COMMENTARY This is the fourteenth Retiree Newsletter, normally published in Apr, Aug and Dec. Our purpose is to keep you informed and provide you a continuing sense of belonging to the Guard after retirement. We hope the newsletter helps accomplish that purpose.

Information is furnished through various sources. If you have an item you would like considered for publication, please send it to the MEARNG Retiree Council, Camp Keyes, Augusta, ME 04333 or e-mail it to gmusk@gwi.net or souleda@me-arng.ngb.army.mil

We are continuing to update our mailing list to include all MEARNG retirees. If you know any retiree(s) who are not receiving the newsletter, please send their name and address to a member of the Retiree Council or e-mail us.

Please advise us of mailing address changes and those due to 911. If you do not wish to continue receiving the newsletter, contact a council member.

COL (RET) Gautrey Musk has stepped down from editor of the retiree newsletter.  He has devoted many hours of his own time in preparing the newsletter.  Because of his efforts the newsletter has become a complete success, and is enjoyed by many retirees.  Col Musk will certainly be missed, but I am sure that he will be there for any assistance. 

^{Dean A. Soule}

 

Continuation of newsletter  The Retiree Council has decided to continue the Retiree Newsletter to spouses of deceased retirees when the spouse requests it.  Many items in the newsletter may prove valuable to the surviving spouse.

New Members Needed. Membership is open to retirees of all ranks and gender from all parts of Maine. We would especially like to see more enlisted folks participate. If you or a retiree you know are interested, please contact a Council member.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND SERVICES

TRICARE OR CHAMPUS

TRICARE - The following news release is worth mentioning.

 

GREAT LAKES, ILL. -- TRICARE is the Department of Defense Health Program that insures 8.4 million people worldwide with an annual $15.7 billion budget. The program is one of the largest health maintenance organizations in the United States today with 1,980 hospitals in the TRICARE network and 113,000 doctors and health care providers participating in the program.

With a health care program that large, it is inevitable that TRICARE experiences fraud claims. Some are bold and ridiculous, but nevertheless when they occur it means higher costs to care for Sailors, Marines, retirees and families.

Cindy Gonsalves and Judy Russell along with the team of investigators of the TRICARE Management Activity in Aurora, Col. are at the front lines of the battle against TRICARE fraud. Gonsalves, addressing students of the TRICARE Basic Course, stressed the importance of reporting fraud in the TRICARE system.

Some examples of unscrupulous claims are amazing: A doctor filed a claim for circumcising a baby girl; a doctor was billing beneficiaries for costs two and three times to the tune of $50,000. An overseas hospital billed for a male hysterectomy. TRICARE also received bills from deceased patients, physicians who had been on vacation during care date, and one physician submitted a bill for the same procedure from two different states.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRICARE - News release (Continued)

More tricks of the illegal trade include:

·         Billing for service not provided or billing a patient for a missed appointment.

·         Billing for more services in a 24-hour period than is possible to perform.

·         Billing for services provided by a military doctor that is free to beneficiaries.

·         Misrepresenting the diagnosis, or putting a more expensive code to inflate the bill.

·         Unscrupulous ambulance services have been caught billing for services not rendered, inflating mileage, billing for a round-trip versus the actual point of destination, billing for an advanced cardiac life support vehicle when it was actually a basic cardiac life support vehicle.

·         In the world of medical equipment, some shady dealers' bill TRICARE for new equipment when it is old, bill after the death of a patient or when equipment is returned and even falsify a physician's order.

By getting (beneficiaries) to read their TRICARE Explanation of Benefits and questioning services that seem not to make sense is the first step in combating fraud. If you feel you are the victim of TRICARE fraud visit your TRICARE Service Center at your military treatment facility.

They can assist you in starting an investigation that will put some of these characters behind bars and recoup the money lost. Remember, the millions of dollars saved are used to provide healthcare for us all.

We all own TRICARE, and it is a system that allows us to serve overseas and rest easily knowing our families have quality care.

OUT-OF-AREA CARE FOR TRICARE PRIME ENROLLEES - Enrolled in TRICARE

 

Prime and not sure of what to do if you need medical care while outside of your TRICARE Prime area.  Out-0f-Area Care is under one of three categories, so it is important you know these categories. 

These categories are Emergency Care, Urgent Care and Routine Care.  Know the difference because it determines what you must do.

Emergency Care is an emergency with acute symptoms of sufficient severity that a prudent person can reasonable expect the absence of medical attention to result in placing

OUT-OF-AREA CARE (Continued)

that individuals health in serious jeopardy, serious impairment to bodily functions, or serious dysfunction of any bodily part or organ.

Urgent Care is a medically necessary treatment for a condition that is not life threatening, but serious enough that it may worsen or cause undue suffering if not treated soon.

