Memorial Day 2012 Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal From a headstone in Ireland.
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Volume 41, Number 5
May 2012
Serving WARRANT OFFICERS & THEIR FAMILIES FOR 40 YEARS
Memorial Day 2012
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
love leaves a memory no one can steal
~ From a headstone in Ireland.
Cover Story
Memorial Day History
Ode to the M1 Garand
The M1 Garand
Do you wonder why that rifle
Is hanging in my den?
You know I rarely take it down
But I touch it now and then.
It’s rather slow and heavy
By standards of today
But not too many years ago
It swept the rest away.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, It’s held its own in battles
is a day of remembrance for those who have died in Through snow, or rain, or sun
our nation’s service. There are many stories as to its And I had one just like it,
actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and This treasured old M-1.
towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memo-
rial Day. There is also evidence that organized wom- It went ashore at Bougainville
en’s groups in the South were decorating graves In Nineteen Forty-Three.
before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published It stormed the beach at Tarawa
in 1867, “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Through a bullet-riddled sea.
Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication “To The La-
Saipan knew its strident bark,
dies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of Kwajalein, its sting.
the Confederate Dead” (Source: Duke University’s The rocky caves of Peleliu
Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Resounded with its ring.
Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace
of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in It climbed the hill on Iwo
May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the With men who wouldn’t stop
origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many And left our nation’s banner
separate beginnings; each of those towns and ev- Flying on the top.
ery planned or spontaneous gathering of people to
honor the war dead in the 1860’s tapped into the It poked its nose in Pusan,
general human need to honor our dead, each con- Screamed an angry roar
tributed honorably to the growing movement that And took the First Division
From Chosin Reservoir.
culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proc-
lamation in 1868. It is not important who was the Well, time moves on
very first, what is important is that Memorial Day And things improve
was established. Memorial Day is not about divi- With rifles and with men,
sion. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming And that is why the two of us
together to honor those who gave their all. A Are sitting in my den.
But sometimes on a winter night,
While thinking of my Corps,
I know that if the bugle blew
We’d be a team once more.
~ Author Unknown A
Association History - Part 2
By CW4 (Ret) Don Hess
President Emeritus
USAWOA and its Accomplishments - 1970’s
Editor’s note: This is Part two of a four part series de- Other key members contacted in support of the WOD
scribing the 40 years of the United States Army Warrant were the ODCSPER commissioned officers responsible for
Officers Association (USAWOA). This second article fo- the Warrant Officer program at the Army level. No War-
cuses on the accomplishments during the 1970s era. rant Officers were assigned to the Army staff at the Deputy
Last month I described why the Association was Chief of Staff for Personnel (DCSPER) level. COL Ted Crozier,
formed and how it initially operated. This article will ad- Chief, Aviation Warrant Officer Branch was also our guest
dress the USAWOA involvement in the formation of the speaker in 1973. Our guest speaker for the 1974 Annual
Warrant Officer Division (WOD) and other early 1970s Meeting was Secretary of the Army (SA) Howard “Bo”
issues. Galloway, who became a strong warrant officer advocate
An initial hurdle to an improved Warrant Officer because of his first time exposure at our AMM.
Corps was the fragmented warrant officer management
at Department of the Army (DA) level. A Warrant Officer
Aviation Branch was formed in 1965 to manage all aviation
warrant officers because of the increased aviation require-
ments during the Vietnam conflict. All other Warrant Of-
ficers continued to be managed by their respective career
branches.
The USAWOA learned of an ongoing 1972 study per-
taining to the reorganization of the Officer Personnel Office
(OPO), the forerunner of The Military Personnel Center
(MILPERCEN). This study focused on reorganizing the
management of commissioned officer personnel manage-
ment by Branch, e.g. Infantry, Engineer, Ordnance, etc., to
that of management by grade, e.g. colonel, field grade and
company grade officers.
Recognizing that a window of opportunity was open
for a consolidation of Warrant Officers under one umbrella
rather than consolidating with company grade officers, the
early Association national officers geared their efforts to
identifying and meeting with Army leaders who could influ-
ence the decision to establish a separate Warrant Officer
Division. Our guest speaker at the first Annual Meeting We were also fortunate in that the Chief of the AG
of the Members (AMM) in 1973 was MG Sidney Berry, Branch, COL Robert Joyce, was a strong supporter of
Commander, Military Personnel Center (MILPERCEN). MG consolidated warrant officer management. He provided
Berry spent three hours at the USAWOA business meeting valuable support and guidance to the USAWOA in identify-
prior to being our guest speaker. He stated that he learned ing professional benefits to the Army and the Corps in a
more about Warrant Officers in his three hour visit at the centralized warrant officer management. One of the major
AMM than at his time as Commander, MILPERCEN. benefits of a consolidated warrant officer management
was the opportunity to establish a Professional Develop-
ment program for all Warrant Officers which would be
consistent among the various specialties. Because of the
efforts of USAWOA and many other supporters of consoli-
dated Warrant Officer management, the WOD was ap-
proved and organized in May 1975 as part of the overall
Office of Personnel Operations (OPO) reorganization of
management philosophy as mentioned above.
The USAWOA’s role in the establishment of the WOD
was recognized by the Army leadership. COL Robert Joyce,
the first WOD Chief, immediately began a series of monthly
articles in the NEWSLINER and succeeding Division Chiefs
continued that practice. OPO and MILPERCEN command-
ers also provided articles for the NEWSLINER. LTG Harold
Moore was the DCSPER during our inception. He was the
USAWOA AMM speaker twice and a strong Warrant Officer
Continued on page 14.
May 2012 3
USAWOA Contents
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
CW4 (Ret) Kenneth “Pete” Hill
(O) (410) 278-9309 Featured:
Kenneth.b.hill10.civ@mail.mil
Vice President
CW5 (Ret) Jim White
3 USAWOA and its Accomplishments - 1970’s
(C) (585) 216-7237 6 President’s Report
jwhite2239@gmail.com.
7 Veteran Affairs
Treasurer 8 Executive Director’s Report
CW3 Vickie Elias
(O) (703) 607-7509 9-11 Chapter News
vickieelias@yahoo.com 12 National Guard Report
Secretary 13 Letter To The Editor
CW2 (Ret) Gerry Wentworth
(H) (703) 327-3438
17 Continuous Service
dachief@verizon.net 19 WOCC Honor & Distinguished Grads
European Region Director
CW5 James Rathburn
(DSN) (314) 370-8598
james.rathburn@us.army.mil
Southeastern Region Director The NEWSLINER is published by the U.S. Army Warrant
CW5 Ida Tyree Hyche Officers Association, a not-for-profit service related association
(C) 205-601-8645 incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The NEWSLINER is
ida.tyreehyche@us.army.mil devoted to the professional interests of Warrant Officers of the U.S.
