 

Breese Wallace 


MEADE 

Thomas P. Cline 

Reynaldo V. Custodio 

James L. Downs 

Isaac A. Fisher 

Richard C. Schaub 

Charles Schellhammer 


J.J. BURKE 

Walter H. Dixon, Jr. 


HAWKEYE 

Marvin W. Balhorn 

M. J. Bideaux 

Lloyd E. Close 

Duane T. Gordon 

Charles B. Prickett, Jr. 

D-12 

Darrell M. Walters, Sr. 


PIEDMONT TRIAD 

Joseph Norris 

Ralph J. Rowe 

Thomas C. Smith, Jr. 


JOHN CHAPELL 

James H. Carwile 

Roland M. Deane 

William D. Depoy 

William E. Meadows 

William S. Moore 

Merle E. Niedentohl 

Richard E. Poe 

Giro C. Privitera 

Joseph E. Schaperjahn 


PEORIA 

George A. Richardson 

Bernard A. Tollendorf 


OZONE 

Raymond W. Adam 


WESTERN KENTUCKY 

Solon T. Williams 


POPLAR BLUFF 

Francis C. Boyer 

Clarence A. Cobb 

Bill Furlong 

Bennie G. Stovall 


STATEN ISLAND 

Ralph G. Blickenstaff 

Fred E. Fulton 

Frank S. Handler 


OZARK 

Donald E. Hutchings 


CHARLOTTE 

Bruce B. Gardner 

Charles R. Hostetler

Joseph C. Hoyle 

William R. Mathers 

Harvey J. Saunders 

Junior E. Thompson 


MID-HUDSON 

Francis E. Allmond 

John A. Corey 

Stanley S. Czernik 

George P. Ford 

Fred P. Green 

Nicholas J. Grosso 

Randy L. Hutson 

Gilbert A. Schreihofer 

Leon C. Stevens 


SUNRISE 

John L. Grilley 

Paul C. Helms 

Donald F. Kerwick 

Hugh L. Price 

Clifton B. Thompson 

Robert L. Wright 


JERSEY CAPE 

Donald J. Waltz 

BRANCH 234 (10) 

FOOTHILLS 

Roy H. Anglin 

Roy S. Arnold 

William M. Barbee 

Glenn R. Cannon 

Lee J. Cloar 

James D. Cody 

Darrell E. Curry 

Edmund Gleaton 

Jesse O. Rearden 

Walter T. Seawright 


NIANTIC 

Vincent J. Amodeo 

Louis P. Giordano 

Donald J. Kamuf 

Wallace R. Larson 

Clarence A. May 


CENTRAL WISCONSIN 

Wayne A. Munro 


PINEY WOODS 

Grady L. King, Jr. 


AIR CAPITAL 

Cornelius Fast 

Richard D. Korbe 

Robert Kristek 


PIONEER VALLEY 

Robert R. Cadieux, Sr. 

Joseph J. Cummings 

Clayton K. Hough, Jr. 

James S. Rasmussen 

Ronald R. Scott 

Edward J. Sullivan 


DAGUPAN CITY 

Inocencio Calimlim 


KINGS BAY 

Gary G. Hodgson 

Calvin A. Payne, Jr. 


FRESNO 

Henry R. Bautista 

Charles N. Garabedian 

George W. Johnson 

James B. Martin 

Frank J. Reagan 

Peter Tomich, Jr. 


SARASOTA 

Robert R. Taylor 


MOUNTAIN HOME 

Albert L. Harmon 

Guy D. Jones 

Wallace A. Vannatta 

Edward R. Wilkins 


STEEL CITY 

D-13 

Stanley C. Bates 

John S. Bratina 

Gerald H. Racicot 

Alex S. Randolph 

Michael Trusz 


GRAND STRANG 

Wallace W. Weiss 


FT. LAUDERDALE 

Paul H. Brandt 

William E. Fulton 

Anthony J. Gregus 

Edward E. Hall 

George B. McKinney 

Stephen F. Pipa 

Herman G. Stange 

John A. Tranford 


PORTSMOUTH 

Andrew Bowens 

Sidney Foster 


CAPE FEAR REGION 

Carlie H. Edwards, Jr. 


MOHAVE COUNTY 

John H. Craft 

Truman J. Hickcox 

BRANCH 261 (12) 

LEMOORE 

James R. Allen 

Arthur W. Cole, Jr. 

Orin L. French 

Bert H. From 

Lawrence Klein 

James Lillich 

Stanislaus A. Luczak 

Howard L. Nelson 

Michael C. Prussinski 

Robert A. Ryan 

Robert F. Shoemaker 

Lawrence D. Stone 


CAPE CANAVERAL 

Lloyd W. Beeby, Sr. 

Clair R. Leonard

William F. Vickers 

BRANCH 264 (12) 

MERIDIAN 

Anthony M. Bender 

Kenneth I. Boatright 

Hilman L. Brown, Jr. 

Nicholas R. Cappello 

Clyde R. Donnell 

Bobby Ray Fontan 

William C. Grimes 

Wendell L. Marsden 

G. V. Montgomery 

Ernest G. Patrolia 

William E. Pigott 

Hugh D. Trivitt 

BRANCH 267 (18) 

GREATER ST. LOUIS 

Ronald W. Bobb 

August J. Brethauer 

Robert L. Carnahan 

David Comfort 

William A. Dalton 

George A. Everding 

Edward C. Gieskieng 

Carl W. Goddard 

William A. Heddy 

Dan L. Magers 

H. G. Palmer 

William J. Schott 

Louis Schumacher 

Clarence H. Semmel 

William N. Vogt 

Melvin M. Wheeler 

Norvell C. White 

R. O. Williams 


USS OKLAHOMA 

Ralph E. Brown 

Kenneth N. Freeman 

Jerry C. Jones 

James L. Nichols 

Herman A. Reese 

David R. Shugart 

Jerry L. Snyder 

William C. Waggoner 


LOW COUNTRY 

Tommy D. Bongbonga 

Charles E. Branham 

Elbert J. Jeffcoat 

Charles Kimmel 

Nicholas T. Kolesar 

Dale E. Swanson 


CENTRAL COAST 

William R. Barber 

Glenn E. Brixey 

Peter J. Gendron 

Arthur D. Hoffmann 

Frederick V. Martin 


ROUGH RIDER 

Clarence J. Longie 

John M. Macal 

Frank W. Stauss 


HIGH SIERRA 

Jerry L. Frank 

Harold R. Wischmann 


HANGTOWN 

Herbert M. Cunningham 

Charles E. Johnson 

Dick Moody 

Riley T. Mosby 

Billy P. Walker 

BRANCH 276 (14) 

OMAHA-COUNCIL BLUFFS 

Robert L. Albright 

Jack R. Chadwell 

Carl C. Cihal 

William C. Copeland 

William L. Dunlevy 

Robert L. Goodman 

Leverne R. Halcomb 

Robert C. Huey 

James G. Hurless 

Leslie Johnson 

Joseph J. Kupres 

Paul R. Oliver 

Ralph Thornton 

Phillip L. Waters 


USS ENTERPRISE 

James C. Hall, Sr. 


FABULOUS VEGAS 

D-14 

Kay L. Dixon 

Glen C. Lamb 

James F. Lawton 


USS TULSA MEMORIAL 

Donald L. Benson 

Raymond C. Holler 

John L. Kennedy, Sr. 

Edward H. Krokroskia 


LAKE SHASTA 

Bryan C. Cannon 

Clifford H. Debler 

Jack J. Scott 

Otis Swanson 

Jack D. Wheeler 


ARKANSAS 

Kenneth L. Aaron 

Seldon R. Bradke 

Edgar R. Brown 

Winford Caldwell 

Howard S. Shaw 

Donald R. Smith 

Robert Wegner 


BLUEGRASS 

Bobby J. Looper 


CENTRAL NEW YORK 

Paul E. Tuttle 


LIVERMORE 

Harry L. Spears 

Albert E. Welham 


ANTHRACITE 

Alice M. Dailey 

John J. McCarthy 

Thomas G. Weirick 

BRANCH 289 (28) 

IMPERIAL BEACH 

Milton W. Ashby 

Frank Babitsky 

Carl M. Bishop 

Giles E. Brown

Robert T. Brown 

John B. Carpenter 

Robert M. Cody 

Richard L. Giffen 

Carlton C. Haga 

Stanley B. Hall 

Glen L. Hansen 

Earl Edwin Hopkins, Sr. 

Thomas L. Howard 

Harold Jones 

William P. Kennedy 

Roy L. Martin 

William H. McIlveen 

Harold P. Robison 

William Rose 

Wade Russell 

Jaime B. San Miguel 

Gilbert G. Simpson 

Perry L. Stephenson 

Carl Swanson 

Charles W. Tippie 

Charles H. Van Fleet 

Carl D. Westermeyer 

Donald A. Young 

BRANCH 290 (15) 

ATLANTIC BEACH 

Francis J. Arch 

William C. Barker 

Jack Dorman 

James C. Hammock 

Thomas E. Hilburn 

Ervin A. Horst 

Frederick R. Keene 

William S. Kerns, Jr. 

Emile P. Lalande, Jr. 

Henry R. Mears 

Lawrence E. Mikelson 

Joseph H. Picola 

St. Clair Rougeau 

Joseph H. Shanks, Jr. 

Edward Sidorski 


SUNCOAST 

Robert J. Auchu 

John F. Donovan 

John N. Sheppard 


ELIZABETH CITY 

Edgar M. Kalvik 

Wayne E. Lundine 

Coston L. Sawyer 

John D. Smith 

Claud G. Vickrey, Jr. 

Reginald E. Whitehurst 

John E. Williams 


SAN ANGELO 

Aubrey R. Jarrett 

A. L. Padilla 


MOTHER LODE 

Richard L. Anderson 

Lew W. Huxtable, Jr. 

Howard A. Shaw 

Gabe A. Wright 


WOLVERINE 

George J. Allen 

Edwin D. Barkhuff 

George J. Coopmans 

Leonard T. Koziolek 

Richard N. Menger 

Arthur C. Ott 

Perry C. Sharp 

Robert Tickner 


WILMINGTON 

Linwood Gideons 

Advil M. Wallace 


OTTUMWA 

Leroy B. Decker 

Robert C. Gray 

Buford E. Pemberton 

Ross B. Simcox 


CARSON 

Pablo C. Alferos 

Manuel P. Coquia 


TEXOMA 

Fred W. Plaag, Jr. 

Ray D. Sutton 

Neal R. Young 


LEATHER STOCKING 

COUNTRY 

D-15 

Frank J. Potrzeba 


OLD NAVAL HOME 

Charles J. Bruno 

Cleveland Little 

Howard S. Reeves 

Robert M. Spide 


DIAMOND STATE 

Rodney L. Hearne 

Andrew B. Likovich 

Theodore E. Roloff 


SILVERDALE 

George L. Coombs 

Robert G. Johnson 


MAGNOLIA STATE 

Peter J. Gillum 

Robert L. Molloy 

Raymond I. Moore 

Don E. Osborn 


NW SAN DIEGO 

Paul H. Domingues 

Robert E. Hiestand 

Loren R. King, Jr. 

Jose L.G. Martinez 

George H. Rose 

Almario Santos 

Eugene Severino, Jr. 

Cyril E. Spencer 

BRANCH 313 (13) 

CAMP PENDLETON 

Russell E. Armstrong 

Leland M. Averett 

John W. Barber 

Lew A. Collins 

David L. Denison 

Thomas G. Fields 

Thomas V. Hummel 

Frank Magdich 

James R. McEnaney 

William E. Paris 

Clarence O. Picker 

Robert W. Pratt 

Edmund N. Trudell


AKOM 

Boyd E. Milleson 


OZARK EMPIRE 

Edward J. Cronin 

Joseph M. Darter 

Fred Edwards 

Kenneth C. Harrison 

Melvin E. Kline 

Paul Simonton 

BRANCH 317 (14) 

LOS ALAMITOS 

William K. Attebery 

Donald Y. Beaver 

Gene I. Bensinger 

Bob F. Bowen 

Marlin D. Buirge 

Burton R. Conner 

Dayton E. Gillam 

Roger E. Harris 

Charles T. Harris 

James A. Matone 

Thomas J. Meade 

Melvin D. Norton 

Walter R. Smith 

Willard K. Winston 


ARGONAUTS 

Basil Krivonyak 

George W. Smith 


AKRON/CANTON 

H. Gene Bryan 

Richard R. Fenton 

John Ondrusko 


REDWOOD EMPIRE 

J. S. Cherry 

Howard L. Logan 


MIAMI VALLEY 

Michael Alexicko 

Thomas F. Gnau 

Jack B. Napier 

Floyd G. Richards 

Preston L. Seard 

Ralph R. Snavley 


LEWIS COUNTY 

Alwin N. Adams 

Ernest R. Johnson 

Harry F. Lane, Jr. 


OSAGE HERITAGE 

George M. Aringe 

Dale A. Berke 

Loyd Myers 


VOLUSIA COUNTY 

Marion W. Jenkins 


ALBANY, GA 

Walter E. Kyle 


HARRINGTON CLEMMONS 

Harry M. Cottrell 

Thomas V. Ruff 


CASCO BAY 

George P. Cawthon 

Stanley Paul Follett 

Robert A. Locey 

BRANCH 346 (10) 

ST. ANDREWS BAY 

Roy Chance 

William Chrastina 

Dale M. Colemere 

Thomas E. Kelly 

Charles Brendan Kennedy 

Paul P. Kunel 

Wendell H. Mc graw 

Grady L. Roland 

Charles R. Shank 

Ellis P. Shirley 


D-16 

SALISBURY 

Duffy N. McKenzie 

Jennings L. Muir 


PAUL BUNYAN 

Frank W. Jones 

George R. Konen, Jr. 

Franklin R. Madill 

Fenton E. Marriner 

Jerry L. Tripp 


ASHEVILLE 

Rudolph H. Kittel 


LOWER COLUMBIA 

Jack Gray 

Henry J. Loran 

Clifford T. Makinster 

Robert Pierce, Jr. 

Robert W. Read 


HEART OF THE OZARKS 

Lyndell G. Featherston 

George G. McCleary 


RIVER CITY 

Gary Billotte 

James W. Chapin, Jr. 

Robert E. Gentry 

William H. Snapp 


SOUTH BREVARD 

Carl W. Ablett 

Virgil Rainey 

Rufus Reams, Jr. 

Homer L. Speer 

James E. Walsh 

William I. Wilson 


SAN MIGUEL 

William A. Exum 


TRI-STATE MOUNTAINEERS 

Bernard W. Minshall 

Joseph D. Shober, Sr.


BATON ROUGE 

Robert S. Bourgeois 

Yves Dupre 

Juel Griffin, Jr. 

Stanley S. Nahill 

Nicholas J. Thibodeaux 

Robert L. Wallis 


CHERRY CITY 

Barry G. Barnes 

Elmer G. Melby 

David T. Wilson 


ARL/TEX 

J. W. Martin 

Clifford H. Wilkes 


MADISON 

Lloyd F. Gutsmiedel 


WABASH VALLEY 

Americo P. Draffone 

Leonard C. Horn 

Thomas E. Moore 

Billie R. Stader 

Lester L. White 


MIDLAND EMPIRE 

Ray H. Seever 


CENTRAL MISSOURI 

James Albert Brown 

Michael G. Ciprian 

Bruce H. Little 

Vernon W. Ramsey 


GEM STATE 

Richard L. Anderson 

Robert D. Green 


WIREGRASS 

J. D. Chappell 

M-A-L (887) 

Fernando Abad 

Kenneth B. Abel 

William O. Abernathy 

Henry H. Achilles, Jr. 

Thomas E. Acton 

Neilam D. Adams 

Charlie J. Adams 

Donald W. Adie 

John R. Agar 

Vernon D. Albright 

William B. Alcorn 

Clifford Allen 

John J. Anders 

Leonard Andersen 

George D. Anderson 

Robert L. Anderson 

C. O. Anderson 

George W. Appel 

Delmar L. Archer 

Donald Archer 

James C. Arnold 

Davis C. Arrant 

Henry B. Askey 

Donald R. Atwood 

Joseph J. Atzert 

James Austin 

Wesley I. Ayers, Jr. 

George H. Babcock, Jr. 

Matthew A. Backes 

Charle H. Badger 

James Bailey, Jr. 

Donald E. Bailey 

Hubert Bailey 

James R. Bain 

James S. Bain 

Herbert G. Baker 

Richard L. Baker 

Victor L. Balander 

George B. Balbaugh 

Hugh W. Ballew 

Steve Balogh 

Richard Barber 

Donald C. Barker 

Coleman Barnett 

Louis G. Barone 

William C. Barrineau 

Dennis L. Basler 

Kenneth D. Batdorff 

Ousbon A. Bateman 

James L. Bauermeister 

Donald G. Baumer 

Maurice E. Bays 

Walter Beavers 

Theron C. Beck 

Lois M. Beck 

D-17 

Lee H. Beckstead 

Allan Behel 

Archie T. Bell 

Michael R. Bell 

Pedro Benitez 

William Bennett 

William X. Bereznik 

Norman C. Berg 

William R. Bergey 

David M. Berry 

Kenneth L. Berry 

Louis Bias 

Maxwell D. Birkholz 

William Blakely 

Arthur F. Blanchard 

Albert Blanchette 

Joe Bland 

Leburton N. Blodgett 

Leon N. Blue 

Frederick A. Blume 

Michael Bogoslawski, Sr. 

Ernest A. Boice 

Robert C. Boldyga 

Sammy H. Bonds 

Ian E. Bookstein 

Joseph Booth 

Oscar W. Bordenave 

Raymond Bordonaro 

James W. Boren 

William L. Bovee 

Alphonse J. Bovi 

Charlie J. Bowen 

David H. Boyd, Jr. 

John T. Boyle 

Jess T. Bradford 

Lyle E. Bramwell 

Clyde E. Brendle 

Stanley E. Bridge 

Lenuel R. Brigman 

Joel Britt 

Homer L. Brock 

John Broderick 

John F. Brommer 

Charles L. Brooks 

Harry A. Brooks 

Bud D. Brough 

Walter Brower 

Jack P. Brown 

Hugh T. Brown 

John O. Brown 

Raymond J. Brown 

Lemuel O. Brown 

Robert Brown 

Thomas H. Brown

Harry Brown 

Thomas L. Bryan 

Howard E. Budd 

Charles L. Buddes 

Richard R. Buelow 

Marshall Bugg 

James A. Burch 

Robert D. Burgess 

Francis B. Burke 

Arleigh A. Burke 

Bernard B. Burklund 

James F. Burns 

Ralph E. Burrow 

Daniel M. Bustamante 

Leonard M. Butler 

Allen J. Buttke, Sr. 

