in memoriam - Fleet Reserve Association

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