Army. Articles appearing in the NEWSLINER do not necessarily
Mid-Southern Region Director
represent the opinions of the USAWOA Board of Directors or the
CW4 James E. Davis editor, nor are they to be interpreted as official policy of the U.S.
(O) (254) 553-2774 Army or the Department of Defense. Paid advertising appears in
jedavis42@gmail.com the NEWSLINER. With the exception of the membership benefits
Northeastern Region Director specified, USAWOA does not endorse any specific product or
CW4 (Ret) Greg Gouty supplier of services. The editor reserves the right to decline or
discontinue any advertisement without prior notice.
(O) (410) 278-0391
The USAWOA NEWSLINER subscription is a membership benefit
gregory.gouty@us.army.mil
and is not separately available. Association membership is open
Mid-Northern Region Director to individuals who now hold or have ever held a Warrant issued
CW5 Robert Lamphear by the Secretary of the Army. Annual membership fee is $45.00
(O) (573) 563-4088 ($30.00 for eligible retirees). Major NEWSLINER distribution is
robert.lamphear@us.army.mil electronic and printed copies may be subject to additional mailing
costs.
Western Region Director Multiple-Year and Life memberships are available. For
CW5 (Ret) Russell G. Brewer international mailing of the NEWSLINER (other than APO/FPO) add
(O) (916) 854-3607 $24.00 to the membership fee. Credit will be given (when known)
russ20805@comcast.net for all articles and photos used. Original NEWSLINER articles may
be reproduced providing credit is given to USAWOA. The single
copy price of the NEWSLINER is $3.50.
4 May 2012
From The Editor’s Desk USAWOA
462 Herndon Parkway #207
By CW4 (Ret) Don Hess
Herndon, VA 20107
1-800-5-USAWOA (587-2962)
Website: www.usawoa.org
Executive Director
CW4 Jack DuTeil
(O) 800-5-USAWOA
usawoaed@verizon.net
Office Manager
Herb Rundgren CPO- USN (Ret)
(O) 1-800-587-2962
usawoamdb@verizon.net
Bookkeeper
Theresa Casteel
(O) (703) 742-7727
usawoafinance@verizon.net
On the Cover
Memorial Day, 28 May 2012. Our May cover is in remembrance of those Editor
who gave their lives so that we may continue to live in freedom. CW4 (Ret) Don Hess
Annual Meeting of the Members (H) (540) 289-5557
In the last issue we covered many details on the upcoming AMM. If you
haven’t made a decision to attend this special 40th Anniversary meeting usawoaeditor@verizon.net
please consider joining with many of our fellow Warrant Officers. Information Asst VP- Army Guard Affairs
has been provided early this year because it will be an election year where we
turn over the reins to new leadership. Information has been published with CW5 Gene Touchstone
the agenda, and other information to assist you in your decision to apply for (DSN) 293-6185
national office, attend our AMM or to rededicate yourself to staying current in (O) (601) 313-6185
the changing environment in today’s Warrant Officer Corps. gene.touchstone@us.army.mil
Professionalism
In this issue we are stressing professionalism of the Warrant Officer Corps Asst VP - Army Reserve Affairs
beginning with Part two of a four part historical article on the issues affecting
the USAWOA in the 1970s and how this history can help you in your career de- CW2 Virginia Oscovitch
cisions, or inform you of the Association’s efforts to move the Warrant Officer (O) (850) 912-2910
Corps forward. Virginia.oscovitch@us.army.mil
President CW4 (Ret) Pete Hill describes the structure of the Executive
Committee and Board of Directors, and how we do business today adjusting to Asst VP - Veterans Affairs
the changing role of the Warrant Officer while still maintaining a professional CW4 (Ret) Percy D. Butler
approach to keep up with the increased demands on the Association as the
Corps undergoes a cultural transition. (O) (404) 767-0066
CW4 (Ret) Jack DuTeil, Executive Director, describes his participation in a pdbutler2@msn.com
Warrant Officer Professional Development (WOPD) seminar and the necessity
of maintaining and sharing our technical expertise. Past Presidents Council Chairman
CW5 Gene Touchstone, Assistant VP for ARNG Affairs urges Warrant Of- CW5 (Ret) Frank Meeks
ficers to change our Legacy Mindset from just technical experts to much more; (H) (252) 946-3142
including looking at the bigger picture beyond our specialties and setting the franklin.d.meeks@us.army.mil
example as mentors and models for today’s technical and tactical Warrant Of-
ficers. Scholarship Foundation President
CW4 (Ret) Percy Butler reports on the Army’s interim employment efforts
to help Soldiers connect with private industry employment opportunities. CW4 (Ret) Robert D. Scott
This valuable information should be shared with Soldiers of all components, (H) (571) 918-0129
veterans and family members who are facing most-military service. robertscott10@comcast.net
CW4 (Ret) Dale Bienusa, Show Me Chapter, Ft. Leonard Wood MO shares
his personal approach in a sample retention letter to members reminding WO Heritage Foundation President
them of their expiration date. Other chapters continue to report awards, pro- CW5 (Ret) David P. Welsh
fessional development and community activities bringing credit to individuals (C) (757) 999-2022
and chapters within their local communities.
wo-heritage@verizon.net
Until next month… A
May 2012 5
President’s Report
By CW4 (Ret) Pete Hill
National President
Administration Internal Affairs
Have you ever wondered what goes on during the Secretary, Treasurer and the Executive Director who is
monthly Executive Committee (EXCOM) or the Board a nonvoting exofficio member of the EXCOM and the
of Directors (BOD) meetings? This month I will address BOD. In addition to that, the National President can ap-
these two meetings, plus how a location is selected for point one other member in good standing to be a vot-
the Annual Meeting of the Members (AMM). ing member of the EXCOM. For the past four years, the
Each meeting is governed by Robert’s Rules of Order. Northeastern Regional Director has been a member of
These Parliamentary procedures must be followed for a this committee. Even though the subjects may change on
timely, professional meeting. Any member in good stand- a regular basis, the one topic that is always discussed is
ing may attend the meetings and may address the EXCOM current membership statistics. This topic, which is always
or the BOD. briefed by the Vice-President includes regular renew-
You may or may not notice that at the conclusion of als, life membership, voting members by region, and
every AMM a motion is made to move “All open action the status of the free one year program. In addition to
items to the BOD”. Once this motion is adopted, the BOD the standard members, each standing committee (Avia-
convenes with the purpose of addressing all open busi- tion and Marketing), and our independent foundations,
ness issues that were raised during the meeting. These (Scholarship and Heritage) are allotted time along with
issues include but are not limited to; Focus Group recom- the Newsliner editor to provide updates in their perspec-
mendations, research into various issues brought to the tive areas. The current foundations, Scholarship and
floor by the membership and any correspondence that Heritage, are both separate from the Association, but
must be addressed to various members of the Army lead- under the same umbrella.