Edward B. Caldwell, Jr. 

George M. Callan 

John R. Campbell 

Burnham Cantwell 

John C. Canupp 

Raymund G. Carberry, Jr. 

William E. Carey 

Ralph L. Carlin 

Leland E. Carlson 

Fleta V. Carlton 

James R. Carnes 

Donald E. Carpenter 

Robert Carpenter 

Orvill N. Carrington 

Raymond Carter 

Harman R. Carter 

Leonard E. Cartrite 

James M. Catalfamo 

Garry L. Catura 

Lulus C. Caya 

David F. Chaney 

Russell F. Chatard 

John W. Chatham 

Gene A. Chegwidden 

Edward W. Chesler 

Leonard Chester 

Vern Christensen 

Mario J. Cicchetto 

Chester Cisowski 

Byron S. Clark 

Stephen J. Clerico 

William E. Clibrey 

Gerald Cline 

Charles D. Coakley 

Elroy J. Coddington 

Leo Coffman 

Jerry W. Coleman 

Leonard L. Collier 

Robert B. Colton 

Donald L. Conley, Sr. 

Clarence W. Connell 

Phillip R. Conner 

Jerome C. Considine 

Fred Cook 

Lincoln Cook 

Keith Cook 

Allen W. Cooley 

Marvin Cooper 

Joseph H. Copeland 

Armand V. Cormier 

Robert C. Cousins 

Joseph H. Cowham 

Ira C. Cox, Jr. 

Mervyn Crandell 

Richard H. Crangle 

James C. Creamer 

Donald Cree 

James A. Crist 

Donal Crouch 

Harold E. Cruser 

Don H. Cummings 

Donald E. Cunningham 

Gerald W. Curtis 

Joseph P. Cygirt 

Henry P. Dabkowski 

Frank L. Dailey 

Redman D. Daniel 

Harold E. Davis 

Lee W. Davis 

Charles Davis 

Norman Davis 

Allison D. Deal 

Richard E. Decker 

Ellis Decker 

William S. Deering 

David L. Degroff 

Harry Deiss 

Pasquale J. Demuro 

John J. Dent, Jr. 

Donald Desimone 

Joseph G. Despres 

Jasper O. Dewitt 

John Di Cerbo 

Roy E. Dickerson 

Kenneth J. Dienberg, Sr. 

James W. Dill 

Richard Dion 

John G. Disher 

Roy A. Ditzler 

Clair W. Divert 

Forrest J. Dixon 

J. D. Dodson 

D-18 

Marvin E. Dodson 

Terry Doerr 

William A. Donnelly 

Richard M. Donnelly 

James T. Dotson 

John A. Douglas 

Bernard F. Dowdy 

Wesley Draper 

Clifford Dreaney 

Melvin H. Dubard 

Roger F. Dufault 

James Duke 

Jimmie D. Dunahoe 

Gordon Duncan 

David M. Dunn 

Robert Dunn 

Clarence W. Earnhardt 

Dennis E. Eash 

R. Eastep 

Albert L. Eaton 

Francis E. Edsell 

Arthur R. Ehscheid 

Robert A. Ellis 

David A. Ellis 

Robert G. Erb 

Ralph H. Eriksen 

Earl B. Erwin 

Robert B. Eson 

Robert L. Evans 

Alva C. Everett 

John J. Faherty 

Hilda H. Farmer 

Thomas E. Fauchald 

Clarence E. Fend 

Gene W. Ferris 

J. W. Ficklin 

George O. Fillinger 

Carl E. Finch 

Frank D. Fisher 

James W. Fitzsimmons 

James D. Fiveash 

Paul F. Fleming 

George H. Floyd 

Edwin L. Fogelman 

Jefferson D. Fogle 

Jackie Fondren 

Eldon R. Force 

John L. Fortenberry 

Clarence Fowler 

Jerome E. Frame 

Charles L. Francis 

Raymond L. Fransen 

Wilton J. Frazee 

Frederick W. Freeman

Walter H. Freeman 

Max G. Freudenberg 

Ronald Friend 

Jack M. Frost 

Glenn E. Frye 

Jackie R. Fuller 

William Fuller 

James Ganoe 

Philip T. Gans 

James W. Gardner 

Charles R. Garrett 

John J. Garten 

Joseph Gass 

James H. Geitz 

Anthony R. Giangrande 

A. W. Gibson 

Robert D. Gibson 

Michael J. Gideos 

Louis Gignac 

Jack A. Gilbert 

George R. Gilbert 

Don M. Gillham 

Armenag J. D Giragosian 

Joe I. Giron 

Doyle Richard Glaze 

Eleodore D. Godin 

Nick E. Gonatos 

Jay W. Goodman 

Walter D. Gravat 

Robert Z. Gravel 

Billy Green 

Lee P. Greenawalt 

William Greenfield 

Harold R. Greenhalgh 

Raymond D. Gregory 

Hadie M. Griffis 

Walter C. Grist 

Eugene F. Griswold 

Barney W. Guidry 

Francis X. Guidry 

Joe E. Gurule 

George Gutierrez 

Urbano Gutierrez 

William J. Hackbarth 

George M. Hackney 

John Haegen 

Robert E. Hahn 

William B. Haines 

William A. Haines 

Jack M. Hake 

Charles E. Hall 

Walter H. Hallfarth 

Richard Hallman 

William T. Haltom 

Arnold Hamm 

James E. Hannigan 

Donald J. Hanson 

Herbert F. Harabidian 

Wm Harding 

Byron H. Harris 

David R. Harris 

Thomas P. Haugh 

Loren L. Hawkins 

Ernest R. Hayek 

Robert L. Hays 

Richard Hazen 

William Hazley 

Warren Hegelmeyer 

Jerald Helmer 

Roy L. Helson 

Robert W. Herbert 

Alfred Simmons Herbert 

John E. Hickey, Jr. 

Haston A. Hicks 

Arthur Higgs 

Charles Higgs 

John R. Hilberry 

Glen Hills 

Leslie L. Hine 

Louie C. Hinson 

Robert E. Hinton 

Raymond T. Hitrick 

Leo P. Hoag 

Joseph Hochstrasser 

Lavosia D. Hodges 

Ronald Hodgson 

Ralph A. Hoffman 

John W. Hogston 

Carleton M. Holbrook 

Philip Holland 

Daniel B. Holloway, Jr. 

Edward J. Holmes 

Max H. Holsomback 

Harris H. Hoover 

Gary J. Hopper 

Alex L. Horvath 

Edward M. Hough 

David E. Howcroft 

Richard J. Huff 

Tommy J. Hughes 

Howard H. Hughson 

Leondus Hull 

David Hunt 

Charles Hurst 

Robert D. Hussey 

David R. Hutcheson 

Warren C. Ihrke 

Roland Imbriaco 

D-19 

Charles D. Impson 

John Ingle 

Clyde A. Jacobson 

Albert Janke 

Larry Jeffery 

Charles L. Jennings 

Jerry J. Jensen 

Charles E. Jeter 

Dewey G. Jewell 

Joseph H. Jodoin 

Jesse L. Johnson 

James R. Johnson 

Edwin S. Johnson 

Robert L. Johnson 

Stanwood W. Johnson 

Larry Johnson 

Bill Johnson 

Victor Johnson 

C. R. Johnson 

Howard M. Jones 

Terry W. Jones 

William H. Jones 

Billy Jones 

John T. Jozwiak 

John Kahles 

Karl D. Kaiser 

Herbert Kaltenback 

John K. Karoly 

James Keating 

Charles P. Kellejian 

John E. Kelley 

Gerald W. Kelley 

R. S. Kelly 

Terry Kelly 

Lucious Kennedy 

Robert E. Kenney 

Lloyd R. Kenning 

George A. Kerrigan 

Frederic H. Kidder 

George W. Kingston 

Thomas J. Kitchens 

George J. Klug 

Farrell L. Kluttz 

Fred R. Knoebel 

Richard F. Knowles 

L. M. Kopsky 

Stanley F. Kowalczyk 

Lawrence R. Krahn 

Myron J. Kriz 

John G. Kuptz 

Harrison K. Kyle, Jr. 

James LaBanca 

George F. Labash 

Raymond F. Lacey

Walter A. Laidlaw 

Ted E. Lamb 

Floyd L. Lamb 

Orville Lambert 

Richard Lambert 

John H. Lapoint 

John T. Larkin 

William H. Lashmit 

Garry M. Leach 

Frank R. Leach, Jr. 

Louis F. Leavy 

Elwood N. Lebouef 

Gene E. Ledbury 

Harold W. Lehner 

L. P. Leonard 

Eugene J. Lewandowski 

Robert R. Lewis 

Dalton E. Lewis 

Thomas L. Lewis 

Arron Lewis 

Bruce V. Lisle 

Sherwood Littlefield 

Michael J. Llewellyn 

Robert Locke 

Howard Lockey 

Billy H. Locklar 

Thomas L. Lockrouit 

Robert F. Long 

Henry L. Longton 

Raymond E. Lott 

Paul H. Lougee 

Johnny Lovorn 

George J. Lubben 

Richard E. Lundquist 

John E. Lynch 

Hayward D. Lynch 

Otho A. Lyons 

Simpson Machen 

Delbert A. Madsen 

Richard M. Mahaffey 

Alan Maillard 

James A. Manning 

Robert A. Manning 

Robert L. Maples 

Benedict J. Marafino, Sr. 

Magtangol O. Marcelo 

James C. Marcom 

Fred H. Marquardt 

Adolph E. Marshuetz 

Roy F. Martin 

Bobbie J. Martin 

Lawrence J. Martin 

Thomas Martin 

Paul Masser 

Louis C. Masur 

Daniel J. Matson 

Frank H. Matthews 

Freddy Mayes 

Francis McAvoy 

Earl McCall 

Wayne J. McClain 

Daniel W. McClain 

Raymond F. McConnell 

Lee McCoy 

Sam R. McCrow 

Jack D. McCullars 

Richard D. McCulloch 

Robert E. McCullough 

William F. McDaniel 

John E. McDonald, Jr. 

Robert D. McDonald 

John McDonald 

Robert L. McElroy 

Robert F. McElroy 

Edward McGowan 

Hermon L. McKinney 

James McKnight 

William D. McLamb 

John McMullen, Jr. 

Gerald McSpadden 

John W. Meadows 

James C. Means 

John W. Mellor 

Wilber D. Melvin 

Thomas L. Mentus 

William C. Merkle 

Robert S. Merry 

Rodger J. Mesler 

Lewis Metz 

Paul E. Michau 

Edward N. Michek, II 

Robert J. Mick 

Arthur J. Milani 

Richard D. Miller 

Urcel D. Miller 

Theodore C. Miller 

Michael C. Miller 

Raymond Miller 

Ethelbert H. Mills 

Peter Mirich, Jr. 

Charles B. Miss 

Edwin E. Mitchell 

James E. Mitchell 

George Mitchell 

Roger Mitchell 

Charles Monahan 

Frank Mongelli 

Richard S. Moore 

D-20 

Leo Moran 

Gordon L. Moreland 

Raymond A. Moreno 

Perry S. Morris 

Richard Morris 

Willard Morris 

Gerald Morrow 

Joseph W. Morton 

Curtis Moss 

David P. Murphy 

James R. Murphy 

James T. Murphy 

James E. Murphy 

William Murray 

Henry M. Myers 

Robert H. Myers 

N. J. Napiantek 

James M. Neel 

George L. Neibaur 

Arthur Neild 

Edgar C. Neisler 

Helen M. Nelson 

Wilfred G. Nelson 

Thomas E. Nelson 

Gordon E. Nelson 

Terry D. Nelson 

Walter A. Nelson 

Allan Nelson 

Kenneth T. Newell 

Robert A. Newkirk 

William T. Nichols 

Clair M. Nicholson 

Roger Nickerson 

George Nicol 

Walter H. Niemeyer 

Michael J. Niemiec 

Thomas L. Nixon 

James Nixon 

Jack W. Nooney 

Edward C. Norris 

Harold F. Northup 

Donald L. Norton 

Kenneth E. Novaria 

Donald E. Nowak 

Jack D. O’Brien 

Stephen P. O’Connell 

Elvin C. Ogle 

Stanley T. Oley 

Lewis C. Olive 

James D. Oliver 

Vincent A. Orbish 

William F. O’Sullivan 

Arden Otberg 

Bobby D. Otts

Raymond H. Ovel 

Jerry A. Pacilio 

Noel A. Palm 

William O. Park 

Bernard Parker 

Louis H. Parkinson 

Leland W. Parmelee 

John E. Parnell 

Johnny Parrish 

Thadeus A. Paskiewicz 

Glen E. Patterson 

Norman F. Payne 

Orville Payne 

Royden A. Pearson 

Harry L. Peckham 

George F. Peek 

George Peery 

Joseph J. Pemp 

E. J. Penn 

Harold F. Perry 

Howard M. Peterson 

Carl Pettice 

William M. Pitt 

Charles Plaugher 

Theodore H. Poch, Jr. 

Jennie Pogliano 

James W. Porter 

Kenneth R. Potvin 

Austin C. Powell 

Theodore W. Powell 

Noah B. Praytor, Jr. 

Leonard G. Preston 

Cecil R. Proffitt 

Jack H. Pruitt 

John W. Pullen 

Glen E. Pullin 

John Purinton 

Charles R. Quillian 

Raymond D. Rabanus 

Robert Raber 

Robert N. Rabidoux 

Alden A. Race 

Emile J. Racek 

Hugh A. Radford 

Wiley A. Ramsey 

Martin A. Randisi 

William H. Ranney, Jr. 

Albert J. Rappold 

Richard C. Rasmussen 

Thadeous Rawls 

Francis A. Razinha 

Paul L. Ream 

Nina B. Redditt 

Oscar Redman 

Herbert H. Reed 

Robert E. Reed 

James R. Reget 

Dan Reichstadt 

Allen D. Reid 

David Reid 

Edwin A. Remaley 

Henry J. Restorff 

Bernabe Reyes 

Richard H. Reysen 

Joseph Richard 

Harry S. Richard 

Ola T. Richbourg 

Monty Richerson 

Donald Riker 

James B. Riles 

James H. Riley 

Leocadio A. Rios 

Viva J. Rivers 

Eldred L. Roberts 

Jimmie H. Roberts 

Dwight J. Roberts 

Edward J. Roberts 

James Robertson 

Donald E. Robinson 

Jessie H. Robison 

Icle N. Robuck 

Virgil R. Rodden 

Ervin Roelke 

Gordon E. Rogers 

Thomas E. Rogers, Sr. 

Claude E. Rose 

William A. Rose 

John W. Rowe 

Rodrigo T. Roxas 

Pablo P. Rozul 

Estern H. Ruble 

Richard Ruel 

Albert H. Rukes, Jr. 

Raymond Rushing 

Billy L. Russell 

Barton O. Russell 

Charles M. Russell 

James L. Russell 

John R. Rutter 

James Saich 

Rose Sand 

Windel L. Sandefur 

Charles E. Sanders 

Edward L. Sarcevicz 

George W. Saunders 

John Scanlon 

Leo V. Schaller 

Virgil D. Scheer 

D-21 

Russell E. Scherr 

Edward Schibbelhute 

John F. Schlagel 

William H. Schultz 

Melvin R. Schultz 

Richard W. Schumaker 

Eugene A. Scott 

Richard S. Sears 

William R. Semple 

Wilbur Sendoya 

Irving W. Seyle 

Kenneth V. Seymour 

Warren Shannon 

Daniel Shea 

Paul N. Shelley 

Ross P. Sherard 

Sayward Sherburne 

James L. Shinn 

Roy C. Sholes 

Leo W. Shores 

Daryle Shropshire 

John Sigler 

Rufus L. Siler 

Frederick Simms 

Alan J. Sinclair 

Willis J. Sisson 

Wallace A. Skelton 

Vernon Skinner 

James M. Skipple 

Charles Slayton 

Glen Sloan 

John W. Smart 

Charles W. Smith 

Paul J. Smith 

Viencel J. Smith 

George R. Smith 

George W. Smith 

James Smith 

Gerald G. Smith 

Joseph Smith 

Lawrence K. Snowden 

William Snyder 

Robert C. Somerville 

Theodore Sparks 

Paul R. Speece 

Heyward Spires 

Robert J. Springer 

Donald M. Staats 

Anthony Stanis 

John L. Steele 

Wencil H. Stengl 

William E. Stephenson 

Richard W. Stevens 

Richard Stinedurf

Charles L. Stone 

Jere V. Stoner 

Marie M. Stout 

Randolph T. Strickland 

James L. Stuart 

Robert J. Sugrue 

Francis Sullivan 

Warren R. Suter 

Louis N. Szuch 

Thomas T. Taggart 

Robert L. Tait 

Leroy M. Taylor 

Donald Taylor 

Leon Taylor 

Daniel S. Taylor 

John G. Taylor 

Edwin E. Tener 

Weldon O. Terrell 

Spencer A. Terry 

Richard E. Thacker 

Robert L. Thennis 

Marrion R. Thompson 

Curtis Thompson 

Ronald K. Thornton 

Thomas N. Thorsen 

Broyce E. Tibbitts 

Arthur M. Tilley, Jr. 

William P. Tinder 

Allen A. Tobias 

Alfred L. Todd, Jr. 

Earl M. Toler, Sr. 

Aaron L. Tomlinson 

Prudencio S. Torres 

Jack R. Totten 

David H. Tracy 

John E. Trainor 

Salvatore C. Trapani 

John W. Travasos 

William L. Treese 

Marvin R. Tucker 

Wayne Tuell 

Albert Udell 

Dahl W. Usher 

Leonard M. Van Gemert 

Raleigh Vansickle 

Edwin Varnadoe 

Howard F. Vaughan 

Carvel L. Vaughan 

Michael Vaughn 

Victor Velky 

J. Veylupek 

Richard C. Villa 

Bernard Visser 

Raymond Von Saunder 

Gervaise R. Wade 

Clarence Wagner 

Robert Waid 

Albert Waldow 

Joseph M. Wall 

Raymond L. Wallace 

Roy Walsh 

George C. Walters 

Daniel L. Walters 

James E. Ward, Jr. 

John R. Ward 

William M. Ward, Jr. 