Routine Care is elective, planned care not related to a sudden illness or injury.

Depending upon the type of care needed, here is what the beneficiary must do.

If it's Emergency Care, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.  After getting the emergency care, call your Primary Care Manager within 24 hours to coordinate potential follow up care.  If hospitalized, notify your TRICARE Prime Contractor within 24 hours and call your Health Care Coordinator for authorization.

If it's Urgent Care call your Primary Care Manager or Health Care Coordinator of your TRICARE Prime Contractor for a referral.  Health Care Coordinators are supposed to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If it's Routine Care, it will not be covered.  All Routine Care must be provided by your Primary Care Manager.

LOST YOUR MEDICARE CARD - If you did, you can now apply for a replacement over the internet. It can be done at http://www.ssa.gov.  The data submitted will be encrypted to protect the privacy of the applicant.  But of course you can still replace it the old fashion way by going down to your local Social Security Office or calling 1-800-772-1213.

DEERS/ID CARDS  - The Personnel Services Branch (PSB), beginning in January, picked up the responsibility of initiating all ID Cards. The Senior Army Advisor’s office no longer initiates ID Cards at their location. The ID Card/DEERs location in Augusta is now on the 1^st floor of Bldg. 7 by Veterans Administration and MEMA. If requesting an ID card, call PSB at 626-4455 to make arrangements. The same service is available at the Portland, Bangor and Caribou armories.

ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN MARCH 15 – MAY 1, 2000

The Army Emergency Relief (AER) is available to assist AGE soldiers and their families as well as Guard Retirees and their families in emergencies. AER is not federally funded and depends solely on donations from service

 

EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND – (Continued)

members, retirees and the public for its continuing operation.  For more information check the AER website at www.aerhq.org .If you have further questions or would like to donate to this worthy cause, call the AGR Manager in the Human Resources Office at 626-4338.

 

 

TRANSITIONS

                Retirements through July 2000

                LTC David P. Demers

                SGT Kenneth J. Pelletier

                SGT Randy W. Salisbury

SGT Steven R. Hanrahan

                CW5 Christopher L. Bowers

                SSG Richard E. Hannon

                SGT Andre L. Sirois

                CW4 Robert C. Ahlquist

                SGT Nelson J. Saucier

                BG Eugene L. Richardson

                CW5 Ronald L. Roussel

SSG Scott A. Norris

                SSG David D. Henderson

                SGT Steven E. Morin

                SFC John J. Walsh

                1SG Henry J. Pelletier

                SFC Peter I. Patten

                MAJ Richard D. Bean

                CPT John D. Vangel

SSG Kevin L. Buck

 

 

 

VETERANS CORNER

By Frank Soares, Director, Bureau of Maine Veterans’ Services

Now that summer is here, I hope all of you are taking advantage of our fine weather by getting plenty of time to do those things that mean the most to you. In short order, we will be facing fall and then, of course, winter. With the advent of these seasons comes the start of the legislative calendar in January. With this season should come a well-prepared front by veterans, military retirees and concerned citizens presenting the important issues that failed to make the last session or need to be brought before the legislature this session. Please, do not wait until the legislature meets to think through your proposals for presentation! Now is the time to define your needs and develop a plan of action that can be implemented after the elections in November. I can’t tell you the number of times that I have witnessed well-meaning citizens rushing through delicate drafts or speeches because they didn’t develop their ideas until the last minute. Usually these efforts end up in defeat and often embarrassment for the authors.

Well, we have had enough discussion about future politics. Here is what is happening in the Bureau this summer:

Cemetery System – Mr. Joseph Nota is now out permanently awaiting a disability retirement. Action on his case is expected by early fall. 1LT David Richmond has assumed most of Mr. Nota’s duties plus continues to manage the new construction projects.

The new cemetery on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Augusta is moving along well. The Administration building has been shelled in, the chapel construction has started and about 75% of the road system is in place. The pond is now being shaped and the crossing of the swamp will start next week.

The Caribou Cemetery Architect and Engineering proposals are in and a selection is expected soon. Design should start by early fall. Design should be complete by January, a construction contract awarded in February and work starting in the early spring. The Northern Maine Cemetery Association has been fund raising and collected about $5000 with promises of about three times that figure! A Veterans Day opening is expected for this cemetery also.

Cemetery System – (Continued)

Still no luck finding a land donor in Southern Maine. It looks like this project may die.

Service to Veterans – this group of highly proficient and dedicated employees continues to set records. They bring in $25 million annually in claims money for veterans. This is up from $5.4 million a year in 1993 – 1994.