ership, The Military Coalition (TMC) or Legislators. Those Chapters wishing to host the annual meet-
For preplanning purposes, approximately 45 days ing will prepare and provide a presentation to the assem-
prior to the BOD, each board member is provided with an bled members on why they would want to host an annual
agenda covering all topics to be discussed. Each board meeting. The Annual Meeting of the Members shall be
member is allotted time to update the fellow directors held at a date and place selected by the members attend-
and members on current issues within their regions, ing a duly convened Annual Meeting of the Members, or
such as special events, community activities, fund raising if no offers to host is made at that meeting, at the next
activities and any other events they may want to share. BOD meeting a location will be selected but hosted by the
The purpose of this knowledge sharing is to allow each National Office. The purpose of the Annual Meeting of
director to discuss what works and what does not work the Members is to transact such business as shall come
when it comes to interacting with the members. before the meeting.
It is an interesting fact that the BOD meeting never As a member, I hope this gives you a little insight as
adjourns, it is always in session throughout the year by to what goes on during the course of the year when you
means of email or telephonically. don’t always hear or read about your leadership’s actions.
During the year the Association’s business is admin-
istered by the EXCOM. This committee consists of the For The Corps! A
National President, National Vice-President, National
CW3 Vickie Elias is installed as National Treasurer by
President CW4 (Ret) Pete Hill.
6 May 2012
Executive Director’s Report
By CW4 Jack DuTeil
Professional Development
On Saturday, 14 April 2012 I was privileged to address a elements of its success.
Warrant Officer Professional Development (WOPD) seminar After BG Hinaman concluded his remarks, CW5 Wormsley
at Ft. Belvoir for the Warrant Officers of the District of Co- addressed the assembly and perhaps unwittingly shaped in
lumbia Army National Guard. The event was hosted by CW5 my mind the real challenge for today’s Warrant Officers. He
Ron Wormsley, Command Chief Warrant Officer (CCWO) of thanked everyone for attending, and pointed out how difficult
the District of Columbia. Other guest speakers included: MG it was for Warrant Officers to tear themselves away from their
General Errol R. Schwartz, Commanding General, Joint Force unit responsibilities to make time for professional develop-
Headquarters, District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG); BG ment. Indeed, for National Guardsmen and Reservists, doing
Arthur W. Hinaman, the DCNG Land Component Commander; so during business hours generally means expending one
and CW5 Gary Nisker, CCWO, Army National Guard (ARNG). of the only two days they have in a given month devoted to
Detailed Briefings were presented on a wide variety of impor- their primary missions at the unit level. But having personally
tant topics, including: recruiting and retention, Officer Records served more than 20 of my 27 years on active duty, I know
Briefs, Warrant Officer education requirements and opportuni- it is often just as hard for active duty folks to devote time to
ties, and a host of other important WOPD topics. professional development. And this is where our Association
During his remarks, BG Hinaman – formerly a Warrant Of- can help (and really always has)…..
ficer himself – spoke of his admiration for the steady growth in Our Association provides a perfect vehicle for dissemina-
professionalism he has witnessed in the Warrant Officer Corps tion of professional development at our chapter meetings. I
over a period of thirty or more years. He praised the body for have been a member of the Arlington Hall Minuteman Chapter
their evolution into a professional cadre of commissioned offi- ever since I pinned as a WO1 in 1997. In our Chapter, we have
cers, without losing focus on the technical career-field exper- a long tradition of devoting the last 15 to 30 minutes of each
tise – the traditional hallmark of our corps. I had just read an monthly meeting to this. Over the years we have invited folks
advance copy of this month’s article by CW5 Gene Touchstone, to come in to brief us on topics ranging from Warrant Officer
USAWOA Vice President for Army National Guard Affairs, and Promotions to Effective Military Writing and Staffing. Rather
immediately thought of this as BG Hinaman lauded his War- than trying to cram as much as possible into a single day, we
rant Officers for their execution of their dual responsibilities as always did this a little at a time on an ongoing basis. We do
technical experts and commissioned leaders of Soldiers. so much of it that we often need to get creative in coming up
I hope all members will read CW5 Touchstone’s article with new topics (when I was a Chapter President I even invited
(all you need to do is turn the pages after you finish reading a financial advisor in, to brief us on retirement investment
mine…). In it he comments on another fine article by CW5 strategies).
James Rathburn, in our February NEWSLINER, which stressed When it was my turn to speak to the assembly, I started
the importance of Warrant Officers focusing on core com- off my briefing by thanking them for inviting me and congratu-
petencies and correctly tying this directly to our relevance in lating them on conducting a successful WOPD. Before launch-
what promises to be a shrinking total force, moving forward. ing into a description of our history, legislative achievements
CW5 Touchstone agreed with CW5 Rathburn, but passionately and current issues, I told them they were doing exactly what
opined that we must also break from our “legacy mind set” USAWOA Chapters across the country have done for years. I
that we are “just technical experts.” explained to them that “professionalism” was one of the three
So, as I listened to BG Hinaman speak, I reflected on two words in our seal that define our mission.
facts that are crystal clear to me: first, how difficult it is for So this month, I challenge all Chapter Presidents to ensure
today’s Warrant Officer to truly fulfill this dual role; but sec- they incorporate informative, innovative professional develop-
ondly, just how potentially indispensible that Warrant Officer ment into each and every Chapter Meeting. I also challenge
becomes, when successful. Simply stated, being a successful our leaders in organizations such as the SWOAC, WOSAC and
Warrant Officer is perhaps (and necessarily) much harder work the Warrant Officer Career College to provide our National HQ
than being either a successful NCO or Officer – and this is a with the latest briefings and information that we can get out
good thing. As Warrant Officers continue to grow into pro- to our Chapters, to make this professional development as cur-
gressively more influential roles at the highest levels of com- rent and informative as possible.