Kenneth L. Ward 

Floyd Ward 

Kenneth Warden 

James Warren 

Dan R. Watt 

Robert Wausinger 

Cyrus Wear 

James H. Webb 

Robert E. Webb 

D. H. Webster 

Hobson Webster 

Edgar R. Weidner 

Edward Weimer 

James D. Welch 

Henry E. Welch 

Jean R. Weldy 

Danny Wells 

John Welsh 

Russell D. West 

Willie Westberry 

Albert Westlake 

William A. Wheeler 

Lester H. Whetstone 

Forest D. White 

Charles White 

Tommy B. Whitfield 

Harold D. Whitson 

John Whittaker 

Harlan L. Whitten 

John L. Wilbanks 

Jack Wilks 

James H. Williams 

Joel L. Wilson 

Donald K. Wilson 

William W. Wimbish 

Robert B. Winans 

Robert R. Winslow 

William E. Wise 

V. N. Withrow 

James Otis Womack 

Delmer L. Wood 

Theodore L. Wood 

D-22 

Charles Wood 

Brent T. Wooddell 

Joseph F. Woods 

Fred Woods 

Paul L. Woollard 

Richard B. Woolley 

Cecil N. Wooten 

Harold Wratten 

Dudley Wray 

Robert L. Wright 

John Wyshinski 

Harold Yahn 

Gregory J. York 

Emery W. Young 

George T. I. Yuen 

Joe L. Zachary 

Leo L. Zdziarski 

William J. Zeigler 

Lucy Elizabeth Zierdt 

Philip H. Zinsmeister 

Anthony W. Zoske 

Joseph Zur


PUBLIC RELATIONS 



Shipmate National President and Shipmates. 

The National Committee on Public Relations for Year 2006-2007 is composed of the following Shipmates: 

Chairman: PRPSC Donald Larson, Branch 94 

Ray E. Santee, Branch 166 

Darlene Kay Hines, Branch 269 

Clarence T. White, Branch 72 

Charles H. Goodman, Branch 276 

Norman M. Sivertsen, Jr., Branch 229 

Lonnie Vessell, Branch 11 

Fred W. Ballard, Branch 46 

Advisors: PRPSW Victor Miranda, Branch 9 

JrPRPNE James R. Smith, Branch 253 

As recommended by previous committees, this years Public Relations Committee will utilize the same standard format 

as the previous years committee. This practice will allow for a standard judging format that will aid this committee 

to best evaluate public relations reports. 

The committee recommends that Regional Presidents become more active with branch Public Relations chairmen to 

ensure that all of their branches submit reports for assessment. Various committee members know that their branches 

are active in Public Relations but were surprises to find that reports were not submitted. 

Ensure that Regional Public Relations Chairmen forward their first place winners to the National Committee Chairmen 

immediately upon their regional convention adjourning and following up with a phone call to ensure they are 

received. 

One last suggestion was for the Region Presidents to hand carry a copy of their regional winners assessment to ensure 

judging by the National Committee 

I would like to take this time to thank the members who served on the committee along with the faithful service of 

our National Headquarters who throughout the year gave me the support I requested. 

All funds received from the FRA for travel and expenses were expended on association business. 

PR-1 


DONALD LARSON 

Chairman


YOUTH ACTIVITIES 



Shipmate National President, delegates and Shipmates 

The 2006 – 2007 National Youth Activities Committee Consisted of the following Shipmates: 

Chairman: Stanley Lewandowski, Branch 289 

Members: Karl W. Zuege, Branch 235 

George N. Kollarik Branch 124 

Charles A. Baldwin, Branch 99 

Robert F. Waterman, Branch 215 

Fred J. Pester, Branch 180 

Charley Randall, II, Branch 201 

Jimmy D. Freedle, Branch 47 

Roy D. Warner, Branch 287 

Robert M. Otteraaen, Branch 363 

Advisors: PRPEC W.G. “Jerry” Butler, Branch 141 

PRPNC H. Gene Bryan, Branch 324 

I have contacted the above shipmates on attending the national convention. I have also mentioned the various feelings 

I heard from shipmates on the issue of documentation of reporting the contribution of over 500 hours on Youth 

Activities, this topic will be discussed at the 80th National Convention. 

A budget request for the year 2007-2008 was submitted on 12 June 2007 to the Chairman of the Budget & Finance 

Committee. 

A detailed report of winning branches and shipmates of the year will be made in our convention report. 

There are no recommendations at this time, if any, they will be presented in our convention report. 

Budget line item funds received as of this date have been expended on Association business. A final report on travel 

will be submitted IAW National President memorandum dated 3 August 2007. 

I would like to thank National President Sweeney for the privilege to serve as National Chairman of Youth Activities 

Committee. I’d also like to thank the members of the committee for their assistance. 

I move that my report be received. 

YA-1 

In Loyalty, Protection and Service, 

STANLEY J. LEWANDOWSKI 

Chairman

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SPECIAL NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO 

EVALUATE THE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES OF THE FRA REGIONS 



Shipmate National President, National Officers, Past National Officers, and Shipmates this is the Annual Report of 

the Special National Committee to Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions. 

The committee is currently evaluating the present nine FRA regions with respect to: 

1. Regional President coverage of each geographic area, 

2. Best allocation and expenditure of FRA funds, 

3. What recommendations best serve the interests of the FRA. 

There are several proposals that are being examined to determine the specific advantages and disadvantages of each: 

1. Maintaining the status quo, 

2. Combining one or more regions, 

3. Dividing large regions, 

4. Dividing states with respect to branch location, 

5. Oversight of the overseas branches. 

As this is a two-year committee and there are many variables to be taken into consideration; therefore, it is premature 

to mention any specifics of the proposals as each is still being evaluated. Any and all suggestions are welcome. 

Please submit them to your Regional Committee Member by December 31, 2007: New England – James F. Hollis, 

Branch 132; Northeast – JrPRPNE James R. Smith, Branch 253; East Coast – PNP Thomas L. Leisher, Branch 5; 

Southeast – PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore, Branch 22; North Central – PNP Eugene Smith, Branch 105; South Central – 

PRPSC Terry D. Merten, Branch 159; Northwest – PNP Marvin W. Johnson, Branch 104; West Coast – Peter J. 

McNamara, Branch 274; and Southwest – Dennis L. Reynolds, Branch 289. 

All Fleet Reserve Association funds received have been expended on Fleet Reserve Association business. 

SP-1 

In Loyalty, Protection and Service, 

MARK A. KILGORE 

Chairman

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLUTIONS 

NBR 1-07 OF 24 SEPTEMBER 2006 

Resolved, That the FRA be the host of the 80th National Convention, to be held in Corpus Christi, Texas, 31 October 

– 3 November 2007. 

Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSC excused absence. 


Resolved, That the expenses of the 80th National Convention Committee be paid in accordance with Standing Rule 

2. 



Resolved, That the profits from the 80th National Convention be distributed 50/50 between the FRA/LA FRA. 



Resolved, That the salary of the NES be set in the amount of $105,000. 

Vote: 11 affirmative; RPSC excused absence; NES abstains. 


Resolved, That approval be granted for the 2006-2007 LA FRA National President’s Project — USO (Phone 

Home/Operation USO Care Packages/Gifts from Home Front Programs). 



Resolved, That the Bylaws of the New England Region be ratified. 



Resolved, That the elimination of Section SR-46 of the Standing Rules of the Ladies Auxiliary, FRA be ratified. 



Resolved, That the revision of Section 301 of the C&BL of the Ladies Auxiliary, FRA be ratified. 

Vote: 9 affirmative. RPSC excused absence. RPEC, RPSE, & RPWC negative. 

NBR-1


Resolved, That appointments to certain special and standing national committees be ratified. 



Resolved, That the appointment of the Special Committee to Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions 

be ratified. 



Resolved, That the NBOD interpret Article 12, Section 1226(d), C&BL, FRA, to mean that no member serving on 

the Branch Board of Directors can serve on the Business Enterprise (Club) Board of Governors. 

Vote: 9 affirmative; RPSC excused absence; RPEC, RPSW, & RPNW negative. 

NBR 12-07 OF 6 OCTOBER 2006 

Whereas, A request for financial assistance has been received from PNChap Jeanetta Mundis, Chairman, HW&R 

Committee, New England Region, on behalf of Shipmate Frederick Bishop; and 

Whereas, A copy of the request from PNChap Jeanetta Mundis is enclosed, which explains the reason; and 

Whereas, RPNEng Paul F. Loveless, Jr., has approved of this request; and 

Whereas, I have directed the Finance Officer to prepare a check in the amount of $500 as authorized by Article 9, 

Section 909(d) C&BL, FRA; and 

Whereas, The Finance Officer and I feel that Shipmate Bishop’s financial situation warrants additional funds, I am 

requesting an additional $1,350 for Shipmate Bishop from the Welfare and Rehabilitation Reserve, now; therefore be 

it 

Resolved, That the following Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an mail vote: 

NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 12-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors authorize 

the expenditure of an additional $1,350 from the Welfare and Rehabilitation Reserve for a total grant of $1,850 as 

contained in the provisions of Article 9, Section 909(d), C&BL, FRA. 

Vote: 12 affirmative; RPNW not received. 


Whereas, The Charter for Branch 154 was suspended for failure to comply with Article 12, Section 1203(b) C&BL, 

FRA (Branch Officers Report had not been submitted) by the National Board of Directors, during their Pre- 

Convention Meeting held on 18 September in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; and 

Whereas, The Branch Officer Report for Branch 154 has since been received at the National Headquarters; now, 

therefore be it 

Resolved, The following Resolution is promulgated to the National Board of Director’s for a vote: 

NBR-2

NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 13-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors, in accordance 

with Article 12, Section 1203, C&BL, FRA, lift the charter suspension of Branch 154. 








Resolved, The following Resolution is promulgated to the National Board of Director’s for a vote: 




NBR 15-07 OF 29 NOVEMBER 2006 

Resolved, That Section SR-12(d) FRA Standing Rules be amended to read as follows: 

“SR-12(d). Essay Contest Rules: 

“(1) All entrants shall be students in grades seven through twelve (or equivalent). 

“(2) Entrants must be sponsored by a branch of the FRA or a unit of the LA FRA. 

“(3) The essay shall be on the theme designated and shall not exceed 350 words. 

“(4) The essay shall be legibly written or typed on one side of the paper. 

“(5) A student may only submit one entry each year. 

“(6) Each entry must be accompanied by a separate sheet stating: the entrant’s name; address; 

zip code; telephone number; school grade (or equivalent); name of school or the words “home 

schooled;” student’s social security number (optional); number of words in essay; and the sponsoring 

branch/unit or sponsor’s name. 

“(7) If selected a “contest winner,” the student's social security number shall be provided for 

the sole purpose of complying with the rules of issuance of a U.S. Savings Bond.” 

Vote 12 affirmative; RPEC excused absence. 

NBR 16-07 OF 3 JANUARY 2007 

Whereas, Due to the resignation of PNP Marvin W. Johnson, Branch 104 as Chairman of the Special Committee to 

Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions (he’ll remain as a member of the committee), I wish to 

appoint PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore as his replacement; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That the following Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote (please 

respond to alicia@fra.org by Thursday, 4 January, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 

NBR-3

NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 16-07: Resolved, that the National Board of Directors ratify the 

appointment of PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore as Chairman of the Special Committee to Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries 

of the FRA Regions for a term of two years. 

Vote: 13 affirmative. 


Whereas, At the Midyear National Board of Directors meeting held on 19-20 May 2006, the National Board of Directors 

took action in NBR 36-06 to suspend Chesapeake Branch 40’s Charter for non-compliance with the C&BL, 

FRA; and 

Whereas, After notification from then Regional President East Coast Gunther that the Branch had complied with the 

C&BL, the NBOD (per NBR. 52-06) lifted the suspension of the Charter with the stipulation that the Club was to 

remain closed until their Bylaws were brought into compliance, Branch Officers were to be elected and installed, and 

that the Branch provide a roster of the new Board of Governors to oversee the Club; and 

Whereas, Chesapeake Branch 40 has complied with the above stipulations (see attachments) and requests permission 

to open the Club; now, therefore be it. 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Friday, 19 January, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 


with Article 12, Section 1203, C&BL, FRA, allow Branch 40 to open their Club. 









respond to alicia@fra.org by Wednesday, 7 February, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 




NBR 19-07 OF 27 FEBRUARY 2007 

Whereas, The Fleet Reserve Club of Annapolis, Inc. (FRC) served a request for the entry of an injunction against 

FRA (Case No: C-06-115223) in the Circuit Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County in July 2006; and 

Whereas, FRA (NP Sweeney, NES Barnes, and Frank Northam, Esq.) met with FRC’s attorney and representatives 

at a settlement conference on Friday, 23 February 2007 in an effort to settle the lawsuit amicably; and 

NBR-4

Whereas, Both FRA (pending ratification of the National Board of Directors) and FRC agreed to sign a Consent Decree, 

consistent with FRA’s C&BL, which states: 

“The Parties hereto having consented to the within, and the Court having reviewed the Complaint, 

Motions and various other pleadings in the Court file, and having determined that the terms of the 

within Decree resolve the issues and fairly state the applicable law, it is this ______ day of February, 

2007 by the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County DECREED as follows: 

“1. That PLAINTIFF, FLEET RESERVE CLUB OF ANNAPOLIS, INC., is a valid Maryland 

corporation entitled to the privileges associated therewith and subject to the requirements of 

its Charter, By-Laws and the laws of the State of Maryland. 

“2. That DEFENDANT, FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION, is a valid Pennsylvania corporation 

located in Virginia and is entitled to the privileges associated therewith and subject to the 

requirements of its Charter, By-Laws and the laws of the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and 

Virginia law, in addition to the laws of any other jurisdiction in which it conducts its affairs. 

“3. That each party is entitled to conduct its affairs separate and apart from the other;” now, 


Resolved, That the following Resolution is presented to the National Board of Directors for an e-mail vote [please 

respond to alicia@fra.org by Tuesday, 27 February (if possible), and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy]: 


with Article 12, Section 1226, C&BL, FRA, authorize the National President to sign the Consent Decree to 

be submitted to the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland. 


NBR 20-07 OF 5 MARCH 2007 

Whereas, A request for financial assistance has been received from PRPSC David A. Field on behalf of Shipmate 

Raymond Cook; and 

Whereas, A copy of the request from PRPSC Field is enclosed, which explains the reason; and 

Whereas, I have directed the Finance Officer to prepare a check in the amount of $500 as authorized by Article 9, 

Section 909(d) C&BL, FRA; and 

Whereas, The Finance Officer and I feel that Shipmate Cook’s financial situation warrants additional funds, I am 

requesting an additional $2,000 for Shipmate Cook from the Welfare and Rehabilitation Reserve, now; therefore be 

it 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Thursday, 8 March, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 


the expenditure of an additional $2,000 from the Welfare and Rehabilitation Reserve for a total grant of $2,500 as 

contained in the provisions of Article 9, Section 909(d), C&BL, FRA. 


NBR-5

NBR 21-07 OF 27 APRIL 2007 

Whereas, Per Article 8, Section 809(p), C&BL, FRA, those contracts which exceed $5,000 require the approval of 

the National Board of Directors, unless previously approved by the delegates in convention; and 

Whereas, The FRA Building Committee Chairman reports the need for enhanced security related to the access of 

computer data storage systems at National Headquarters, and the need to upgrade the access control system for the 

National Headquarters Building as soon as possible; and 

Whereas, The overall security system upgrade is required in order to accommodate the new access control software, 

and the new FRA provided PC, since technological advancements do not allow for the interface of FRA’s existing 

control boards with the new software; and 

Whereas, The estimated total upgrade cost is $12,876.00 and only $4,114 of this amount was approved in the current 

year’s budget according to line item 5080-00-10-i; and 

Whereas, Per Article 9, Section 902, C&BL, FRA, $15,000 is transferred from the General Operating Fund to the 

Capital Improvement Reserve Fund, annually, to replenish this fund, and that this fund has a current balance of 

$126,440.65 as of 31 March 2007; and 

Whereas, FRA has contracted with CIS Security Systems Corporation for all of its security system upgrades and 

maintenance since the purchase of the building and has had excellent business relations; and 

Whereas, FRA is keenly aware of the past performance of CIS Security Systems Corporation; and 

Whereas, The FRA Building Committee, and the Financial Officer highly recommend the selection of CIS Security 

Systems Corporation; now, therefore be it 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Tuesday, 1 May and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 


the Finance Officer to sign a contract with CIS Security Systems Corporation for $12,876.00 to upgrade computer 

and building security with costs to be paid from the Capital Improvement Reserve Fund. 

Vote: 11 affirmative; RPWC negative; RPNC not received. 

NBR 22-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That the proposed amendment to Article 12, Section 1201, C&BL, FRA, be submitted to the Constitution, 

Bylaws, and Resolutions Committee for consideration at the 80th National Convention. 

Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE excused absence. 

NBR 23-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 



Vote: 10 affirmative; RPEC and RPWC negative; RPSE excused absence. 

NBR 24-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 



NBR-6


NBR 25-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That the National Board of Directors accept the voluntary surrender of the Charter of Newport Branch 19, 

effective immediately. 


NBR 26-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That upon the surrender of the charter, all books and records of Newport Branch and Club 19 be fully audited 

by professional auditors to ensure that no wrong doing has taken place. 


NBR 27-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That Newport Branch 19’s land and branch home be placed for sale at market value. 


NBR 28-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That the proceeds from the sale of Newport Branch 19's land and branch home be used to pay its outstanding 

bills, with the balance to be held in escrow by the National Treasury in accordance with Article 12, Section 

1207, C&BL, FRA. 


NBR 29-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That Old Naval Home Branch 307 be granted an extension in accordance with Article 12, C&BL, FRA, 

until such time as a new Naval Home in Gulfport, Mississippi, is built. 


NBR 30-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That the Custodian Agreement with SunTrust Bank be terminated, that a new Custodian Agreement with 

M&T Bank be executed, and that the Finance Officer, as aided by the Investment Advisor, be authorized to coordinate 

and negotiate the transition of Custodial services. 


NBR 31-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That the National Board of Directors approve the addition of Roth provisions to the existing NHQ Staff 

401(k) Plan, and that the Trustees to the Plan, the NES and the FO, be authorized to coordinate such addition. 


NBR-7

NBR 32-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That the National Board of Directors accept the voluntary surrender of the Charter of China Lake Branch 

95 and permit Branch 95 to merge with Golden Empire Branch 26, effective immediately. 


NBR 33-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That the proposed amendment to Article 9, Section 914(c), C&BL, FRA, be submitted to the Constitution, 



NBR 34-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That the National Board of Directors did vote unanimously to place the name of Shipmate PRPEC Edward 

Huylebroeck, Jr., in nomination for a Certificate of Merit Award; and be it further 

Resolved, That the National Board of Directors, FRA does earnestly solicit the full support of the delegates assembled 

at the 80th National Convention to be held in Corpus Christi, Texas, to ensure the awarding of this prestigious 

award. 