mand, they have the unique opportunity to further bridge the As an organization representing experts in so many
gap between professionals at the technical levels; and those areas of expertise, it would be impossible for us to fine tune
who they count on to provide them with the tools they require the technical expertise of our members. But if we all work
at the policy-shaping and procurement level. The degree to together as an Association, we can most assuredly help each
which we are successful in polishing our collective skills as other share valuable information designed to improve us all in
both technical experts and professional staff officers is directly our equally important role as commissioned officers and lead-
proportionate to the successes we will achieve, not only as ers in an evolving force. A
relevant members of future force structure, but also as crucial
May 2012 7
Vet Affairs Report
By CW4 (Ret) Percy Butler
Army Transition - Hero 2 Hired
What is it? profit and private industry partners as part of a comprehensive
The Army will utilize the Hero 2 Hired (H2H) as its interim communications campaign to ensure employers recognize the
employment application/tool to provide one primary location value in hiring Veterans. First and foremost, Soldiers bring the
where Soldiers of all components, veterans, and family mem- Army ethos to the civilian sector unparalleled commitment to
bers can connect with private industry employment opportuni- their mission, determination for success, and loyalty to their or-
ties. This application is web-based and able to translate military ganization. In addition, the diverse skill sets of the thousands of
occupational skills (MOS), provide career path exploration, up- Soldiers scheduled to transition over the next few years are a
load resumes, allow customized job searches, enable employers uniquely rich resource for U.S. employers to tap into.
to also search for veterans, and provide performance metrics. Why is it important to the Army?
H2H will eventually be included on eBenefits, the single portal Our Soldiers, veterans, and families face a number of chal-
for transition benefits. lenges transitioning from military to civilian life. Among these
What is the Army doing? is finding a productive post-military career more than 130,000
The Army has conducted multiple transition studies and de- Soldiers separated from the Army last year, and many are still
termined there was a need to better prepare our Soldiers for unemployed. The Army has a responsibility to ensure transition-
post-military service, as well as to enhance opportunities to con- ing personnel have the support they need and deserve prior to
nect Soldiers with private industry. The H2H employment appli- separating, and are career ready to enter the civilian workforce.
cation tool is just one product of this ongoing effort. In addition, The H2H Employment Application Tool is just one component
the Army continues to support the White House Employment of the Armys enduring commitment and efforts to ensure our
Initiative and the Department of Defense- Department of Veter- transitioning members receive that support.
ans Affairs (DOD-VA) Veterans Employment Initiative Task Force Resources:
(TF) in the development of a new transition training and services Hero 2 Hired (H2H)
delivery model to maximize the career readiness of all Service STAND-TO! Army Transition Policy Initiative
members. The TF Implementation Plan will follow in the next eBenefits
couple of months with detailed recommendations. My Army Benefits
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the Army Career & Alumni Program
future? Related article: Hero 2 Hired website aims to transform heroes
The Army will also continue to engage community, non- to hired civilians. A
Ft. Belvoir, VA
CW4 (Ret) Jack DuTeil, USAWOA Executive Director, addresses the WO
Professional Development Seminar for the Warrant Officers of the District
of Columbia Army National Guard. (See article on page 7.)
Ft. Belvoir, VA
Speakers at the WOPD seminar for the Warrant Officers of the DC Army
National Guard. (L to R) MG Errol R. Schwartz Commanding General
DCNG, Jack DuTeil, USAWOA, CW5 Gary Nisker National Guard Bureau
CCWO, BG Arthur Hinaman Land Component Commander, and CW5
Ronald E. Wormsley Sr. DCARNG CCWO. (See article on page 7).
8 May 2012
Chapter News
New Chapter Presidents
NORCAL CHAPTER MID AMERICA CHAPTER
CW4R MANUEL V SIAMS JR NEW PRESIDENT CW2 DAVID J HEMINGWAY II NEW PRESIDENT
CW5 ARTAVIA M EDWARDS PAST PRESIDENT CW4 LEE R MORRIS PAST PRESIDENT
LORD FAIRFAX SILVER CHAPTER FORT BRAGG SILVER CHAPTER
CW5 PHYLLIS J WILSON NEW PRESIDENT CW5 DANIEL J WILKE NEW PRESIDENT
CW2 MEISHA ATKINSON PAST PRESIDENT CW5R ROSCOE D LEGGS JR PAST PRESIDENT
SOONER PLAINS CHAPTER ARLINGTON HALL MINUTE MAN CHAPTER
CW3 RICHARD E NAJERA NEW PRESIDENT CW5 JOY Y TEAGLE NEW PRESIDENT
CW3 WILLIAM R WILDER, JR PAST PRESIDENT CW2 GEORGE D BLALACK PAST PRESIDENT
Administrative Woman of the Year AWARD
Fort Rucker, AL
CW3 (Ret) Vanessa Mahone, Treasurer for the Above the Best (ATB)
Chapter of the US Army Warrant Officers Association, was selected
as the Administrative Woman of the Year from among several, highly
qualified competitors. Vanessa works as the curriculum manager for
the Warrant Officer Candidate School at the Warrant Officer Career
College. She also manages the memorabilia, funds, and accounts of
the Chapter while supporting its community service projects. Vanessa
often serves in several pivotal roles simultaneously. The Fort Rucker
Equal Employment Opportunity Office solicits nominations from all the
organizations on post and uses military and civilian judges to determine
the awardees. Mrs. Mahone’s award was presented by the Deputy
Commander, Colonel Jessie Farrington, and Aviation Branch Command
Sergeant Major James H. Thomson at a post-wide ceremony for the
winners in all categories. (L to R) CW3 (Ret) Mahone and Colonel Jessie
Farrington.
Whtefish, MT
Eighteen Warrant Officers of the USAWOA Big Sky
Chapter attended the Montana National Guard
Association’s 55th Annual Conference at Grouse
Mountain Lodge. The fifteen pictured are: [back row]
CW4 (Ret) John Nugent, CW2 Jim Dauenhauer, CW2
(Ret) Liz Cook, CW3 Pam Frost, WO1 Anita Verbanac,
WO1 Mike Brown, CW3 Teresa Purpuro, CW3 Nick
Conway, CW4 Craig Stewart, CW3 Rich Heitstuman;
[front row] CW3 John Joyce, CW4 Steve Snyder, CW5
John Purpuro, WO1 Terry Odegard. Not pictured:
CW4 Mike Hossfeld, CW4 Randy Ross, CW3 Scott
Stewart.
May 2012 9
Chapter News
Fairfax, VA
Newly elected officers for the Lord Fairfax Silver
Chapter were installed at the monthly chapter
meeting. (L to R) CW5 Phyllis Wilson, Vice President
CW5 (Ret) Eddie Mallard, and CW5 (Ret) Richard
Markle, Treasurer.
Arlington, VA
Newly elected leadership team for the Arlington Hall
Minuteman Chapter are sworn in by ARNG CCWO
CW5 Gary Nisker. (L to R) CW3 Judy Wolf, Secretary;
CW4 Jill Graham, Treasurer; CW4 Debbie Sharpe, Vice
President; CW5 Joy Teagle, President and CW5 Nisker.
Photo credit: CW4 Tony Middleton
Fort Rucker, AL
CW4 Deborah Barthell, Secretary, Above the Best (ATB) Chapter, presented $400 worth of Wal-Mart gift cards to the
House of Ruth, on behalf of Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course class (WOSSC) (12-03), as their community service
project at the WOCC. Ms. Melissa Vair , House of Ruth, accepted the cards, stating that the cards would be used
to provide women in emergency situations with a resource for obtaining basic necessities for themselves and their
children. The House of Ruth is a community effort that depends on donations to serve the victims of domestic violence
and sexual assault in eight Alabama counties. (L to R) CW4 Barthell, Ms. Vair and CW4 Tim McCarter, ATB President.
10 May 2012Chapter News
Tucson, AZ
CW2 (Ret) Lance Dickinson, President, Ft. Lowell-Apache Chapter, is shown with the Chapter’s Annual Scholarship
recipients who will be attending college and enrolling in ROTC. This year’s recipients are: Cadet Colonel Houston Clark
and Cadet Lt/Col Alexandrea Provine who will be attending West Point in the Fall. The scholarships were presented at the
battalion’s Annual Award’s Ceremony.
The chapter also recognized a JROTC cadet at each grade level with the presentation of the USAWOA Distinguished
Service Medal and Ribbon for distinguished service during the academic year. A
Tucson, AZ
(L to R) CW2 (Ret) Dickinson with Scholarship
recipients: Cadet Colonel Houston Clark and
Cadet LTC Alexandrea Provine.
Tucson, AZ
(L to R) CW2 Dickinson with USAWOA
Distinguished Service Medal and Ribbon
recipients: Cadet John Howe; Cadet Cody
Mangels: Cadet Paul Hurd, and Cadet Tyler Rico.
May 2012 11National Guard Report
By CW5 Gene Touchstone
Assistant VP for Army National Guard Affairs
National Guard Warrant Officer Update
For more than a century, the pinnacle of golf has The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
been to score 59, a score that had been recorded only 2011 changed the appointment authority to the
three times in Professional Golf Association (PGA) President of the United States. As I addressed the
Tour history before 2010. Then, in 2010, Paul Goy- Unites States Army Warrant Officer Association’s An-
dos scored a 59 only to be equaled a month later by nual Meeting of the Members in Fayetteville, NC last
Stuart Appleby’s 59. Consequently, some sportswriters October, NDAA 11 has also affected the “business
speculated that the most coveted achievement in golf as normal” for the National Guard Warrant Officer.
was now becoming commonplace! Promotion procedures have changed, which resulted
Ordinary? Hardly, just ask any golfer, professional in long time frame for promotion orders. That process
or amateur. It’s amazing to see two 59s in the same has been established and is under continuing review
season, but it would be a mistake to begin to view this for promptness.
as ordinary. To score a 59 is an unbelievable extraordi- We have recently met with Congressional staff-
nary accomplishment. For us amateurs, that is definite- ers in an attempt to speed up promotion for Warrant
ly an extraordinary event. Even for the professionals Officer One (WO1) to Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2)
on the PGA tour, under the pressure they are under to promotions. Wording to a proposed amendment to
perform, it is an extraordinary accomplishment. Just the Unites States Code (USC) Title 10 for NDAA 12 has
think of how many rounds of golf have been played been reviewed and hopefully in the approval process.
over the centuries, and only have 5 rounds below 60. The Annual Meeting of the Warrant Officer Senior
That would be 6 rounds if you count Kim Jong-Il, the Advisory Council (WOSAC) will be held in St. Louis,
former Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of MO the second week of May. All the Command Chief
North Korea, who picked up a golf club for the very Warrant Officers (CCWO) from the 54 states, territories
first time, and, as witnessed by 17 security guards and Districts of Columbia will be present as will the
and reported by the state news agency, shot a smooth CCWO from the National Guard Bureau. Also invited
38-under-par round of 34, including 11 holes-in-one. are representatives of the proponents.
I recently read with much interest “Is The Army Our WO COHORT is faced with increasingly more
Warrant Officer Corps Relevant To Future Force Struc- and more changes. We must face these issues and
ture?” by CW5 James R. Rathburn in the February 2012 look for better ways to do business. We must look at
edition of the Newsliner. I believe that CW5 Rathburn the BIGGER picture. We can no longer go to our of-
has scored a 59 (or 34) with his comments. I agree fices, shops, supply rooms, etc, close the door and be
fully with his comments about ensuring we know our oblivious to our outside surroundings. We must get
core competencies, staying abreast of modernization involved.
and changes that influence our crafts, and keeping One of the greatest speeches of all times was
current with events affecting our branches and maxi- General Douglas MacArthur’s “Duty, Honor, Country”
mizing communications among our peers. We must be speech to the Corps of Cadets at West Point on May
mentors to our subordinates, peers and superiors. 12, 1962. We must, as Gen. MacArthur said in his
I would like to take this to another level by say- speech, understand that the American man at arms is
ing we MUST change our Legacy Mind set. We are no “one of the world’s noblest figures.” We must treat
longer just Technical Experts. We have become much, them that way, as they are leaders of tomorrow. It is
much more. inherent upon us to train them so that they are pre-
Over the years, many actions have changed the pared to take our places. I am impressed with the
Warrant Officer (WO) authority and responsibilities. today’s younger Soldiers. They are knowledgeable,
When I was appointed a WO1, it was by an appoint- technically and tactically proficient in warrior tasks and
ment from the Secretary of the Army. I was only skills. We owe it to them to leave it better than we
considered a technical expert. I was expected to know found it.
personnel and administrative doctrine and procedures As of 2 April 2012, the Army National Guard
and how they applied to the organization. Over the (ARNG) WO assigned strength is 8232. That is 1898
years since my appointment, the WO has become the short of authorized strength of 10130. Although the
adaptive technical expert, combat leader, trainer and ARNG has over 358,000 Soldiers, each states has a lim-
advisor. Unfortunately, some of our senior officers and ited numbers. The 358,000 is divided into 54 states,
WOs still do not accept this change. In order for us to territories and districts. With Texas at 19,220 on the
become a relevant part of the force, we must change high end and the Virgin Islands at 774 on the low, the
that mindset, and yes it begins from within. average is approximately 6630 per each. When the
CCWO of a state sends a pre-determination packet
12 May 2012National Guard Report
forward for review, rest assured it has gone through a to be reviewed. The process of accession should be
thorough process within the state. When the Brigade, reconsidered from outside the normal “box.” Many of
Battalion, and Company Commanders have recom- the ARNG potential WOs have civilian skills that make
mended a potential Soldier to be a WO, I know that them uniquely qualified. The formal MOS qualification
they want them in that position. Unlike Active Duty, is in many cases supplemented by civilian skills which
when we (ARNG) select (recommend) a Soldier to must be a part of the process.