NBR 35-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That the National Board of Directors table the AGIA proposal and monitor renegotiation of agreement 

with Marsh commencing 1 January 2008 and that successive NBODs evaluate proposals from other insurance broker 

firms during the next three year contract period. 


NBR 36-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That Marsh be permitted to test market the Simplified Issue Term Life with Critical Illness Benefit program. 


NBR 37-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That Marsh be permitted to test market the 10 Year Level Term Life Plan. 


NBR 38-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That authorization be granted to Branch 161 to use the Swoosh Logo on items for sale in conjunction with 

the 81st National Convention. 


NBR-8

NBR 39-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That in accordance with the provisions of Section 510, C&BL, FRA, that PRPSW James H. Katzenberger 

be removed from elected office as the Regional Secretary, Southwest Region for failure to perform the duties of office 

to which he was elected. 


Resolved, That the Fiscal Year 2006 Audit be received. 


NBR 40-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

NBR 41-07 OF 18-19 MAY 2007 

Resolved, That Frye and Wolcott, CPAs be designated in accordance with Section 802(i), C&BL, FRA to conduct 

the annual audit of the books and accounts of the Finance Officer for the fiscal year 2007 (1 January 2007 - 31 December 

2007). 


NBR 42-07 OF 31 MAY 2007 

Whereas, A petition has been received in which a merger of Suwanne Valley Branch 220 with Gainesville Branch 

179 is requested. Enclosure (1) provides the details on the requested merger; and 

Whereas, Branch 220 originated the request and has complied with the provisions of reference (a). Branch 179 has 

approved the proposed merger; and 

Whereas, The Regional President Southeast recommends approval of this merger; and 

Whereas, The Chairman, Membership & Retention Committee will effect the transfer of members of Branch 220 to 

Branch 179; now, therefore be it 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Wednesday, 6 June and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 

NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 42-07: Resolved, That Branch 220 in accordance with the provisions 

contained in Section 1212, C&BL, FRA, be merged with Branch 179. 


NBR 43-07 OF 1 JUNE 2007 

Whereas, Article 15, Section 1506, C&BL, FRA, provides that a Certificate of Merit may by a two-thirds vote of the 

National Convention be presented to an individual person in the name of the body, who has rendered some distinguishes 

service to the FRA; and 

Whereas, The National Board of Directors, FRA is honored to nominate Shipmate Vincent Cuthie, Jr., for a Certificate 

of Merit, in recognition of his many years of untiring and dedicated service to the FRA and its members; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie has been employed in the National Headquarters for twenty-five years during which time 

he has faithfully and loyally served the FRA; and 

NBR-9

Whereas, During his many years of service, Shipmate Cuthie has successfully served in the positions of Photographer; 

Editor, Naval Affairs; Membership Assistant; Communications Assistant; Webmaster; and most recently as 

Manager, Information Technologies with major responsibility for the oversight of the FRA computer network; and 

Whereas, This versatile and talented Shipmate has over his many years of continuous and dedicated service proven 

himself to be a tremendous asset to the National Headquarters through his vigorous efforts, photographic expertise, 

computer knowledge, and administrator of the FRA Scholarship Program; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie approaches each and every person, project, or task with a friendly disposition, helpful 

attitude, and effusiveness that puts both employees and members of the FRA at ease and projects an excellent image 

as a provider of service to the Shipmates of the FRA; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie has been involved in just about every major accomplishment or task undertaken by the 

National Headquarters during his long tenure as an employee and he has met the challenges successfully and proven 

himself exceptionally proficient, a good steward of the Shipmates’ money, and a loyal employee who will go that 

extra mile to achieve an objective; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie will retire from employment with the FRA on 4 July 2007 and is most deserving of recognition 

by the delegates assembled at the 80th National Convention for his many years of dedicated service and 

excellent performance as an employee of the National Headquarters; now, therefore be it 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Thursday, 7 June and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 

NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 43-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors place the 

name of Shipmate Vincent Cuthie, Jr., in nomination for consideration of a Certificate of Merit Award at the 80th 



NBR 44-07 OF 19 JUNE 2007 

Whereas, The National Board of Directors has received an e-mail requesting the voluntary surrender of the Charter 

of Mountain State Branch 33; and 

Whereas, Mountain State Branch 33 has complied with the provisions of Article 12, Section 1211, C&BL, FRA; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Regional President East Coast Delbert L. Herrmann, believes it is in the best interest of the FRA 

that the voluntary surrender of the Charter be accepted; and 

Whereas, All members of Mountain State Branch 33 who have not voluntarily transferred to another branch by 30 

June 2007 will be transferred to the Membership-at-Large Roll; now; therefore be it 

Resolved, That the request of Mountain State Branch 33 to voluntarily surrender the Branch Charter be approved; 

and be it further 

Resolved, That by copy of this Resolution, the Regional President East Coast is re-quested to forward all branch 

funds and property to the Finance Officer as soon as possible; and be it further 

Resolved, That the Chairman, Membership & Retention Committee is directed to transfer all members to the Membership-at-Large 

Roll on 30 June 2007; and be it further 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Friday, 22 June, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 

NBR-10

NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 44-07: Resolved, That the request of Mountain State 33 to voluntarily 

surrender the Branch Charter be approved. 


NBR 45-07 OF 5 JULY 2007 

Whereas, The National Board of Directors has received a letter requesting the voluntary surrender of the Charter of 

Sunflower Branch 167; and 

Whereas, Sunflower Branch 167 has complied with the provisions of Article 12, Section 1211, C&BL, FRA; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Regional President North Central Leon J. Zalewski, believes it is in the best interest of the FRA 

that the voluntary surrender of the Charter be accepted; and 

Whereas, All members of Sunflower Branch 167 who have not voluntarily transferred to another branch by 31 July 

2007 will be transferred to the Membership-at-Large Roll; now; therefore be it 

Resolved, That the request of Sunflower Branch 167 to voluntarily surrender the Branch Charter be approved; and be 

it further 

Resolved, That by copy of this Resolution, the Regional President North Central is requested to forward all branch 

funds and property to the Finance Officer as soon as possible; and be it further 

Resolved, That the Chairman, Membership & Retention Committee is directed to transfer all remaining members to 

the Membership-at-Large Roll on 31 July 2007; and be it further 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Monday, 9 July, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 

NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 45-07: Resolved, That the request of Sunflower Branch 167 to voluntarily 

surrender the Branch Charter be approved. 


NBR 46-07 OF 10 JULY 2007 

Whereas, Regional President East Coast (RPEC) Herrmann and Regional Vice President East Coast (RVPEC) Purdy 

have attempted several times to make contact with the Officers of Dahlgren Branch 131 by telephone, email, and 

mail to no avail; and 

Whereas, The RPEC attempted to attend Branch 131’s meeting in April and both the RPEC and RVPEC attempted 

to attend a meeting in June, but no meeting was held in either month: and 

Whereas, The RPEC nor the National Headquarters have received the Branch Officers Report for Association Year 

2007-08; and 

Whereas, The National Board of Directors has received an e-mail from the RPEC requesting the immediate suspension 

of the Charter of Dahlgren Branch 131 for failure to comply with the provisions of Article 12, Section 1203, 

C&BL, FRA; now, therefore be it 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Thursday, 12 July, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 

NBR-11

NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 46-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors suspend the 

charter of Dahlgren Branch 131 for failure to comply with Article 12 until such time as the branch has complied with 

the C&BL, FRA, and the Regional President East Coast has ruled the branch is in proper working order. 

Vote: 12 affirmative; RPWC not received. 

NBR 47-07 OF 13 JULY 2007 

Whereas, In the Fiscal Year 2006 Management Letter to the National Board of Directors, the Auditor, Mark Frye of 

Frye and Wolcott, CPAs, in his comments on Investment Portfolios and Policies, repeated his prior year’s advice on 

the importance of a well diversified portfolio, and further stated that “leading economic indicators are projecting a 

period of inflation and potential interest rate hikes which will most certainly have an impact on stock markets and 

mutual funds; and 

Whereas, FRA Investment Advisor, James H. Webb, II, of Capital Financial, LLC in his address to the National 

Board of Directors (NBOD), at the 18 May 2007 Midyear meeting, replicated the Auditor’s comments, with the advice 

that as the assets in-vested by the Fleet Reserve Association in the American Funds Group have grown to substantial 

amounts, this may be a good time to reallocate some assets currently invested in these funds, in order to provide 

wider diversity of asset classes; and 

Whereas, The Investment Advisor briefed the NBOD on the investment merits associated with the Genworth Financial 

Privately Managed Portfolios, which include the use of a system that insure the safety of the principal invested 

in a market downturn, as well as an actively managed portfolio protection service, and market reports that show better 

performance results against American Funds, in part due to the possession of more assets class allocations; and 

Whereas, The Investment Advisor, recommended the reallocation of 33% of the assets currently invested in American 

Funds for the Life Membership Fund, the Restricted Reserve and the Experience Reserve, be reallocated to the 

Genworth Financial Privately managed Portfolios, and 

Whereas, The Budget and Finance Committee in concurrence with the Investments Advisor’ counsel, has also recommended 

the reallocation of 33% of the assets currently invested in American Funds for the Life Membership 

Fund, the Restricted Reserve and the Experience Reserve, be reallocated to the Genworth Financial Privately managed 

Portfolios; now be it therefore 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Monday, 23 July and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 

NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 47-07: Resolved, That 33% of Funds currently invested in the 

Life Member-ship Fund, the Restricted Reserve Fund and the Experience Reserve Fund be re-allocated to the Genworth 

Financial Privately Managed Portfolios. 


NBR 48-07 OF 13 JULY 2007 

Whereas, FRA Investment Advisor, James H. Webb, II, of Capital Financial, LLC advised the National Board of 

Directors at the midyear meeting on 18 May 2007, that currently, the assets in the Special Program Reserve Fund are 

exclusively invested in a Federated U.S. Treasury Money Market Funds’ interest bearing account and that this may 

be the time to diversify this investment, and 

Whereas, The FRA Investment Advisor further advised that an investment policy be established to diversify the Special 

Program Reserve Fund according to an asset allocation of 50% in Federated US Treasury Money Market Funds, 

25% in the Genworth Financial Privately Managed Portfolios and 25% in American Funds, and 

NBR-12

Whereas, The Budget and Finance Committee has concurred with FRA Investment Advisor’s counsel and has recommended 

the establishment of this investment policy in order to diversify the Special Program Reserve Fund according 

to an asset allocation of 50% in Federated US Treasury Money Market Funds, 25% in the Genworth Financial 

Privately Managed Portfolios and 25% in American Funds; now, therefore be it 



NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 48-07: Resolved, That assets in the Special Program Reserve 

Fund be diversified according to an asset allocation of 50% in Federated US Treasury Money Market Funds, 25% in 

the Genworth Financial Privately Managed Portfolios and 25% in American Funds. 


NBR 49-07 OF 16 JULY 2007 

Whereas, Per Article 8, Section 809(p), C&BL, FRA, those contracts which exceed $5,000 require the approval of 

the National Board of Directors, unless previously approved by the delegates in convention; and 

Whereas, The FRA Building Committee Chairman reports the critical need for improved air cooling/conditioning 

system for the computer data storage systems room at National Headquarters; and 

Whereas, The computer room houses servers containing not only administrative, web site and email data for the Association, 

but also the entire membership data-base for the FRA and the LAFRA; and 

Whereas, The current building air system does not allow sufficient cooling air flow for the computer room, and an 

emergency arises when computer manufacturer guidelines regarding the required constant mean room temperature of 

approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit cannot be sustained; and 

Whereas, Summer temperatures for the Northern Virginia area at times exceed 90 degrees, placing additional stress 

on the overall building air handling system, leading to temperatures in the computer room in excess of 85 degrees; 

and 

Whereas, The excessive heat in the room places additional stress on the machinery which could cause critical failure 

of the systems; and 

Whereas, The estimated total cost for the installation of a new independent air handling system, as per a quote provided 

by CSI Mechanical, Incorporated is $9,500; and 

Whereas, Per Article 9, Section 902, C&BL, FRA, $15,000 is transferred from the General Operating Fund to the 

Capital Improvement Reserve Fund, annually, to replenish this fund, and this fund has a current balance of 

$126,440.65 as of 31 March 2007; and 

Whereas, FRA has contracted with CSI Mechanical, Inc. for all of its HVAC service since the purchase of the building 

and has received excellent service; now, therefore be it 



NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 49-07: Resolved, That with the concurrence of the National 

Committee on Budget and Finance, that the National Board of Directors authorize the Finance Officer to sign a contract 

with CSI Mechanical, Inc. for $9,500 for the immediate installation of the new air handling system for the computer 

room with costs to be paid from the Capital Improvement Reserve Fund. 


NBR-13

NBR 50-07 OF 25 JULY 2007 




Whereas, The Branch Officer Report for Branch 232 (2007-2008) has since been received at the National Headquarters; 

now, therefore be it 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Friday, 27 July, and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 




NBR 51-07 OF 30 JULY 2007 

Whereas, The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) general operations expenses are currently paid from revenue from 

membership dues, fund raising programs and royalties; and 

Whereas, During the past five years, the income from membership dues and fund raising programs have declined 

resulting in cash flow challenges in paying bills for day to day NHQ operations and required the slowing of membership 

marketing initiative; and 

Whereas, Article 9, Section 912(c), C&BL, FRA, states that the net investment income from the Experience Reserve 

Fund, may be used by the National Committee on Budget and Finance for budgeting commitments and shall be restricted 

to undertakings for funding educational, charitable or exempt function activities; and 

Whereas, Although the principal of the Experience Reserve Fund is restricted by Federal statute to purposes for 

which exemption to Federal income tax is granted, the net investment income from the Experience Reserve Fund is 

free from Federal income tax assessment to the FRA and can be used for any purpose under the FRA 501C (19) ruling; 

and 

Whereas, FRA auditors, Frye & Wolcott, CPAs, have repeatedly questioned the limited use of income from both the 

Restricted Reserve and Experience Reserve funds given the Association’s cash flow challenges; and 

Whereas, Use of the income from the Experience Reserve Fund for operating expenses will ease FRA cash flow 

challenges; and 

Whereas, In order to afford the National Committee on Budget and Finance (the Committee) the flexibility to use the 

net investment income derived from the Experience Reserve Fund as an estimated source of in-come for exempt or 

non-exempt purposes, the Committee recommends that Article 9, section 912(c), C&BL, FRA, be amended in order 

to authorize use of the net investment income from the Experience Re-serve Fund as a revenue source for exempt or 

non-exempt purposes; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That Article 9, Section 912 (c), C&BL, FRA, be amended to read: 

“Section 912(c). The Net Investment Income from the Experience Reserve Fund may be used as a 

budgetary source of income for exempt or non-exempt purposes by the National Committee on 

Budget and Finance in accordance with annual budget requirements;” and be it further 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Wednesday, 1 August and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 

NBR-14

NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 51-07: Resolved, That the proposed amendment to Article 9, 

Section 912(c), C&BL, FRA, be submitted to the Constitution, Bylaws, and Resolutions Committee for consideration 

at the 80th National Convention. 

Vote: 12 affirmative; RPSE negative. 


Resolved, That NBR 11-07 of 24 September 2007 be rescinded. 



Resolved, That the Finance Officer be authorized to sign contracts in excess of $5,000 in regards to transactions related 

to Branch 19. 


Resolved, That the Charter of Branch 131 be revoked. 




Resolved, That the National Executive Secretary negotiate an agreement with Veterans Direct to market funeral caskets 

to FRA’s membership 



Resolved, That Marsh Affinity Group Services be authorized to offer H&R Block Services to FRA’s membership for 

the 2007 tax year. 



Resolved, That Branch 69 be merged with Branch 230 effective immediately 



Resolved, That Branch 342’s Charter be suspended for failure to comply with Section 1214 and 1217(b), FRA, 

C&BL 


NBR-15


Resolved, That the proposed resolution - providing FRA membership at no cost to every Sea Service enlisted person 

be referred to the Standing Committee on Membership and Retention and their recommendation be presented to the 

midyear NBOD meeting. 



Resolved, That the National Board of Directors authorize an over-expenditure of Budget Line Item 5554-00-50-A 

(Real Estate Taxes) in the amount of $5,000. 



Resolved, That the Bylaws of the East Coast Region be ratified. 



Resolved, That the Bylaws of the Southeast Region be ratified. 


NBR-16

NOMINATING RESOLUTIONS FOR NATIONAL OFFICERS 

FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE 80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION, FRA 


NATIONAL PRESIDENT 

HANGTOWN BRANCH 275 NOMINATING RESOLUTION 

Whereas, It will be the duty and responsibility of the delegates assembled at the 80 th National Convention of the 

FRA in Corpus Christi, Texas, in October and November 2007, to elect a respected, dedicated, experienced, and 

qualified shipmate to serve in the office of National President for the Association Year 2007-2008; and 

Whereas, The delegates fully realize that the office of National President is the highest National Office within the 

FRA and the shipmate elected must posses leadership, integrity, and perseverance necessary for this most important 

office; and at the same time ensuring he meets the prerequisites of Loyalty, Protection, and Service; and 

Whereas, Hangtown Branch 275 is extremely proud to have within its membership a shipmate who is highly qualified 

to serve as National President of the FRA; and 

Whereas, This shipmate has been a Life Member for twenty-one years and a dedicated member of the FRA for 

twenty-two years; and 

Whereas, At the regional level, he has served as chairman, member, or advisor on most regional committees and was 

elected as Regional Vice President West Coast for the Association Year 1995-1996; and 

Whereas, At the national level, he has served as Regional President West Coast and member of the Board of Directors 

1996-1997, Chairman of the Americanism-Patriotism Committee 1998-1999, National Treasurer, member of the 

Board of Directors and Advisor to the Budget and Finance Committee 2000-2003, member of the Special Committee 

to Modernize the FRA’s Constitution and Bylaws, and Standing Rules 2003-2006, and currently serving as National 

Vice President, FRA; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, After careful consideration, Hangtown Branch 275, at a regular scheduled meeting held on 25 October 

2006, a quorum being present, did with great pleasure and pride, unanimously vote to nominate Lawrence J. 

Boudreaux for election to the Office of National President for Association Year 2007-2008; and be it further 

Resolved, That Hangtown Branch 275 earnestly solicits the support for this outstanding candidate from all shipmates 

and branches, we urge each branch to endorse his candidacy and to assure this dedicated shipmate is elected to the 

Office of National President. 