become a WO, those Commanders have in most cases Just as a few golfers have reached the pinnacle of
served in combat with them. They have seen them the scorecard with their 59s, we too, may reach the
perform under pressure. They know that the potential extraordinary by reviewing our processes and proce-
candidate has accomplished the mission under duress. dures. Let us dedicate ourselves to improving things
The ARNG selects individuals to come back to fill a va- for those to come. Let us leave the WO COHORT a bet-
cancy in that unit. This is totally different than Active ter place for those that will take our places.
Duty. The National Guard remains a ready, reliable, rel-
NCOERs are used by the proponents to evaluate evant and indispensable force. Our Warrant Officers
the qualifications of potential WO Candidates. We in remain the leaders, advisors, mentors, and educators
the ARNG, for the most part, are not good at writing for the force as well as being the technical experts we
NCOERs. Due to training/time restraints, we tend to have always been.
look at anything other than training as a hindrance It is my honor to serve the warrant officers of the
to the mission. Therefore, we take the easy way out Army National Guard.
by giving the quality Rated NCO a middle of the road Professionals join Professional Organizations. Be ac-
NCOER. This unfairly reflects back on the potential tive in your associations. Your voice means much. A
WO. Yes, it is an injustice to our Soldiers, but quite
simply the way it is.
How we review and evaluate potential WOs needs
Letter to the Editor
Editor’s note: Chapter President CW4 (Ret) Dale
Bienusa. SHOW ME Chapter, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO All of these hardships provoked me to get a Life-
shares his retention letter with other officers. time Membership. I would highly encourage the
Lifetime Membership. A lot of folks think...well I only
Fellow Chapter officers, have X years of active duty remaining. As a retired
I’m not sure what other Chapters are doing for CW4, I can tell you that this membership applies to Ac-
recruitment/retention, but I generally send out Per- tive Duty, ARNG, USAR and RET Folks. Lifetime Mem-
sonalized “Friendly Reminders” that Memberships are berships vary in price based on age, and may seem
expiring/expired. While we don’t always get a positive expensive, but trust me they are cheaper in the long
response, most of the time we get a “Hey, thanks for run. Payment for these memberships are optional
reminding me I totally forgot about it” response. I with lump sum or 10 equal payments on a credit card
thought I would share it with other chapters for pos- of your choice......which by today’s gas prices would
sible adoption to fit their circumstances. equate to about a tank of gas worth of money per
month. More information can be obtained by going
Dear _______ to the Website: http://www.usawoa.org/ and http://
Hope this email finds you doing well. Just wanted www.usawoa.org/LM_Facts.htm or calling them at
to drop you a friendly reminder that according to USA- 1-800-587-2962.
WOA Records - your US Army Warrant Officer Associa-
tion Membership recently expired. If this is in error, I Your choice, but please consider renewing your
apologize. membership either way.......... 1 Year, 3 Year, 5 Year or
Lifetime.
If it is accurate, I encourage you to renew your
membership. We need your support for our Associa- BLUF: There is strength in numbers and we need
tion to Lobby in Congress on issues that are in OUR YOU in OUR numbers!!!
best interest.
As a reminder we do have an active Chapter here
As it applies to the membership, I personally at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
battled the following during my Army Career.....trying
to remember when my membership expired, got busy Our USAWOA Chapter meets the second Thursday
and it expired on me.....PCS’ed and tried to find a lo- of every month at the Pershing Community Club on
cal Chapter to join, got busy and it expired on me..... Fort Leonard Wood. The times of these meetings are
deployed and then tried to get back into the swing of 1130-1300.
things and renew my membership and it expired on
me. Hope to see you there! A
May 2012 13Association History - Part 2
Continued from page 3.
supporter. Army DCSPERs during our history have • The disparity in aviation flight pay was narrowed
supported the USAWOA by addressing our Annual and then equalized.
Meetings. Other speakers through the 1970s included • Concurrent travel for CW4s and promotable CW3s
succeeding DCSPERs and other key Army leaders ad- was authorized.
dressed our Association. • Appropriate field grade quarters for CW4s and
promotable CW3s was authorized.
• Warrant Officer career management programs
were implemented for all Warrant officer career
fields.
• The Warrant Officer Senior Course was
established and USAWOA was invited to address
the first class.
• Warrant officers were appointed to serve on
Warrant Officer promotion boards.
• Civilian education opportunities were expanded
for Warrant Officers in all specialties.
• A Warrant Officer position was established in the
Officer Chief for Army Reserve for Warrant
Officer policy issues.
• Warrant officers were included in DA teams
visiting installations in CONUS and overseas.
• Additional duties performed by Warrant Officers
were clarified.
These advances, on a piecemeal basis, were the
forerunners of major advances in the Warrant Officer
program. The USAWOA’s role in the above actions
In addition, the WOD Chief and career manage- and many more, was to identify those issues which
ment officers provided career guidance at AMMs and would improve the Corps, provide the rationale for
at European Region conventions and professional the recommended changes, forward the recommen-
development officers attended chapter meetings dations to the Army leadership for decisions and then
throughout the country and in Europe and Korea in use every available means to keep those issues on the
support of the USAWOA. The relationship with WOD, front burner with all those who were involved in the
ODCSPER and the Army leadership was critical in es- decision making process.
tablishing and maintaining USAWOA as a professional As we gained the respect of the Army leadership
Association. in those early years, the Association turned its atten-
The recognition of the USAWOA was not limited to tion to internal matters. To ensure we maintained a
involvement with the WOD but the visibility opened professional image for our membership and to estab-
up other areas of concern for better representation lish standards of excellence within our Association,
of Warrant Officers as an integral part of the officer USAWOA implemented several actions beginning in
corps. The following issues are just a few of the rec- the early 1970s:
ommendations provided by our members, chapters, • Instituted a merger with the European Warrant
and regions. These recommendations were voted on Officers Association in 1973 to ensure Warrant
by the membership at the AMMs or approved by the Officer representation with one voice.