WILLIAM O. DAVIDSON LAWRENCE J. BOUDREAUX 

President Secretary 

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THE ABOVE NOMINATION HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY BRANCHES 077, 204, 014, 267, 159, 208, 290, 004, 

060, 176, 182, 212, 096, 259, 335, 108, 049, 156, 050, 070, 216, 175, 033, 210, 141, 037, 251, 046, 009, 094, 257, 

202, 001, 230, 298, 099, 147, 197, 105, 008, 309, 333, 299, 162, 215, 237, 047, 363, 059, and 003 

......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

NR-1

NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT 

L. MENDEL RIVERS BRANCH 50 NOMINATING RESOLUTION 


FRA in Corpus Christi, Texas, to elect a knowledgeable and dedicated Shipmate to the office of National Vice 

President for the Association year 2007-2008; and 

Whereas, It is the solemn duty and responsibility of the entire membership of the FRA to give profound and serious 

consideration in election of a shipmate for this most important office, ensuring that he possesses such outstanding 

qualifications as leadership, integrity, foresight, tact, and other necessary traditions of the FRA; and 

Whereas, L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50 has within its membership a shipmate who possesses such traits and qualities 

and who has continually dedicated himself to serving in the best interest and for the welfare of the FRA and whose 

integrity is unquestionable; and 

Whereas, This shipmates has served in all elected offices while a member of L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50, having 

served as vice president three terms, president six terms, secretary-treasurer five terms, and member of the board of 

directors for nineteen years; and 

Whereas, This shipmate has been active in local and civic affairs, having served as a chairman of the Human Relations 

Council, chairman of the Goose Creek Community Council, has played an active part in his church’s affairs, 

State of South Carolina Knight of Columbus public relations director, financial secretary of his local Knights of Columbus 

Council, master of ceremonies and keynote speaker at numerous memorial functions, and keynote speaker at 

wives clubs and various veteran’s organizations speaking on retired and active duty benefits; and 

Whereas, This shipmate served on or chaired all branch standing and special committees and has been highly responsible 

for numerous awards to his branch on the regional and national level, having himself received the Leonard 

D. “Swede” Nelson Award for National Shipmate of the Year for Americanism-Patriotism and the National Public 

Relations Award for Shipmate of the Year, and various other coveted organizational and civic awards; and 

Whereas, This shipmate has chaired and/or served on many important regional standing committees including Bylaws 

and Standing Rules six years, Finance and Audit four years, Parliamentarian five years, Americanism- 

Patriotism, Public Relations, and Legislative Service. He was chairman of the 1982 Southeast Regional Convention 

and chairman of the 1993 and 2001 Southeast Regional Midyear meeting hosted by L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50 and 

Low Country Branch 269, respectively; and 

Whereas, This shipmate has been a continuous FRA member for thirty-three years including twelve years while 

serving on active duty. During his active duty service he was directly involved in the affairs of L. Mendel Rivers 

Branch 50, serving his shipmates as branch president for three terms; and 

Whereas, The shipmates of the Southeast Region in recognition of his qualifications and commitment to the principles 

of the FRA, elected him as their Regional Vice President in 1986-1987 and subsequently as the Regional President 

in 1987-1988; and 

Whereas, On the national level he has served on various national standing and convention committees, including 

chairman of the Future Planning Committee, chairman of Americanism-Patriotism Committee, advisor to the Constitution 

and Bylaws Committee, Membership and Retention Committee, Time and Place Committee, Public Relations 

Committee, the Special National Committee on Family Resource Advisors, Employees Pension Committee, and is 

currently serving on the Constitution and Bylaws Committee; and 

Whereas, He has continued to keep himself informed on matters concerning the affairs of the Association by his 

attendance at Southeast Region midyear meetings, midyear Board of Directors meetings, Employees Pension meetings, 

and midyear Finance meetings, whenever possible, and attends regional and national conventions; and 

NR-2

Whereas, His extensive experience and dedicated service to our great Association and his principles have demonstrated 

his ability to fulfill the duties of this elected high office; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50, FRA, at the regular monthly business meeting of 9 July 2006, a quorum 

being present, did unanimously vote to place the name of F. Donald Mucheck in nomination for the Office of National 

Vice President, FRA, for Association Year 2007-2008; and be it further 

Resolved, That the members of L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50, FRA, earnestly solicits the support and endorsement 

from all branches of the FRA for the candidacy of F. Donald Mucheck for the office of National Vice President 

F. DONALD MUCHECK HARVEY M. TAYLOR 


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 


238, 253, 014, 204, 089, 011, 269, 208, 166, 060, 077, 290, 071, 176, 323, 086, 171, 254, 251, 096, 259, 109, 108, 

049, 156, 216, 291, 102, 067, 182, 175, 033, 084, 187, 034, 210, 110, 141, 037, 140, 009, 257, 144, 202, 001, 230, 

366, 298, 226, 099, 147, 283, 250, 197, 105, 008, 070, 137, 184, 309, 041, 333, 299, 162, 003, 303, 215, 237, 047, 

369, and 363. 

......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY 

NAVY DEPARTMENT BRANCH 181 NOMINATING RESOLUTION 

Whereas, It is the responsibility of the delegates assembled at the 80th National Convention of the FRA to elect a 

respected, dedicated, qualified, and experienced shipmate to the office of National Executive Secretary, FRA, for the 

association years 2007-2010; and 

Whereas, Shipmate NES Joseph L. Barnes was appointed by the National Board of Directors at the 77th National 

Convention to fulfill the unexpired term of the then National Executive Secretary and was elected by unanimous 

vote to a three year term from 2004-2007; and 

Whereas, This shipmate has a comprehensive knowledge of the legislative process and the association at all levels 

and effectively assumed the responsibilities associated with the association’s third highest office; and 

Whereas, The delegates fully realize that the office of National Executive Secretary is one of the most important 

national offices and the shipmate elected to that position must be fully familiar with all aspects in the operation of 

that office; and 

Whereas, This shipmate, by his performance over the past five years, has demonstrated that he meets the highest 

standards of integrity, leadership, and experience required by this high office and of an elected national officer of the 

FRA; and 

Whereas, National Executive Secretary Barnes has exhibited initiative, resourcefulness, management skills, and 

business acumen to advance awareness and support of our beloved association and his accomplishments are important 

to the future of the FRA; and 

Whereas, Over the past five years, National Executive Secretary Barnes has gained continued recognition on Capitol 

Hill; reestablished effective working relationships with the Sea Services E-10’s; revamped NHQ staffing, improved 

employee benefits and the morale of NHQ employees; earned the professional designation as a Certified Association 

Executive (CAE) – one of only 3,000 with this designation; was appointed to the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation 

NR-3

Board of Directors; awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award Certificate with accompanying 

medal; and was elected co-chair of The Military Coalition; and 

Whereas, Navy Department Branch 181 is extremely proud that one of its members has lived up to the expectations 

indicated in our three cardinal principles of Loyalty, Protection, and Service; now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That Navy Department Branch 181, FRA, at a regularly scheduled meeting, held on 6 July 2006, a quorum 

being present, did with great pride and pleasure, unanimously nominate NES Joseph L. Barnes for reelection to the 

office of National Executive Secretary, FRA, for the association years 2007-2010; and be it further 

Resolved, That Navy Department Branch 181 sincerely solicits support for this outstanding candidate, and we urge 

each branch to endorse his candidacy to assure election of this most able and dedicated shipmate. 

CHRISTOPHER J. SLAWINSKI EDWARD HUYLEBROECK, JR. 


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 


014, 204, 267, 208, 166, 290, 004, 251, 176, 182, 212, 096, 108, 156, 050, 067, 216, 175, 033, 141, 037, 144, 046, 

009, 257, 202, 230, 298, 259, 099, 147, 197, 105, 008, 309, 333, 299, 162, 001, 215, 237, 047, 363, 059, 102, and 

003. 

......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

NR-4

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP 

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP RESOLUTION BOB “HE-COON” SIKES BRANCH 210 

Whereas, Article 3, Section 306, C&BL, FRA, provides for the election to Honorary Membership persons not otherwise 

eligible for membership, but who have rendered distinguished service to the FRA; and 

Whereas, This individual will continue to serve the FRA, in adherence to our three cardinal principles of “Loyalty, 

Protection, and Service;” and 

Whereas, This individual continues to demonstrate a passion to assist the FRA in all its endeavors; and 

Whereas, The members of Bob “He-Coon” Sikes Branch 210 are personally aware of a highly dedicated citizen who 

has by thought, word, and deed, provided service of profound value to active duty and retired members of this 

branch, as well as prior Sea Service persons in and around Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties, Florida, and the 

FRA; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That the Shipmates of Bob “He-Coon” Sikes Branch 210, FRA, at a regularly scheduled business meeting 

conducted on 7 March 2007, a quorum being present, did unanimously and without reservation, vote to place the 

name of Michael W. Janes in nomination for Honorary Membership in the FRA; and be it further 

Resolved, That all branches of the FRA are earnestly solicited to support the nomination of Michael W. Janes for 

Honorary Membership. 

WILLIAM J. GALLAGHER RUSSELL E. BELT 


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CERTIFICATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP BOB “HE-COON” SIKES BRANCH 210 

Michael W. Janes is a non-veteran, but he participates in all actives, such as building repairs, field days, and joint 

functions with Unit 210, held at the Branch Memorial Home. 

Michael W. Janes has provided many hours of his time to make repairs, as well as installing new equipment. Mike 

Janes has repaired and maintained all five air conditioners, the ice machine, and walk-in refrigeration unit, saving 

Branch 210 thousands of dollars. 

Michael W. Janes provided the skills and labor to make the repairs to the branch home, such as replacing the dry 

wall and ceiling damaged by the hurricanes. 

Michael W. Janes provided professional skills to help many of our members with repairs to their homes caused by 

recent hurricanes. He also, provided a dump trailer to members to use to get dirt to fill in the holes in their yards 

caused by the removal of tree stumps of downed trees after the hurricanes. 

Michael W. Janes also has assisted members of the branch and unit with home repairs; on plumbing problems, electrical, 

and structural repairs. 

Bob “He-Coon” Sikes Branch 210 certifies that this nominee for Honorary Membership, Michael W. Janes is not 

otherwise eligible for membership in the FRA in compliance with Section 306, C&BL, FRA. 

WILLIAM J. GALLAGHER RUSSELL E. BELT 


HM-1

......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP RESOLUTION ATLANTIC BEACH BRANCH 290 

Whereas, Article 2, Section 307(a) and 307(b), C&BL, FRA provides for the election to Honorary Membership of 

persons not otherwise eligible for membership, but who have rendered distinguished service to the FRA; and 

Whereas, The shipmates of Mayport Florida FRA Branch 290 are personally aware of a highly dedicated individual 

who has, by thought, word, and deed, provided services of great value to all the shipmates and veterans of Northeast 

Florida. This individual has demonstrated his adherence to our three cardinal principles of Loyalty, Protection, and 

Service and the FRA; and 

Whereas, This individual has consistently assisted members of FRA Branch 290 and the surrounding community 

through his work as a general contractor and has served and participated in several military oriented committees and 

agencies, in particular, those of Branch 290 since 2003; and 

Whereas, This individual has consistently assisted members of FRA Branch 290 with improvements to the Branch 

Home, inside and outside. He is dedicated to the betterment of FRA and its members, freely giving of his time and 

personal funds; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That the shipmates of Mayport FRA Branch 290, at a regularly convened membership meeting conducted 

5 April 2007, a quorum being present, did unanimously and without reservation, vote to recommend Mr. Raymond 

B. Hinson, for Honorary Membership in the FRA; and be it further 

Resolved, That all branches of the FRA are earnestly solicited to support the nomination of Mr. Raymond B. Hinson 

for Honorary Membership. 

CHARLES R. DeWITT JOAN DELCOGLIANO 


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CERTIFICATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP ATLANTIC BEACH BRANCH 290 

Mayport FRA Branch 290 strongly requests consideration for Mr. Raymond B. Hinson for Honorary Membership 

into the FRA. I certify that Mr. Hinson is not eligible to join the FRA as a regular member under Article 3 – Membership. 

I further certify that Mr. Hinson is qualified for Honorary consideration in that he has supported Branch 290 

in every way possible as a concerned citizen of this community. He has provided assistance in recruiting new members, 

assisting the branch in areas of volunteering his service in various functions sponsored by Branch 290, cooking 

for lunches, dinners, fund raisers, and most importantly, assisting the renovation of the branch home with talents as a 

general contractor in the local area, from repairing decks to building interior walls to enhance the appearance of the 

branch home as well as outside repairs. 

In closing, Mr. Hinson continues to assist this branch in any and all sponsored events and his attitude in dealing with 

all phases of volunteering is a welcomed addition to Branch 290 endeavors to assist the local community. Mr. 

Hinson his highly dedicated to his beliefs and desire to assist the FRA in any fashion possible. The members of 

Branch 290 unanimously voted to submit Mr. Raymond Hinson for Honorary Membership in the FRA. 

CHARLES R. DeWITT JOAN DELCOGLIANO 


......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

HM-2

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP RESOLUTION LOW COUNTRY BRANCH 269 

Whereas, The Constitution and Bylaws of the FRA, Article 3, Sections 307 and 308 provide for the election to honorary 

membership of persons not otherwise eligible for membership, but who have rendered distinguished service to 

the FRA; and 

Whereas, The Shipmates of Low Country Branch 269 are personally aware of a highly dedicated individual who by 

thought, word, and deed, epitomizes, “Loyalty, Protection, and Service;” and 

Whereas, This person has supported and continues to serve the goals of the FRA in its efforts to enhance quality of 

life of active duty, and retired Sea Services personnel; and 

Whereas, This person has assisted countless numbers of our Shipmates, active duty, retired, reserve, and veterans; 

and 

Whereas, This person has provided services of great value in the areas of membership, and hospital, welfare, and 

rehabilitation for the FRA; and 

Whereas, This person encourages individuals who are eligible for membership in the FRA to become members and 

continues to demonstrate a willingness to assist the FRA in all its endeavors; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That the Shipmates of Low Country Branch 269, FRA, at a regular business meeting on 17 May 2007, a 

quorum being present, did unanimously and without reservation, vote to recommend Mr. Jack Bullis for honorary 

membership in the FRA; and be it further 

Resolved, That all branches of the FRA are earnestly solicited to support the nomination of Mr. Jack Bullis for honorary 

membership in the FRA. 

CHUCK HINES DARLENE HINES 


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

CERTIFICATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP LOW COUNTRY BRANCH 269 

Mr. Jack Bullis is ineligible for membership in the FRA. However, his unending support of the members of Branch 

269, FRA, and the uniformed services make him an excellent candidate for honorary membership. 

Mr. Bullis is a professional, local entertainer, recognizable to a significant portion of the population of the low country 

of South Carolina and the Charleston and Goose Creek metropolitan areas. He has volunteered his talents, performing 

at FRA events on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and on FRA Branch 269 visits to the VA hospital in 

Charleston. (His entertainment of veterans at the VA hospital, alone, warrants special recognition and consideration 

as an honorary member.) 

Mr. Bullis is an active recruiter on behalf of the FRA, advocating membership to those eligible within his significant 

sphere of influence in the low country community of South Carolina. 

Mr. Bullis has been an active participant in Branch 269’s quarterly golf tournaments. These events represent the 

most significant fund raising efforts of both Branch 269 and LA FRA Unit 269. Mr. Bullis has recruited new FRA 

members at these events. 

HM-3

Mr. Bullis has provided many hours of volunteer labor in supporting FRA Low Country Branch 269’s annual picnic 

as well as the annual Memorial Day ceremony, the annual Fourth of July celebration and Branch and Unit 269 fund 

raising events. 

Mr. Bullis was a significant contributor to the construction of Branch 269’s new FRA Low Country Home building. 

The home is a major recruitment tool for the FRA and Branch 269. 

Mrs. Bullis’ wife is a member of LA FRA Unit 269 and former president of the unit. (Her brother is a member of 

Branch 269.) 

The members of Low Country Branch 269 enthusiastically submit Mr. Jack Bullis for honorary membership and 

believe he has demonstrated unfailing dedication to the men and women of the Sea Services and the FRA. Branch 

269 members most strongly recommend that he be duly selected. 

CHUCK HINES DARLENE HINES 


......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP RESOLUTION LONG ISLAND BRANCH 71 

Whereas, The Constitution and Bylaws of the FRA, Article 3, Section 306(a) provides for the election to honorary 

membership of persons not otherwise eligible for membership, but who have rendered distinguished service to the 

FRA; and 

Whereas, The shipmates of Long Island Branch 71 are personally aware of a highly dedicated individual who has by 

thought, word, and deed, provided service of great value to the FRA; and 

Whereas, This person has consistently assisted the members of Long Island Branch 71 paying tribute to Teddy Roosevelt 

at Sagamore Hill, Long Island, New York. On this occasion National Officers usually attend to pay our respects 

to the Father of our modern Navy; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, By acclamation and unanimous vote, that Mr. Nicholas LaBella, Sr., be nominated as Honorary Member 

of Branch 71 at our April meeting, a quorum being present; and be it further 

Resolved, That all branches of the FRA are earnestly solicited to support the nomination of Mr. Nicholas LaBella for 

Honorary Membership in the FRA this coming 80 th National Convention of the FRA. 

BERNARD ZLOTKIN MICHAEL DROZD 


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CERTIFICATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP LONG ISLAND BRANCH 71 

Mr. Nicholas LaBella has assisted the FRA in the past 30 years at Sagamore Hill, the home and burial site of Teddy 

Roosevelt, the Father of the modern Navy. Through his efforts and zealous knowledge of Sagamore Hill, Home of T. 

Roosevelt, his presentation to the public has been of outstanding knowledge. 

Many members have through the years attended the Sagamore Hill ceremony at the laying of the wreaths on the 

grave site and have come away with a feeling of complete understanding. 

Mr. Nicholas LaBella has become familiar with the Association, National Officers, and members attending the ceremony, 

that everyone feels at ease. 

HM-4

Mr. Nicholas LaBella is not eligible for membership in the FRA, so we are asking the members to accept him as one 

of our very own. 