Board of Directors (BOD) for submission to the appro-
priate authorities and implemented by the Depart-
ment of the Army during the 1970s.
14 May 2012Association History - Part 2
• Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in Education (ACE) to award civilian education credit
1974. for Warrant Officer service.
• Accepted as a full member of the Council of • Initiated action with the editor of the “Officers
Military Organizations (COMO) in 1976. COMO Guide” to include Warrant Officer related information
was the forerunner of The Military Coalition in their publication which previously excluded war-
(TMC) and USAWOA became one of the 16 rant officers.
charter members of TMC and provided USAWOA Next month’s article, Part three, will cover the
with the expertise of stronger associations not USAWOA in the 1980s. A major overhaul of the War-
only in legislative, but in administrative matters rant Officer program would begin a new era which
as well. would lead to redefining the role of the Warrant
• Institutionalized bylaws and administrative Officer, beginning with the definition, recruiting,
manuals to standardize chapter, region and promotion, utilization, military and civilian educa-
national policies within the Association. tion, commissioning and much more. The role of
• Initiated a program to recognize the distinguished the USAWOA in the transition of the Warrant Officer
and honor graduates at Warrant Officer courses. Corps in the 1980s was instrumental in identifying
• Initiated a Warrant Officer and Spouse of the Year and addressing professional concerns to bring the
and other recognition programs. Warrant Officer Corps into the mainstream of the of-
• Initiated a program with the American Council of ficer corps. A
Ordnance Regimental Chief Warrant Officer Selected
CW5 Terry Hetrick has been selected as the eighth Ord- tainment Command, Rock Island, Illinois. From 2009 to 2011,
nance Regimental Warrant officer. He enlisted delayed entry Chief Hetrick served as the Chief of Maintenance, G4 Senior
in 1983 and served in various enlisted mechanical maintenance Logistics Officer, Headquarters US Army Pacific Command, and
positions supporting an array of Army units including tours in Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
Germany, Honduras, South West Asia, Hawaii and posts across CW5 Hetrick deployed 2011 in support of OPERATION EN-
the United States. DURING FREEDOM as the NATO Training Mission/Combined
In 1994, CW5 Hetrick was appointed to the US Army War- Security Transition Command- Afghanistan, CJ4 Senior Mainte-
rant Officer Corps 915A. He was assigned nance Advisor to the Afghanistan Na-
with the 2/2 (Assault) Aviation Battalion, tional Security Forces, Kabul, Afghani-
2D Infantry Division at Camp Stanley, stan prior to being selected as the Eighth
Korea, where he served as Battalion Ordnance Regimental Warrant Officer.
Maintenance Officer. In 1995 he was as- CW5 Hetrick’s military education
signed to the 32nd Transportation Com- includes the Warrant Officer Senior
pany (Palletized Load System), 43rd Area Staff Course Contracting Officer’s Rep-
Support Group as the Unit Maintenance resentative Course, and the Air Assault
Technician at Fort Carson, Colorado. Course. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in
From 1996 to2001, he served at Fort Management from Grand View Univer-
Carson, Colorado with the 3rd Armored sity, Iowa.
Cavalry Regiment as the Squadron Main- Military awards and decorations in-
tenance Officer including deployment to clude the Bronze Star, Defense Meritori-
Camp Comanche, Bosnia in support of ous Service Medal, Meritorious Service
Stabilization Force Seven. From 2001 to Medal, Joint Service Commendation
2004, CW5 Hetrick served as the Gener- Medal, Army Commendation Medal,
al Support Maintenance Advisor, Active Army Achievement Medal, Good Con-
Component/Reserve Component, at the duct Medal, National Defense Service
National Maintenance Training Center, Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary
Camp Dodge, Iowa. Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal,
CW5 Hetrick deployed in 2004 to Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary
the Combat Equipment Battalion, Camp Medal , Global War on Terrorism Ser-
Arifjan Kuwait, as the Army Materiel Command Quality Assur- vice Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Korea Defense Ser-
ance Maintenance Chief (FWD) supporting Theater Sustainment vice Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service
to Iraq Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II, Afghanistan OPERATION Medal, Non-Commission Officer (NCO) Development Ribbon,
ENDURING FREEDOM, and Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Kuwait
Africa. From 2005 to 2006, he served as the Senior Logistics (KU) Liberation Medal Saudi Arabia (SA), Medal (KU), and the Air
Advisor, Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Testability Engi- Assault Badge. He is a recipient of the Ordnance Order of Samu-
neers, Future Combat Systems, and Fort Knox, Kentucky. CW5 el Sharp and an active member of the US Army Ordnance Corps
Hetrick served from 2006 to 2009 as the Army Force Generation Association, and the US Army Warrant Officer Association. A
Logistics Officer, Distribution Management Center, Army Sus-
May 2012 15In Memoriam New Life Members
01372L CW4R DIANE P STOKER
01373L CW5 HERMAN O BURTON, JR
01374L CW5 CRAIG T KRENZ
01375L WO1 Darren E Schroeder
01377L CW4R ROGER B WYNN
01378L CW3 DANIEL R VERSLUES
01379L CW5R ROBERT L FORSS
01380L CW4 ALICE D AHLFIELD
01381L WO1 TIMOTHY J ROGERS
CW2 (Ret) Boyd W “Woody Wooten 01382L CW2 Robert David McMath
Gahanna, OH 01383L CW4 ROBERT P WILLS
01384L WO1 HEATHER E ALDRIDGE
CWO (Ret) Ruben C Young Jr
01385L CW4R CHARLES E ROGERS
Dutton, AL
01386L CW5R WILLIAM C MULLINS
CW4 (Ret) Dave K Norris 01387L CW4R BUDDY L LIGGENSTOFFER
Spanaway, WA 01388L CW4R ALAN L DOROTHY
01389L CW4R DANNY G BARLOW
CW5 (Ret) Don Cotton
Bradenton, FL 01390L CW5R TONY S MCALISTER
01391L CW2 Clarisse S Bernier
M e m b e r s of t h e U S AW OA an d t h e i r f am ilie s ar e e lig ib l e t o j o i n P e n F e d .
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16 May 2012Continuous Membership April 2012
Your continuous dedication and financial support of
USAWOA over the years has been a driving
force in the success of our Association.