BERNARD ZLOTKIN MICHAEL DROZD 


......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP RESOLUTION LONE STAR BRANCH 11 

Whereas, Section 306 of the C&BL, FRA states persons not eligible for regular membership in the FRA, but who 

have rendered some distinguished service to the Association may, by two-thirds vote of the delegates attending the 

national convention, be elected to Honorary Membership. Honorary members shall not pay dues, nor will they be 

eligible to hold any elected office, vote, or accept any benefit associated with regular membership; and 

Whereas, FRA Lone Star Branch 11, Fort Worth, Texas, are personally aware of a truly dedicated individual, who 

for many years has consistently and without hesitation provided assistance to the FRA; and 

Whereas, This individual has continuously demonstrated the concept of Loyalty, Protection, and Service; now, therefore 

be it 

Resolved, That Lone Star Branch 11, FRA, at a regularly scheduled business meeting held June 16, 2007, a quorum 

being present, did unanimously adopt the motion to place the name of Andy Fontenot, in nomination for honorary 

membership in the FRA; and be it further 

Resolved, That the members of Lone Star Branch 11, FRA, most strongly support the nomination of Andy Fontenot 

for Honorary Membership and asks the support and a vote in affirmation of the assembled delegates at the national 

convention in this year 2007. 

ARTHUR McAVOY MICHAEL BEVILL 


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CERTIFICATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP LONE STAR BRANCH 11 

It is a high honor and privilege for the membership of Lone Star Branch 11, FRA, to submit this resolution in the 

case of the Honorable Andrew “Andy” Fontenot, Mayor of the City of Westworth Village, for Honorary Membership 

in the FRA. 

During June 1994, the Navy was in the process of transitioning Carswell Air Force Base to an active Naval Air Station. 

During the transition, Navy personnel were constantly the target of criticism, derogatory comments, and other 

negative actions of Air Force retirees. 

Andy Fontenot, City Councilman for the City of Westworth Village asked if there was anything that he could do to 

help the Navy and the sailors. He apologized for the barrage of anti-Navy sentiment in the community. Councilman 

Andy Fontenot went out of his way to speak highly of the Navy and its personnel. He took every opportunity to 

speak on behalf of the Navy as a good neighbor and that the men and women were serving their country just as Air 

Force personnel have. 

In time, Councilman Fontenot became Mayor of the City of Westworth Village and continued his support for the 

Navy and its personnel. 

HM-5

He was an active member of a group of local citizens who raised money for Base MWR programs and to improve 

the Quality of Life for the junior sailors. 

Mayor Fontenot wholeheartedly supported the establishment of FRA Lone Star Branch 11, and he has participated in 

numerous branch events every year. This year alone, Mayor Fontenot has participated in 15 branch meetings and 

special projects. 

Mayor Fontenot has supported branch fund raising events, participated in service projects, including donations for 

the branch care package program, flag disposal ceremony, and Christmas cards for the troops, as well as personally 

donating money and prizes for raffles. Mayor Fontenot has been a special guest at the installation of branch officers 

each year, is an active participant in branch Two Bell Ceremonies, and was a guest and presenter at the institution 

and installation of our LA FRA Unit. 

Mayor Fontenot has attended more branch meetings and participated in more events than many of the membership. 

Unfortunately, he is not eligible for membership as Andy is retired from the Air Force. 

Mayor Fontenot continues to be an active supporter of and a vocal advocate of the FRA and Branch 11. He is most 

deserving of the honor of being made an honorary shipmate of the FRA. 

ARTHUR McAVOY MICHAEL BEVILL 


......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

HM-6

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT 

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT RESOLUTION NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Whereas, Article 15, Section 1506, C&BL, FRA, defines the pre-requisites for recognition of an individual person 

and/or body of organized persons in the name of the body, who have rendered some distinguished service to the 

FRA; and 

Whereas, The FRA has knowledge of such a person; and 

Whereas, This person was employed by the National Headquarters as a full time employee from 1969-1997, a period 

of 28 years; and as a part-time employee from 1997-2001, a period of four years; and 

Whereas, Since retirement from National Headquarters, this person not only has performed distinguished service to 

the FRA, but has spent many volunteer hours writing obituaries of Past National Presidents and assisting with other 

projects important to National Headquarters and FRA; and 

Whereas, By so doing he has saved FRA hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars by performing these tasks thus limiting 

demands on National Headquarters staff; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That the National Board of Directors did vote unanimously to place the name of Shipmate PRPEC Edward 

Huylebroeck, Jr., in nomination for a Certificate of Merit Award; and be it further 

Resolved, That the National Board of Directors, FRA does earnestly solicit the full support of the delegates assembled 

at the 80th National Convention to be held in Corpus Christi, Texas, to ensure the awarding of this prestigious 

award. 

JERRY L. SWEENEY JOSEPH L. BARNES 

National President National Executive Secretary 

......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT RESOLUTION NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Whereas, Article 15, Section 1506, C&BL, FRA, provides that a Certificate of Merit may by a two-thirds vote of the 

National Convention be presented to an individual person in the name of the body, who has rendered some distinguishes 

service to the FRA; and 

Whereas, The National Board of Directors, FRA is honored to nominate Shipmate Vincent Cuthie, Jr., for a Certificate 

of Merit, in recognition of his many years of untiring and dedicated service to the FRA and its members; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie has been employed in the National Headquarters for twenty-five years during which time 

he has faithfully and loyally served the FRA; and 

Whereas, During his many years of service, Shipmate Cuthie has successfully served in the positions of Photographer; 

Editor, Naval Affairs; Membership Assistant; Communications Assistant; Webmaster; and most recently as 

Manager, Information Technologies with major responsibility for the oversight of the FRA computer network; and 

Whereas, This versatile and talented Shipmate has over his many years of continuous and dedicated service proven 

himself to be a tremendous asset to the National Headquarters through his vigorous efforts, photo-graphic expertise, 

computer knowledge, and administrator of the FRA Scholarship Program; and 

CM-1

Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie approaches each and every person, project, or task with a friendly disposition, helpful 

attitude, and effusiveness that puts both employees and members of the FRA at ease and projects an excellent image 

as a provider of service to the Shipmates of the FRA; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie has been involved in just about every major accomplishment or task undertaken by the 

National Headquarters during his long tenure as an employee and he has met the challenges success-fully and proven 

himself exceptionally proficient, a good steward of the Shipmates’ money, and a loyal employee who will go that 

extra mile to achieve an objective; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Cuthie will retire from employment with the FRA on 4 July 2007 and is most deserving of recognition 

by the delegates assembled at the 80th National Convention for his many years of dedicated service and 

excellent performance as an employee of the National Headquarters; now, therefore be it 


respond to alicia@fra.org by Thursday, 7 June and be sure to follow-up by a signed hard copy): 

NATIONAL BOARD RESOLUTION NUMBER 43-07: Resolved, That the National Board of Directors place the 

name of Shipmate Vincent Cuthie, Jr., in nomination for consideration of a Certificate of Merit Award at the 80th 




......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT RESOLUTION OMAHA COUNCIL BLUFFS BRANCH 276 

Whereas, Shipmate Charles H. Goodman, II, has been a proud member of the FRA since September 1968, is a Life 

Member, has served Branch 276 as Secretary/Treasurer for 27 years; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Goodman’s membership recruiting and retention efforts have enabled Omaha Council Bluffs 

Branch 276 to consistently rank high in Membership Group III, and 

Whereas, These efforts have resulted in Shipmate Goodman receiving numerous recruiting awards, including Silver 

Anchor Squadron Award, Gold Label Button, and thirteen Silver Pendant Awards; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Goodman has a wide knowledge of association matters, including recruiting, communicating, 

finances and iMIS. He readily shares this knowledge at all association levels; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Goodman is very active in community and church activities in the Omaha area; and 

Whereas, Shipmate Goodman’s pride and dedication to the FRA is reflected in his automobile license USN FRA; 


Resolved, At a regular branch meeting of Omaha Council Bluffs Branch 276, that Shipmate Charles H. Goodman, II, 

be awarded the FRA Certificate of Merit. 

CARL BURNHAM KEITH JANOUSEK 

President Vice President 

......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

CM-2

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTIONS 

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 1 SILVER DOLLAR BRANCH 192 


FRA in Corpus Christi, Texas, in October/November 2007 to read carefully and consider this resolution; and 

Whereas, The Preamble is recited at every meeting on the branch, regional, and national level, it is clearly noted that 

the assembly has trouble reading the Preamble as a group and using the same comma’s and period stop breaks; and 

Whereas, After careful study of the Preamble in its current paragraph format that this was not the way the founding 

fathers had intended that the Preamble be written; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That at a regular business meeting of the FRA Silver Dollar Branch 192 on February 22, 2007, a motion 

was made with a quorum being present, did vote unanimously to place this resolution before the general assembly of 

the 80 th National Convention 2007 for their approval; and be it further 

Resolved, That the shipmates of Silver Dollar Branch 192 do earnestly solicit the support of each delegate in approving 

this resolution. 

NATHAN J. NASH PATRICK H. LeCLAIRE 


THE PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION 

OF THE FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION 

(Resolution) 

With reverence for God and country, being ever mindful, of the glorious traditions, of the United States Navy, Marine 

Corps, and Coast Guard; 

-Our Duty*to uphold and defend, the Constitution of the United States of America; 

-Our Responsibility*to aid in maintaining, adequate defense, for our beloved country; 

-Our Desire*to assist in obtaining, the best type of personnel, for our Sea Services; 

-Our Interest*in the welfare, of those who served and are now serving; 

-Our Devotion*to our shipmates, in good fortune or distress; 

-Our Reverence*for the memory, of our departed shipmates; 

-we associate ourselves together, and declare this to be, the Preamble to the Constitution of the FRA. 

......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 2 SPACE CITY BRANCH 159 

Whereas, Article 4, Section 401, C&BL, FRA, pertains to membership dues in the FRA; and 

Whereas, Membership dues in the FRA have remained constant since 1 January 2004, a period of four years; and 

Whereas, During that same period of time, the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA’s) have increased nine point four 

percent (9.4%); and 

Whereas, The cost of day-to-day operations for the FRA and its branches has increased at the equivalent percentage; 

and 

Whereas, The services provided to the members of the FRA continue even though the expense of providing those 

services has increased during the past four years; and 

C&BL-1

Whereas, It is increasingly difficult to sustain day-to-day services to our members at the current dues rate; now, 


Resolved, That Article 4, Section 401(a) and 401(b), C&BL, FRA, be amended to read as follows: 

“Section 401(a). Membership dues in the FRA shall be thirty dollars ($30) per annum, payable in 

advance, except as provided in Section 401(b). No refund of membership dues is authorized subsequent 

to receipt by the Finance Officer, except as provided for in Article 5, Section 511. 

“Section 401(b). A membership dues discount may be obtained at the following standard rates and 

conditions: 

“(1). For a payment of two years, a discount of twenty percent (20%) of the total dues sum ($48) is 

authorized for new members with an annual renewal rate of thirty dollars ($30) thereafter. 

“(2). For an advance payment of two or three years, a discount of five percent (5%) of the total 

dues sum ($57 and $85.50 respectively) is authorized. 

“(3). For an advance payment of five years, a discount of ten percent (10%) of the total dues sum 

($135) is authorized. 

“(4). For payment by allotment, a discount of six percent (6%) of the total dues sum ($28.20) is authorized. 

That is a monthly allotment amount of $2.35;” and be it further 

Resolved, That this amendment become effective 1 January 2008. 

This is to certify that this resolution was proposed at a regular meeting of Branch 159 held on the 11 th day of February 

2007, read, debated, and adopted by unanimous vote at a subsequent regular meeting held on the 11 th day of 

March 2007, a quorum being present. 

MICHAEL D. CHANCE LEO V. VANCE 


......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 3 MEADE BRANCH 212 

Whereas, Article 7, Section 701(a), C&BL, FRA, sets forth the titles of the National Officers of the Fleet Reserve 

Association to include the National Executive Secretary; and 

Whereas, The title National Executive Secretary is not readily understood as the managing officer of the National 

Executive Offices when dealing with Congressional offices, other Associations and the civilian community in general; 

and 

Whereas, Within the Government civil service system, in the civilian community, and in the Association field the 

most common application of the title “executive secretary” is to the position of secretary to a major official or the 

secretary in charge of the typist/word processing pool as evidenced by the job descriptions in the “help wanted” section 

of newspaper classified ads; and 

Whereas, A Special Committee, appointed by the National President, recommended in May 2002 that the office of 

National Executive Secretary be redefined under the title “Executive Director” at the end of the 2004 association 

year; and 

C&BL-2

Whereas, Acting on the recommendation, the National Committee on Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions proposed 

a resolution to amendment Article 7, Section 701, C&BL for consideration of the delegates to the 77th National 

Convention in 2004; and 

Whereas, Due to some questionable parliamentary maneuvering, the resolution never made it before the delegates to 

that convention for a vote; and 

Whereas, The title Executive Director is more descriptive of the duties outlined in Section 808, C&BL, FRA which 

include serving as the managing officer of the National Headquarters and as the chief assistant to the National President 

and National Board of Directors in carrying out the administrative duties of their offices; and 

Whereas, It is in the best interest of the FRA that the title National Executive Secretary be changed to National Executive 

Director; now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That Article 7, Section 701(a) be amended to read: 

“Section 701(a). The National Officers of the Fleet Reserve Association shall be: National President, 

National Vice President, National Executive Director, Finance Officer, President of each region, 

Junior Past National President, National Parliamentarian, and National Chaplain;” and be it 

further 

Resolved, That the title National Executive Director be substituted for the title National Executive Secretary in the 

Constitution and Bylaws on Page C-III in Table of Contents, Sections 606(c), 611(f), 701(b), 701(c), 701(d), 

701(e)(2), 705(c), 802(h), 807(a), 807(b), 808, 809(m),809(u), 1102(b), 1201(a), 1406, and Index pages 8 and 14, 

and in the Standing Rules SR-3(b) and (c), SR-4(r), SR-6(b), SR-7(b)(3) and, SR-7(b)(4). 

This is to certify that this resolution was proposed at a regular meeting of Branch 212, held on the 11th day of April 

2007, read, debated, and adopted by a unanimous vote at a subsequent regular meeting held on the 9th day of May, 

2007, a quorum being present. 

LOWELL P. THRONGARD JAMES W. CURRAN, JR. 


......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 4 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Whereas, Article 9, Section 914 (b), C&BL, FRA, states that, “Branch shares of life membership dues will be disbursed 

from the fund utilizing administrative procedures determined by the FO.” and 

Whereas, Article 9, Section 914(c), C&BL, FRA, states that, “The national treasury’s portion of dues for each life 

member will be an amount equal to 50% of annual dues in effect on the effective date of the life membership for that 

member;” and 

Whereas, Article 9, Section 914 (d), C&BL, FRA, states, “The branch portion of dues for each life member will be 

an amount equal to 50% of annual dues in effect on the effective date of the life membership for that member;” and 

Whereas, The current life membership records comprise members of branches and members who are members at 

large (MAL); and 

Whereas, The application of Article 9, Section 914(c), C&BL, FRA, to those life members who are MAL is not 

specified; and 

C&BL-3

Whereas, Annually, based on the accrual accounting principle, book entries are made to National Treasury General 

Operating Fund to recognize 100% of dues revenue for both MAL and Branch Life Members; and 

Whereas, Matching and corresponding proportions of funds for the annually recognized life membership dues revenue 

have not been disbursed from the Life Membership Investment Account to the National Treasury General Operating 

Account for MAL members; and 

Whereas, The Life Membership Investment Account is over-funded; now, therefore be it 


Section 914(c). The national treasury’s portion of annual dues for each life member, who belong to 

a branch, will be an amount equal to 50% of annual dues in effect on the effective date of the life 

membership for that member. The national treasury’s amount of dues for each MAL life member 

will be 100% of annual dues in effect on the effective date of the life membership for that member.” 



......................................................................................................................................................................................... 


Whereas, The misinterpretation of the C&BL, FRA, has resulted in operational problems and legal challenges in the 

operation of clubs as separate branch business enterprises;” and 

Whereas, Recent changes with regard to laws governing non-profit organizations requires a review of our governing 

documents to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws; and 

Whereas, The National Board of Directors has significant oversight and fiduciary responsibilities associated with 

FRA branches and branch business enterprises; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That Article 12, Section 1201, C&BL, FRA, be amended to read: 

“Section 1201. Branches 

“Section 1201(a). Application to form a new branch may be made by a group of not less than 

twenty-five persons eligible for membership in the Fleet Reserve Association who subscribe to and 

accept the C&BL of the FRA, ten of whom shall be new or reinstated members and fifteen of 

whom may be members of the Association. If the application is approved by the National Board of 

Directors, a charter will be issued bearing the signatures of the National President, National Executive 

Secretary, and the Regional President of the region wherein the branch is to be located. 

“Section 1201(b). No branch shall be organized or chartered on board any United States Naval or 

Coast Guard vessel. 

“Section 1201(c). Membership applications of new and reinstated members petitioning the formation 

of a new branch, accompanied by dues, shall be processed upon receipt by the branch organizer. 

“Section 1201(d). Membership dues received under the terms of Section 1201(g) shall be prorated 

and the branch share held in escrow in the General Fund until the applicable branch has been insti- 

C&BL-4

tuted. Subsequent to institution, dues shall be distributed by the Finance Officer as provided in Article 

4. 

“Section 1201(e). New and reinstated members accepted for membership under the terms of this 

section shall be carried on the Membership-at-Large Roll until the provisions of Section 1201(a) 

have been complied with. 

“Section 1201(f). When efforts to organize a new branch are not successful, or if the application 

for charter has been denied, or authorization rescinded, the new and reinstated petitioners shall be 

offered an opportunity to transfer to a branch of their choice, remain on the Membership-at-Large 

Roll or shall have their dues refunded. Dues held in escrow shall be distributed in accordance with 

Article 4. 

“Section 1201(g). After the National Board of Directors has authorized the issuance of a charter 

for a new branch of the Fleet Reserve Association, the National President shall deliver said charter 

to the Regional President having jurisdiction of said branch. The Regional President shall arrange 

for the institution, and if he cannot be the instituting officer, he may delegate this duty to a national 

officer, a past national officer, a past branch president or some other competent member. The instituting 

officer shall present the installed branch president with the charter and a copy of the C&BL 

and shall instruct the branch officers in the duties of their office. 

“Section 1201(h). Branches of the FRA shall use their best efforts to cooperate in the pursuit of 

their common mission with the Fleet Reserve Association as embodied in the FRA Bylaws. The 

FRA grants to recognized Branches, in good standing with the FRA, a limited license to use 

FRA’s intellectual property, specifically: the name, “Fleet Reserve Association,” the acronym 

“FRA” and any and all FRA logos or designs that represent the organization, including, but not 

limited to, the “FRA swoosh” logo and the FRA shield logo (collectively referred to as “FRA Intellectual 

Property”). Such license shall terminate upon a Branch’s status with the FRA being altered 

or upon the determination of the National Board of Directors.” 



......................................................................................................................................................................................... 


Whereas, The misinterpretation of the C&BL, FRA, has resulted in operational problems and legal challenges in the 

operation of clubs as separate branch business enterprises;” and 






“Section 1206. Deactivated Charter – If a branch is declared defunct, its charter revoked or voluntarily 

surrendered, the National Board of Directors shall assume control of all books, records, 

properties and monies, keeping them in trust until a vote of the members in good standing, at the 

time the charter was relinquished, decides as to the final disposition of same, provided at no time 

shall the assets of the branch be distributed among the individual members thereof, but they may 

be donated to charity, another branch of the Fleet Reserve Association, the national treasury of the 

C&BL-5

Fleet Reserve Association, or to some other worthy nonprofit organization. The foregoing includes 

all assets and business ventures of a Branch (which must cease operation, or take action, consistent 

with the Branch). Any and all assets of the Branch or Branch controlled businesses shall be surrendered 

to the Fleet Reserve Association for disposition in accordance with FRA directives and 

policy.” 



......................................................................................................................................................................................... 


Whereas, The misinterpretation of Article 12, Section 1226, C&BL, FRA, has resulted in operational problems and 

legal challenges in the operation of clubs as separate branch business enterprises;” and 






“Section 1226. Branch Clubs or Business Enterprises 

“Section 1226(a). Branches of the FRA may engage in the operation of a branch club or other 

business enterprise. Any branch that sponsors or endorses the operation of a club or business enterprise 

shall have responsibility for the operation, oversight and management of such, including 

the club or business enterprises’ adherence to the FRA mission, Constitution and Bylaws. 

“Section 1226(b). The National Organization of the Fleet Reserve Association shall not be responsible 

or financially liable for the operation or management of any club or other business ventures 

either sponsored or endorsed by a branch of the Fleet Reserve Association. Club/ enterprise sponsoring 

branches agree to indemnify and hold the FRA, its directors, officers, employees, agents, 

and members harmless with respect to any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, judgments, 

or settlements, including reasonable attorney’s fees, costs, and other expenses incurred by the 

named parties on account of any activities conducted by a branch, its club or business enterprise. 

“Section 1226(c). No branch of the Fleet Reserve Association will endorse or sponsor a club or 

business enterprise unless such club or enterprise shall be incorporated under the state laws, that 

the branch is incorporated or located, prior to being placed in operation. To the greatest extent of 

the law in the state of mutual incorporation, branch shall control the club/enterprise through common 

membership of its board of directors and officers. Notwithstanding the foregoing, again to the 

greatest extent possible under the laws of the incorporating jurisdiction, any sponsored 

club/enterprise’s governing documents (e.g., Constitution, Articles, Bylaws) may not be altered or 

amended without the prior approval of the board of directors of the sponsoring branch. 

“Section 1226(d). The FRA grants to a branch sponsored club/business enterprise, in good standing 

with the FRA and the branch, a limited license to use FRA’s intellectual property, specifically: 

the name” “Fleet Reserve Association”, the acronym “FRA” and any and all FRA logos or designs 

that represent the organization, including, but not limited to, the “FRA swoosh” logo and the FRA 

shield logo (collectively referred to as “FRA Intellectual Property”). Such license shall terminate 

upon either the branch or the club/enterprise’s status with the FRA being altered. 

C&BL-6

“Section 1226(e). All branches, or members of branches, of the Fleet Reserve Association sponsoring 

business enterprises, including clubs, halls, or other activities, the nature of which implies and 

is contingent upon membership in the Fleet Reserve Association, shall prominently display the following 

notice, in a manner and size so that it can be read from at least ten feet distant: “This club 

(enterprise) is incorporated under the laws of the state of ………It is a nonprofit organization under 

the sponsorship of Branch #………..of the Fleet Reserve Association and members thereof. 

The National Organization of the Fleet Reserve Association assumes no financial responsibility or 

liability for the operation or management of this club (enterprise.)” 

“Section 1226(f). The National Board of Directors shall act to curtail operations of clubs and other 

business enterprises if the operations of such are inconsistent with the FRA mission, Constitution 

and Bylaws or if they pose any financial risk or risk of injury to the reputation of the FRA its 

branches or members. 

“Section 1226(g). Failure of any branch to comply with the provisions of Section 1226 will be 

considered sufficient cause for the revocation or suspension of such branch’s charter in accordance 

with the provisions of Section 1203.” 



......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 8 ANNAPOLIS BRANCH 24 

Whereas, Section 1226, C&BL, FRA, pertains to branch clubs and business enterprises; and 

Whereas, Section 1226(b) states that, “No branch of the Fleet Reserve Association will endorse or sponsor a club or 

business unless such club or enterprise shall be incorporated under the local country, and/or state laws prior to being 

placed in operation;” and 

Whereas, Branch 24 does operate such a club, incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland; and 

Whereas, Due to the fact that the incorporation charter for the club does not contain any reference to Branch 24, the 

Board of Governors of the club feel that they are not required to abide by any rules specified by Branch 24, or the 

FRA in the operation of said club; and 

Whereas, This fact has resulted in legal action being brought against Branch 24 and some of its members and has 

resulted in legal action being brought against the FRA by the Club 24 Board of Governors, to prohibit the FRA from 

exercising its rights under Section 1226(g) of the C&BL, FRA, bringing discredit upon Branch 24; and 

Whereas, The C&BL, FRA, should be amended to preclude this type of action from happening to other branches in 

the future; and 

Whereas, This recommended C&BL amendment was voted on and approved by a majority vote of the Branch 24 

members at the 13 March 2007 Branch 24 meeting, a quorum being present; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That Section 1226(b), C&BL, FRA, be amended to read: 

“Section 1226(b). No branch of the Fleet Reserve Association will endorse or sponsor a club or 

business unless such club or business enterprise is incorporated, in trust for the sponsoring 

branch, under the local, county, and/or state laws prior to being placed in operation. (Note: Except 

in those states and/or other areas where laws of incorporation preclude any possibility of financial 

C&BL-7

or other responsibility reflecting upon the Fleet Reserve Association, and a branch is properly incorporated 

therein, the National Board of Directors interpretation of Section 1226(b) shall apply.)” 

DONALD HOOVER GEORGE DORSEY 


......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS RESOLUTION NO. 9 OCEAN VIEW BRANCH 60 

Whereas, Article 12, Section 1226(d), C&BL, FRA, states that, “No elected or appointed officer in a branch of the 

Fleet Reserve Association shall, by virtue of such election or appointment, hold office as an officer, member of the 

Board of Directors, or member of the Board of Governors of an enterprise sponsored by the branch or members of 

the branch, when holding such an office shall signify or imply sponsorship or supervision or supervisory control of 

the enterprise by the Fleet Reserve Association;” and 

Whereas, Article 12, Section 1226(a) already states that FRA is in no way responsible for the operation or management 

of any such enterprise; and 

Whereas, The verbiage of Section 1226(d) is confusing and therefore interpreted differently by those who read it, 

specifically the phrase, “by virtue of such election or appointment;” and 

Whereas, Some branches have difficulty finding a sufficient number of members willing to serve on the branch 

board of directors (BOD) either as an officer or director; and 

Whereas, Some clubs (or other business enterprises) sponsored by branches of the FRA also have difficulty finding a 

sufficient number of members willing to serve on the club’s (or other business enterprises) board of governors 

(BOG) or BOD; and 

Whereas, There are a few dedicated members who are willing to serve in more than one capacity and on more than 

one BOD or BOG, and who understand and accept the separation of powers between the FRA, the branch and a club 

or other enterprise; and 

Whereas, Branches and clubs hold separate elections for the purpose of electing new officers and directors or governors; 


Resolved, That Article 12, Section 1226(d), C&BL, FRA, be amended to read: 

“Section 1226(d). A member of a branch of the Fleet Reserve Association, duly elected or appointed 

to the branch board of directors, may also serve as an officer or director or governor of the 

board of directors or board of governors of an enterprise by the branch, provided that the member 

is duly elected at a separate election to the enterprise’s board of directors or board of governors by 

the members of the enterprise.” 

This is to certify that this resolution was proposed at a regular meeting of Branch 60, held on the 14 th day of December 

2006, read, debated, and adopted by unanimous vote at a subsequent regular meeting held on the 11 th day of 

January 2007, a quorum being present. 

LAURA R. FERGUSON NORMAN W. LARSON 


......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

C&BL-8


Whereas, The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) general operations expenses are currently paid from revenue from 

membership dues, fund raising programs and royalties; and 

Whereas, During the past five years, the income from membership dues and fund raising programs have declined 

resulting in cash flow challenges in paying bills for day to day NHQ operations and required the slowing of membership 

marketing initiative; and 

Whereas, Article 9, Section 912(c), C&BL, FRA, states that the net investment income from the Experience Reserve 

Fund, may be used by the National Committee on Budget and Finance for budgeting commitments and shall be restricted 

to undertakings for funding educational, charitable or exempt function activities; and 

Whereas, Although the principal of the Experience Reserve Fund is restricted by Federal statute to purposes for 

which exemption to Federal income tax is granted, the net investment income from the Experience Reserve Fund is 

free from Federal income tax assessment to the FRA and can be used for any purpose under the FRA 501C (19) ruling; 

and 

Whereas, FRA auditors, Frye & Wolcott, CPAs, have repeatedly questioned the limited use of income from both the 

Restricted Reserve and Experience Reserve funds given the Association’s cash flow challenges; and 

Whereas, Use of the income from the Experience Reserve Fund for operating expenses will ease FRA cash flow 

challenges; and 

Whereas, In order to afford the National Committee on Budget and Finance (the Committee) the flexibility to use the 

net investment income derived from the Experience Reserve Fund as an estimated source of in-come for exempt or 

non-exempt purposes, the Committee recommends that Article 9, section 912(c), C&BL, FRA, be amended in order 

to authorize use of the net investment income from the Experience Re-serve Fund as a revenue source for exempt or 

non-exempt purposes; now, therefore be it 


“Section 912(c). The Net Investment Income from the Experience Reserve Fund may be used as a 

budgetary source of income for exempt or non-exempt purposes by the National Committee on 

Budget and Finance in accordance with annual budget requirements.” 



......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

C&BL-9

STANDING RULE RESOLUTIONS 

STANDING RULE RESOLUTION NO. 1 STEEL CITY BRANCH 253 

Whereas, Standing Rule 6, Section 6(j) should be amended to let the Special Committee receive and review the Request 

for Proposal (RFP) in a timely fashion; and 

Whereas, To elect an Interim Chairman to preside over the Special Committee until a Convention Site has been selected; 

and 

Whereas, Once a Convention Site has been selected elect a Convention Chairman, who is nearest the Convention 

Site; and 

Whereas, By deleting the minimum requirement of RFPs to the convention bureaus throughout the country this 

would facilitate the process of selecting an appropriate site for the National Convention; and 

Whereas, The committee could work with a professional hotel site selection firm or each committee member work 

with the convention bureaus within their respective area or region; and 

Whereas, The committee must inspect the sites prior to submitting their recommendation to the National President 

and the National Executive Secretary for approval; and 

Whereas, Shortening the solicitation process will allow the committee additional time to finalize a letter of agreement 

with the hotel or facility housing the National Convention in accordance with Article 6 Section 604(b) C&BL, 

FRA; and 

Whereas, It will also allow the committee time to file for incorporation under the laws of the state or jurisdiction in 

which the National Convention is to be held immediately after the site has been selected; and 

Whereas, A “Hospitality Room” is expected by the delegates to a national convention to reduce out-of-pocket expenses 

and to provide a place of relaxation and camaraderie; and 

Whereas, It would be difficult for a convention committee with members spread across the country to prepare and 

manage a hospitality room; and 

Whereas, A branch, Unit, Coordinating Council or combination thereof could be selected to sponsor the hospitality 

room with the understanding that any profits would go to the sponsor provided the sponsor agreed to absorb any 

loss; now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That Standing Rule 6(j) be amended to read: 

“SR-6(j). The committee approved by the delegates shall: 

“(1) Elect interim chairman until a hotel site has been selected. 

“(2) Elect convention chairman once a hotel site has been selected. 

“( 3) The committee shall solicit proposals to host the National Convention using one 

of the following options: 

“a. Working with a professional hotel site selection firm to send a Request 

for Proposal (RFP) to host the National Convention to convention bureaus 

throughout the country. 

SR-1

“b. Each committee member send a Request for Proposal (RFP) to host a 

National Convention to convention bureaus within their respective Area 

or Region. 

“(4) Select a site from among the proposals received. 

“(5) Comply with the applicable provisions of Article 6, C&BL, FRA. 

“(6) Host the convention. 

“(7) When desired, select a Branch, Unit, Coordinating Council or combination 

thereof to sponsor a hospitality room with the understanding that any profit will 

accrue to the sponsor provided the sponsor agrees to absorb any loss.” 

This is to certify that this resolution was read, debated and adopted by unanimous vote at a regular meeting held on 

the Twenty-First Day of April 2007, a quorum being present. 

JOHN F. DONOVAN MICHAEL J. WALSH 


SR-2

Standing Rule 4 

SR-4. Parliamentary Law and Procedure and Convention Rules 

SR-4(a). All provisions of the C&BL shall govern, and are hereby incorporated by reference. Robert’s 

Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority in all cases not covered by the C&BL. In cases 

where neither the C&BL nor the said rules covers a given situation, the convention shall decide the same. 

SR-4(b). The order of business at the national convention shall be as follows: 

(1) Parading of colors 

(2) Opening prayer 

(3) Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag 

(4) Recitation of preamble 

(5) Introduction of officers and guests 

(6) Addresses of invited guests 

(7) “Two Bell Ceremony” 

(8) Recess 

(9) Roll call of officers 

(10) Report of credentials committee 

(11) Appointment of convention committees 

(12) Reports of officers 

(13) Reports of standing committees 

(14) Submission of resolutions 

(15) Unfinished business and action on committee reports 

(16) New business 

(17) Nomination and election of officers 

(18) Good of the order 

(19) Installation of officers 

(20) “Two Bell Ceremony” 

(21) Closing prayer 

(22) Retiring of colors 

(23) Adjournment 

SR-4(c). When a delegate desires the privilege of the floor, he/she shall rise, face the Chair, address the presiding 

officer as, “Shipmate National President,” and when recognized shall give his/her name and the name and 

number of his/her branch. 

SR-4(d). A delegate granted the privilege of the floor, shall address the chair, and confine his/her remarks 

to the question. In speaking, he/she shall avoid personalities and maintain public decorum. If called to order, he/she 

shall wait until permission to proceed is given by the presiding officer. 

SR-4(e). Only duly accredited delegates or their alternates, as selected by a branch delegation from the list 

of eligible alternates, or an accredited proxy delegate, shall participate in the business coming before the convention, 

except national officers and past national presidents, who are not otherwise eligible to participate, may be granted 

the privilege of the floor, but without a vote. Only those delegates or proxy delegates who qualify in accordance with 

Section 606(c), C&BL will be recognized at the convention. 

SR-4(f). Unless specifically authorized by another standing rule, no person shall be given the privilege of 

the floor for a second time on any question until others privileged and who desire to speak have done so, except convention 

committee chairmen, who may speak more than once on matters pertaining to their committees. Delegates 

and proxies shall be limited in speaking to three minutes and the committee chairmen and co-chairmen to five minutes. 

The presiding officer may, at his/her discretion, grant additional speaking time to delegates requesting such 

privilege. 

Standing Rule 4-1

SR-4(g). Except where the C&BL requires a two-thirds vote, action on all resolutions submitted to the convention 

shall be decided by a majority vote. 

SR-4(h). The convention steering committee, under the direction of the presiding officer, shall be responsible 

for the order in which the resolutions are presented to the convention for action. 

SR-4(i). When a resolution has been adopted or rejected, it shall be considered as finished business for the 

convention and be given no further consideration except when otherwise directed by proper majority vote of the 

convention. 

SR-4(j). All resolutions adopted by the convention shall become effective immediately upon adjournment, 

unless otherwise specified by the convention. 

SR-4(k). A motion to commit, recommit, postpone indefinitely, postpone to a certain time, lay on the table, 

take from the table, reconsider, rescind, or move the previous question, shall require five seconds, each from a different 

branch, each by a different delegate. Each such motion shall require majority approval of the delegates. 

SR-4(l). Unless a specific method of voting is authorized by another standing rule, a roll call vote shall be 

held upon the call of the presiding officer or upon a call of five delegates, each from a separate branch, but only 

when the results of a voice vote are in doubt. 

SR-4(m). A five minute recess for a caucus prior to roll call vote shall be declared upon a call of five different 

branches and by five different delegates. 

SR-4(n). On a roll call vote at a national convention, voting shall be conducted according to the numerical 

order of the branches in even years and reverse numerical order in odd number years. 

SR-4(o). On a roll call vote there shall be no passing. The chairman or the acting chairman of the branch 

delegation shall announce the vote of the branch or relinquish the right of that branch to vote, when the branch number 

has been called three times. 

SR-4(p). On a roll call vote, the chairman or acting chairman of the branch delegation or a proxy acting for 

a branch shall rise, face the chair, announce his/her name, and announce the vote of the branch he/she represents and 

remain standing until the convention secretary confirms recording the name and vote. 

SR-4(q). Convention Credential Reporting 

(1) The National President shall annually appoint, no later than the last day of March, a National Convention 

Credentials and Registration Committee comprised of a minimum of one member from each region, with a 

member designated as Chairman and a member designated as Vice Chairman, to serve until the adjournment of the 

national convention in that calendar year. 

(2) It shall be the duty and responsibility of the Chairman of the National Convention Credentials and Registration 

Committee to ensure: 

a. That each branch delegate and branch proxy delegate who checks in at the registration 

desk is correctly registered and his credentials are verified at the time of registration. 

b. That an accurate and up-to-date credentials report is ready for delivery to the delegates at 

the commencement of the first scheduled business session. 

c. That an accurate and up-to-date credentials status is maintained throughout the national 

convention and is ready for delivery to the delegates when called upon by the 

National President or prior to all record or roll call votes. 