RNK LAST NAME FIRST NAME BR TM RNK LAST NAME FIRST NAME BR TM
35 YEARS 10 YEARS
CW4R KOCH GORDON AG CW3 ARMBRUSTER VINCENT OD
CW3R WILSON JAMES QM * CW5 BOWERS GERALDINE AV *
CW4 CONRAD STEVEN AG *
30 YEARS
CW3 DAVID WILLIS QM
CW3R CLARK EARL MS * CW4R DONOHUE DANIEL OD
25 YEARS CW4R FELICIANO ANIBAL OD
CW4R EASTMAN MICHAEL AV # CW5R HEITHCOCK MURRY XX
CW3R MAZZACONE DAVID QM * CW2R HOWARD LISA MI *
CW5R PALMER DUANE OD * CW5 IKEDA STEPHEN QM *
CW3R SHIPP RICHARD AG CW5R LOCKLAR LARRY OD #
CW3R SMITH JAMES OD * CW4R McDANIEL JOSEPH MI #
CW3R TUCKER EDRYCE QM CW3R RICH WAYNE SC
CW5 WELLS MARY OD CW3 SPIHER JAMES OD #
CW5 SWINGLER WALTER QM *
20 YEARS CW4R VANGILDER WADE QM #
CW4R COYLE JOHN MS # CW2 WALLINGFORD JOHN EN *
CW4R Emig Ernest QM # CW3R WOODMANSEE LARRY SC #
CW3R GONZALES RICHARD MI *
CW4R HAMILTON JAMES AG * 5 YEARS
CW3R HICKS RAYMOND OD * CW2 BOGGESS JOE OD
CW3R KELLY RUTH AG * CW4 CAMPBELL RUSSELL QM
CW4R MCCURDY HARRY OD CW2R CHO STEVE AG *
CW3R MYRAND DAVID OD * CW5 CULLUM GEORGE AG #
CW4R SMITH RICKIE MS CW2 DUCKETT THOMAS OD
CW4R TIRK GUY MI CW5 FRAKA LEANN AV
CW5R WIGGLESWORTH CHARLES AG * CW2 GIBBS MICHAEL OD
CW3 PERDUE CHRISTOPHER OD #
15 YEARS CW4 PHELPS REX SC #
CW4R BIERLY DWAYNE SF CW5 PLANTE RICHARD QM #
CW4 GIUSTO JOSEPH OD * CW5R READY JANICE AG
CW5R GOWIN ROBERT QM # CW3R WALSH LAWRENCE QM *
CW4R JONES ANTHONY QM CW3 WINGO ANDREA AG
CW4R KESTER NORMAN XX * CW2R WOLFE PHILIP OD #
CW4R MONROE CECIL QM CW5 WYBORNEY DOUGLAS AV
CW4 PITTS JASON QM *
CW3R SNOVER JEFFREY QM *
CW3R WALKER JOHN QM # * Indicates Life Member
CW3R WEBBER NEWTON QM # # Indicates Multi Year Member
## Associate Member
May 2012 17Bits & Pieces
Army to complete Enterprise-Email AKO Introduces New Site Versions
move by March 2013
AKO is dividing into two different versions: one for
The Army resumed migrations to DOD Enterprise FOUO content and another for non-FOUO content. As
Email on March 18, 2012. We encourage all a result, all AKO content designated by users as FOUO
members to update their membership record when will only be available to those who log in with a CAC/
their email migrates from AKO to “mail.mil” DOD PIN. Users who log in with a username/password can
Enterprise Email. You can post the new email address only access non-FOUO content. This change is being
by going to https://usawoa.net and logging in to the made to comply with DOD and Army Cyber Command
USAWOA Portal. Next scroll down to and click on “My directives, and was effective 28 March 2012. Retirees,
Information,” then on “Edit Information.” Change the family members, and individuals without a CAC/
email address and any other information that needs PIN and using User ID & Password should use and
change or updating. Lastly scroll to the bottom of the bookmark the new Non-FOUO site at https://ako.
page and click on “Save.” A
us.army.mil. A
Don’t Wait For Social Security Check In The Mail
By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Starting next year, the check will no longer be in the mail for millions of people who receive Social
Security and other government benefits.
The federal government, which issues 73 million payments a month, is phasing out paper checks for all benefit programs,
requiring people to get payments electronically, either through direct deposit or a debit card for those without a bank
account.
The changes will affect people who get Social Security, veterans’ benefits, railroad pensions and federal disability
payments. Tax refunds are exempt, but the Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers to get refunds electronically by
processing those refunds faster than paper checks.
About 90 percent of people who receive federal benefits already get their payments electronically, the Treasury
Department says. New beneficiaries were required to get payments electronically starting last year, and with a few exceptions,
the rest will have to make the switch by March 2013.
Read the complete article at http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/U/US_NO_MORE_CHECKS?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=
HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-04-15-08-51-11. A
SOURCE: Stars and Stripes at http://www.stripes.com/
Aviation Membership Committee
CW5 (Ret) Gale “Butch” Zirpolo has been appointed as the National Aviation Membership Committee CW5 Zirpolo retired in
July 2003 after 26 years of active duty. He has been assigned at every level of command, from platoon to Aviation Brigade including
assignments as an attack pilot , test pilot, aviation maintenance officer and senior instructor at the WO Career College (WOCC)
instructing in a wide range of military subjects in Leadership and Logistics. CW5 (Ret) Zirpolo is a welcome addition to the National
Executive Committee bringing a long history of aviation experience and advice to the Association leadership. A
Savings Bond Update
Dear Members:
If you all are like me, you probably have childhood memories of spending a rainy afternoon with family and friends playing the time-
honored, singularly American game of Monopoly. One of my favorite things about this was landing on “Community Chest,” especially if I
drew the card that announced: “BANK ERROR IN YOUR FAVOR – COLLECT $200 DOLLARS.” I am sending you this message to announce
that there has been an “ASSOCIATION ERROR IN YOUR FAVOR.” This year, the Federal Government changed the Savings Bond program –
no longer are bonds purchased at a discount of their face value, maturing over a period of years. Rather, these bonds are now PRICED at
face value, and accrue interest from there. Your Association was not aware of this when we developed and published this year’s Annual
Fundraiser, so this year’s winners of the various raffles have the opportunity to win twice the money they have in previous years (by
winning bonds immediately redeemable at face-value)!
I hope this will encourage all members to sell or buy twice as many tickets this year, thereby increasing odds of winning twice as much
money (and, of course, helping your Association defray the additional cost of this fundraising event…:_). I thank each and every one of
you for participating in our fundraiser over the years. This event has been crucial in our ability to avoid raising member dues for almost ten
years. I firmly believe we have the most dedicated, loyal members of any Military Association in this country! If you want more books of
raffle tickets, please do not hesitate to contact the National Headquarters – we will get them right out to you. Thanks again for taking the
time to read this, and for your continued support of your Association! A
18 May 2012You can also read