(3) The following format will be followed when making credentials reports: 

a. Authorized voting strength - This convention: 

IAW Section 608, C&BL. ________ 

b. Number of branches represented by delegates: ________ 

c. Number of votes represented by delegates: ________ 

d. Number of branches registered by proxy: ________ 

e. Number of votes registered by proxy: ________ 

f. Number of branches not registered: ________ 

g. Number of delegates registered: ________ 

h. Registered voting strength: ________ 

i. Number of votes not registered: ________ 

j. Two-thirds vote is: ________ 

k. Majority vote is: ________ 

r. Branches not represented are: ________ 

SR-4(r). The presentation of reports to the convention by national officers and chairmen of national and 

special committees shall not exceed one hour duration, except as otherwise decreed by the convention. Reports shall 

be in writing and specifically include the financial requirements and impacts of the recommendations therein. Furthermore, 

the report shall specify the responsible party to execute the recommendations, that is, the National President, 

the National Executive Secretary, the chairman of the national committee, etc. In absence of a motion on the 

floor, a delegate shall not be deprived of the privilege of asking a question of information on any such report as received 

by the presiding officer. 

SR-4(s). Nominating speeches shall be limited to five minutes, seconding speeches to two minutes, and the 

number of seconding speeches for each candidate may not exceed three. 

SR-4(t). Nominations and elections shall be held in accordance with Section 701(d), C&BL. 

SR-4(u). Nominations and election of each officer shall be completed and the results announced by the presiding 

officer before proceeding to the nomination and election of the next officer. 

SR-4(v). In the event two or more candidates are nominated for the same office, the balloting shall be by 

roll call. 

SR-4(w). In the event three or more candidates for the same office are on the ballot and no candidate receives 

a majority of votes cast, the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes after the second ballot will be 

eliminated if he/she has not shown a gain on the second ballot. This method of elimination will be followed after 

each subsequent ballot. 

SR-4(x). If a nomination for national office, not previously disseminated by resolution from the National 

Headquarters, is made from the floor, a ten minute recess may be called, if requested by five different branches and 

by five different delegates, at the close of nominations. 


SR-4(y). The “Order of the Day” shall be as contained in the official convention program unless otherwise 

specified by the convention. 

SR-4(z). Visitors and non-accredited shipmates shall occupy seats provided for their use apart from the 

delegates and alternates. 

SR-4(aa). Minutes of the convention shall be recorded with no omissions, deletions, or alterations, except as 

directed by the delegates assembled at the convention. 

SR-4(bb). These rules may be suspended, rescinded, or amended by a two-thirds vote. 

SR-4(cc). Unless suspended, rescinded, or amended, these rules shall remain in force throughout the convention. 

SR-4(dd). No expenditure of Association funds may be voted by a national convention without prior recommendation 

of the Convention Budget and Finance Committee. 


NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMITTEES 

Americanism-Patriotism 

Meeting Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 in Texas Suite (Hospitality Room). 

Chairman Richard A. Ruiz 101 WC 

Members Michael J. Walsh 253 NE 

Donald R. Gray 25 SE 

PNC Hugh M. Thomason, Jr. 289 SW 

PRPNW Louise R. Miller 18 NW 

Daniel L. May 275 WC 

Kris A. Smith 93 EC 

PRPNEng Robert J. Gallagher 3 NEng 

Samuel Vechter 324 NC 

PRPSC Michael F. Snyder 96 SC 

Bobbie E. Combs 316 NC 

Terrence M. Louis 251 SC 

Advisors Donald L. Johnson 261 WC 

Peter J. McNamara 274 WC 

PRPEC Jeffrey A. Gilmartin 207 EC 

Budget and Finance 

Meeting Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 in Aransas Room. 

Chairman PNP Ralph A. Schmidt 159 SC 

Members PNP Richard B. Smith 70 SW 

PNP William E. Combs 5 EC 

John W. Davis 44 SE 

PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore 22 SE 

PRPNW Ramona Greman 46 NW 

PNP Edgar M. Zerr 276 NC 

PRPNW Donald L. Bordwell 174 NW 

Ex Officio NP Jerry L. Sweeney 181 EC 

Advisors NES Joseph L. Barnes 181 EC 

FO Paul Rigby 

NVP Lawrence J. Boudreaux 275 WC 

Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions 

Meeting Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 in Matagorda Room. 

Chairman PNP George P. Hyland 237 NEng 

Members PNP Thomas A. Heaney 77 SW 

James W. Marshall 59 NW 

PRPSW Peter R. “Tony” Tonelli 230 WC 

PRPSE Robert L. French 126 SE 

Norman F. Gapter 99 EC 

Advisors NVP Lawrence J. Boudreaux 275 WC 

NES Joseph L. Barnes 181 EC 

PNP J.C. “Jim” Eblen 9 SW 

Credentials and Registration 

Registration in Preassembly. 

Chairman PNP Marvin W. Johnson 104 NW 

Vice Chairman JrPRPWC Virgil P. Courneya 274 WC 

CMTES-1

Members PRPNEng Robert J. Gallagher 3 NEng 

PRPNE William H. Reese 1 NE 

PNP Robert L. Bastian 4 EC 

Bobby L. Smith 194 SE 

Rosemary Posekany 298 NC 

Charley A. Randall, II 201 SC 

PRPSW James A. Fox 289 SW 

PRPWC Gary C. Blackburn 8 WC 

Dennis Egge 46 NW 

Alternate Members PRPNEng John C. Kotheimer 3 NEng 

PRPNE J. Earl Norman 106 NE 

RPNE Francis D. Tyson 288 NE 

PRPEC Otto W. Ritter 208 EC 

Kenneth E. Cowles 234 SE 

William D. Cole 254 SE 

JrPRPNC Donald L. Gage 161 NC 

George P. Cavros 14 NC 

William F. Smith 159 SC 

Al Lewless, Jr. 175 SW 

RPWC Charles R. McIntyre 140 WC 

PRPNW Thomas W. Flanik 245 NW 

Employees Pension 

Meeting Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 in Laguna Madre Room. 

Chairman PRPNW Noel W. Bragg 46 NW 

Members PNP Charles R. McIntyre 212 EC 

PNP Joseph L. Maez 274 WC 

Advisors PNP Eugene Smith 105 NC 

PRPSE F. Donald Mucheck 50 SE 

FO Paul Rigby 

Employee Rep. Alicia A. Landis Unit 181 EC 

FRA Building 

Meeting Time and Place: 0900, Wednesday, 1 November 2007 in Restaurant Alcove. 

Chairman Christopher J. Slawinski 181 EC 

Members Robert J. Jenkins 24 EC 

Mintry R. Muse 67 EC 

Advisors FO Paul Rigby 

PRPEC Robert Washington, Sr. 181 EC 

C. Lee Reichard 142 EC 

Honorary Membership and Certificate of Merit 

Meeting Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 in Corpus Christi Ballroom A&B. 

Chairman PNP Robert G. Beese 175 SE 

Members PRPNC Norman G. Combs 161 NC 

PRPSE Frank A. Smith 210 SE 

RPEC-Elect Claire Haynes Purdy 24 EC 

PRPNW Thomas W. Flanik 245 NW 

Advisor PNP George R. Kaye 60 EC 

CMTES-2

Hospitals, Welfare and Rehabilitation 


Chairman RPWC-Elect Lee M. Hollowell, Jr. 281 WC 

Members RPNEng-Elect William J. Waite 156 NEng 

Robert M. Burness 13 NE 

Thomas De Byl 142 EC 

Lee B. Downs 144 SE 

John W. Dymond 14 NC 

Leon R. Perkins 371 SC 

Walter DeFelice, Jr. 9 SW 

Charles M. Watkins 244 WC 

Vernon N. Fraser 198 NW 

PRPNEng Richard E. Hamilton 7 NEng 

PRPEC Paul R. Gunther 182 EC 

Kent H. Davis 215 SE 

George P. Cavros 14 NC 

Charles F. Burkhardt, Jr. 98 SC 

PRPSW James A. Fox 289 SW 

PRPWC Gary C. Blackburn 8 WC 

Advisor PRPSE John R. Mefford 30 SE 

Legislative Service 

Meeting Time and Place: 1130, Wednesday, 31 October 2007 in Laguna Madre Room. 

Chairman NES Joseph L. Barnes 181 EC 

Members Ronald A. Kruse 137 WC 

Mark H. Allen 182 EC 

JrPRPNC Donald L. Gage 180 NC 

PRPEC Les Zavadil 204 EC 

PRPWC Thomas H. Ford 261 WC 

John R. Davis 181 EC 

Darvin F. Dalrymple 70 SW 

Advisors PRPEC Robert Washington, Sr. 181 EC 

MCPON-10 Terry D. Scott 000 MAL 

MCPOCG-7 Rick Trent 000 MAL 

Membership and Retention 

Meeting Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2007 in Glass House. 

Chairman Penny Collins 24 EC 

Members PRPEC Robert Washington, Sr. 181 EC 

PRPNE William H. Reese 1 NE 

PRPSC Jerry L. Hobson 282 SC 

JrPRPSW Agustive A. Hermes, Jr. 61 SW 

Cardell E. Campbell 67 EC 

PRPNC Patrick J Farvour 180 NC 

Arthur C. Archer 261 WC 

Michael T. Wilson 103 NW 

PRPNEng John C. Kotheimer 338 NEng 

Charles A. Hines 269 SE 

RPNEng Paul F. Loveless, Jr. 156 NEng 

Robert D. Cummings 290 SE 

Bud Bessey 328 NW 

Advisors NES Joseph L. Barnes 181 EC 

CMTES-3


Meeting Time and Place: 0900, Thursday, 1 November 2001 in Corpus Christi Ballroom C. 

Chairman RVPSC Donald Larson 94 SC 

Members Clarence T. White 72 NEng 

Norman Sivertsen 229 NE 

RVPEC Ray E. Santee 166 EC 

Darlene K. Hines 269 SE 

Charles H. Goodman, II 276 NC 

Lonnie Vessell 11 SC 

Eric McGregory 289 SW 

RVPWC Nathan “Joe” Nash 192 WC 

Fred W. Ballard 46 NW 

PRPNEng Roy W. Grayden 338 NEng 

Randy L. Phillipp 182 EC 

Bobby L. Smith 194 SE 

Wilfred O. Bowers 324 NC 

Jesse M. Newton 239 SC 

PRPSW Victor Miranda 9 SW 

RPNW John Ippert 46 NW 

Advisors JrPRPNE James R. Smith 253 NE 

RPSW Charles F. Smedley 70 SW 

Steering 

Location: Business Session — Table near podium. 

Other times: FRA National Headquarters Office in Copano Room. 

Chairman Christopher J. Slawinski 181 EC 

Members PRPEC Robert Washington, Sr. 181 EC 

John R. Davis 181 EC 

Tally 

Chairman PNP George R. Kaye 60 EC 

Members RPSE-Elect Roger E. Mitchell (PRPSE Mucheck) 188 SE 

PRPSC Terry D. Merten (NVP Boudreaux) 159 SC 

PRPEC Robert Washington, Sr. (NES Barnes) 181 EC 

Youth Activities 


Chairman Stanley J. Lewandowski 289 SW 

Members Karl W. Zuege 235 NEng 

George N. Kollarik 124 NE 

Charles A. Baldwin 99 EC 

Robert F. Waterman 215 SE 

Fred J. Pester 180 NC 

Charley Randall, II 201 SC 

Jimmy D. Freedle 47 SW 

Roy D. Warner 287 WC 

Robert M. Otteraaen 363 NW 

RVPNEng Robert E. King 3 NEng 

James E. Robbins, Jr. 91 SE 

Donald A. Hoover 24 EC 

CMTES-4

RVPNC Robert A. Melson 130 NC 

Arthur R. McAvoy 11 SC 

Advisors PRPEC W.G. “Jerry” Butler 141 EC 

RPSC Leo V. Vance 159 SC 

Special Committee to Evaluate the Geographic Boundaries of the FRA Regions 


Chairman PRPSE Mark A. Kilgore 22 SE 

Members James F. Hollis 132 NEng 

JrPRPNE James R. Smith 253 NE 

PNP Thomas L. Leisher 5 EC 

PNP Eugene Smith 105 NC 

PRPSC Terry D. Merten 159 SC 

Dennis L. Reynolds 289 SW 

Peter J. McNamara 274 WC 

PNP Marvin W. Johnson 104 NW 

CMTES-5

VOTING STRENGTH: 2,736 

BRANCH VOTES 

386 3 

382 6 

380 5 

379 3 

377 3 

376 5 

375 6 

374 4 

371 6 

369 2 

367 7 

366 5 

365 6 

364 3 

363 3 

361 5 

358 6 

348 3 

347 4 

346 14 

344 4 

342 5 

339 4 

338 6 

335 3 

334 13 

333 2 

328 2 

327 4 

326 3 

324 7 

80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION 

31 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2007 

OMNI HOTEL BAYFRONT TOWER 

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 

TALLY-1

BRANCH VOTES 

323 3 

320 3 

319 3 

317 15 

316 11 

315 3 

313 12 

312 6 

311 9 

310 5 

309 4 

308 3 

307 0 

306 3 

303 2 

302 5 

300 5 

299 4 

298 7 

296 4 

295 3 

293 6 

291 4 

290 34 

289 52 

288 5 

287 3 

285 5 

284 3 

283 3 

282 12 

281 5 

280 6 

279 6 

278 5 

TALLY-2

BRANCH VOTES 

276 16 

275 5 

274 9 

273 5 

272 3 

269 41 

268 6 

267 14 

264 12 

263 9 

261 24 

260 5 

259 3 

258 3 

257 4 

256 5 

254 4 

253 7 

252 2 

251 5 

250 3 

249 5 

248 6 

247 4 

246 5 

245 6 

244 3 

242 2 

241 4 

239 3 

238 6 

237 6 

235 4 

234 11 

232 0 

TALLY-3

BRANCH VOTES 

231 0 

230 5 

229 6 

228 7 

227 3 

226 8 

225 3 

223 4 

222 4 

221 3 

220 2 

219 8 

217 6 

216 8 

215 3 

214 4 

213 0 

212 7 

210 17 

208 22 

207 7 

206 2 

204 3 

203 8 

202 6 

201 7 

200 10 

198 3 

197 4 

194 6 

192 7 

191 3 

188 7 

187 3 

186 9 

TALLY-4

BRANCH VOTES 

185 4 

184 3 

183 6 

182 12 

181 17 

180 5 

179 4 

178 5 

177 6 

176 6 

175 22 

174 5 

172 11 

171 2 

170 12 

168 6 

167 3 

166 22 

163 23 

162 17 

161 17 

160 4 

159 11 

158 3 

157 0 

156 14 

154 3 

151 5 

147 26 

146 7 

145 4 

144 8 

142 4 

141 15 

140 4 

TALLY-5

BRANCH VOTES 

138 2 

137 3 

136 27 

133 4 

132 4 

131 3 

130 6 

127 5 

126 31 

125 0 

124 12 

123 3 

120 20 

119 3 

118 3 

117 14 

115 9 

113 4 

112 5 

111 0 

110 10 

109 6 

108 8 

106 12 

105 7 

104 7 

103 20 

102 5 

101 19 

99 59 

98 3 

97 31 

96 20 

95 5 

94 21 

TALLY-6

BRANCH VOTES 

93 28 

92 4 

91 69 

90 5 

89 27 

87 3 

86 13 

85 8 

84 13 

83 2 

82 0 

77 4 

75 3 

74 3 

73 4 

72 4 

71 9 

70 28 

69 6 

68 10 

67 18 

66 8 

64 3 

63 3 

62 5 

61 53 

60 60 

59 5 

57 13 

55 12 

54 3 

53 27 

52 10 

51 7 

50 27 

TALLY-7

BRANCH VOTES 

49 12 

48 7 

47 22 

46 64 

44 3 

43 21 

42 18 

41 8 

40 25 

38 8 

37 5 

36 3 

34 4 

33 9 

32 2 

31 4 

30 6 

29 33 

28 6 

27 11 

26 3 

25 4 

24 102 

23 8 

22 45 

21 3 

20 25 

19 14 

18 18 

17 7 

15 3 

14 10 

13 4 

12 6 

11 5 

TALLY-8

BRANCH VOTES 

10 17 

9 34 

8 25 

7 4 

6 6 

5 20 

4 7 

3 9 

2 0 

1 16 

TALLY-9

FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION 

80 th NATIONAL CONVENTION 

CORPUS CHRIST, TEXAS 


CREDENTIALS REPORTS FORM 

a. Authorized Voting Strength - This Convention: 2,736 

1st REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 2nd REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 

b. Number of branches represented b. Number of branches represented 

by delegates: _____ by delegates: _____ 

c. Number of votes represented by c. Number of votes represented by 

delegates: _____ delegates: _____ 

d. Number of branches registered d. Number of branches registered 

by proxy: _____ by proxy: _____ 

e. Number of votes registered by proxy: _____ e. Number of votes registered by proxy _____ 

f. Number of branches NOT registered: _____ f. Number of branches NOT registered: _____ 

g. Number of delegates registered: _____ g. Number of delegates registered: _____ 

h. Registered voting strength: _____ h. Registered voting strength: _____ 

i. Number of votes not registered: _____ i. Number of votes not registered: _____ 

j. Two-thirds vote is: _____ j. Two-thirds vote is: _____ 

k. Majority vote is: _____ k. Majority vote is: _____ 

3rd REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 4th REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 














CRED-1

5th REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 6th REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 














7th REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE 














l. Branches NOT represented are: (Mark these on your Tally Sheet) 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

CRED-2

Americanism-Patriotism 

1st Place 

2nd Place 

3rd Place 

WINNERS OF NATIONAL COMMITTEE AWARDS 

FRA 80th NATIONAL CONVENTION 

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 


Group I 

Walter C. “Step” Rowell Award: 

Leonard D. “Swede” Nelson Award: 

Robert E. Doherty Award: 

Hospitals, Welfare, and Rehabilitation 

1st Place 

2nd Place 

3rd Place 

Shipmate of the Year: 

Membership and Retention 

Group I 

Group II 

Group II 

Charles E. Lofgren Membership Award for Branches 

Group I 

Group II 

Group III 

Group IV 

Group V 

Charles E. Lofgren Membership Award for Individuals 

Group I 

Group II 

WIN-1 

Group III 

Group III 

Group IV 

Group IV 

Group V 

Group V

Group III 

Group IV 

Group V 

Abraham M. Rosenburg Membership Trophy: 

Frank J. McPherson Memorial Membership Award: 


1st Place 

2nd Place 

3rd Place 


Youth Activities 

1st Place 

2nd Place 

3rd Place 


Group I 

Group I 

Membership and Retention Continued 

Group II 

Group II 

WIN-2 

Group III 

Group III 

Group IV 

Group IV 

Group V 

Group V

in memoriam - Fleet Reserve Association

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