Two developments in the claims arena – “well grounded claims”, a claim where you provide all the documentation and VA does not have to provide any, is probably dead. A bill has passed the House and is being considered in the Senate that eliminates this program.  The other major change is the development of the TRIP system. This system will allow our offices to make all the important determinations with an overview by VA. There are some delays implementing this system nationally, but we should be on line by winter.

Maine Veteran Homes – the search for a new Director continues. Our goal is to have a new Director on by October. The Homes are also looking for a replacement for Ms Suzanne Piche, the Director of General Services, who has moved to California.

This coming year, the Homes will start construction on residential bed additions for four of the homes. This addition will also include a major upgrade for Augusta. The cost to Maine will be minimal since most of the funds for these projects will come from USDVA. Currently, beds occupied have increased significantly for the existing homes.

Two other major events are also going on this month. On the 18^th there will be a major ceremony in Bangor to commemorate the Korean War. On the same day, an appointed legislative committee will meet to develop the design of the plague commemorating Viet Nam veterans. This bronze plaque will be place in the State Capital Building.

Well, have a great “rest of the summer.” Feel free to drop by any of our offices if you have any questions related to veterans. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll find out!

 

TAPS

CSM Adrian D. Miner

CW4 Joseph L. Butera

MISCELLANEOUS

Retiree Council Meetings

The Council meets at 0900 in the TAG conference room, Camp Keyes, Augusta. Any retiree is welcome to attend. The Meeting dates for the year 2000, are 15 Aug, 17 Oct and 19 Dec.

National Guard Association

If you are not a member, either annual or life, now is the time to join the National Guard Association.

For officers and warrant officers, call HQ MENG at 207-626-4311and ask for LTC Alan Tibbetts who will send you an application for retired life membership. Fill it out and return it with a check payable to NGAUS in the amount of $125.00. He will provide information on annual membership if so desired.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Armed Forces of the U. S. Retiree Appreciation Day

Retiree Appreciation Day this year will be held on September 30th at the National Guard Armory located just off I-293 at 1059 Canal ST, Manchester, NH. Retirees of all branches of the Armed Forces and all reserve components including gray area retirees (under age 60) are invited to attend. The event is sponsored by the New Hampshire National Guard in cooperation with the Maine and Vermont National Guard, Fort Drum, Brunswick Naval Air Station and the Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont Army Retiree Councils.  Flyer attached.

Military Ball

The Augusta Area Military Association is hosting the Military Ball scheduled for October 21, 2000, at the Augusta Armory, with a Pre-Ball Dinner at the Augusta Country Club.  This year’s them is “A Tribute to the Korean War Veterans and their Families”.  See attached flyer for further details.

Maine Historical Society Annual Meeting

The Board of Directors has planned for an outstanding annual meeting for Saturday, November 11, 2000.  The theme for the evening is The Maine Military Historical Society Honors Joshua Chamberlain.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place at the Senator Inn. Western Ave., Augusta, Maine.  The evening starts with a social hour from 6:00 p.m.  Music will be provided by the 195^th Army Band (MEARNG).  During the social hour many items of Chamberlain Memorabilia will be on display for your enjoyment. 

 

Maine Historical Society Annual Meeting – (Continued)

At 0730 p.m., the Maine Civil War Reinactors will pipe members and guests into the dining room where, the members of the Maine ARNG Select Honor Guard will post the colors.  A great buffet will follow. 

The guest speaker will be Mr. Tom Desjardins, (the author of “Stand Fast Yee Boys From Maine”).  Tom will cover the events which occurred at the Battle of Gettsyburg. 

Special events will take place during the evening. To include the award of the Chamberlain stakes to the outstanding unit in the 52^nd Troop Command.  The introduction of members of the Alabama Army National Guard, who belong to a unit with linage to the 4^th Alabama, which fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. 

During the evening a short business session will be conducted as required by society by-laws.  Cost for the buffet is $21.00 per person, which includes tax and tip.  Please make checks payable to: Maine Military Historical Society, INC.  Checks can be mailed in advanced to: 

MAINE MILITARY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.  ATTN:  BANQUET CHAIRMAN,  CAMP KEYES, AUGUSTA, MAINE 04330-0033

We are looking forward to seeing old and new friends to continue our important quest of preserving and showing Maine’s rich military heritage.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

GRAY AREA RETIREES –

For those of you out there that are gray area retirees, that have not reached the age of 60, will need to start your process early.  It is now strongly suggested that any gray area retiree that is approaching age 60, should start their paper work process two years before that magic date of 60.

COMMISSARY BEST VALUE ITEM (BVI) A new twist is coming to the commissary system in providing an even better commissary benefit and cut down on food costs. Effective 1 July, look for BVI items in your commissary. Detailed information at http://www.commissaries.com/

FALL AND WINTER AAFES CATALOG –

The catalog will be available in your local exchange on 27 July.  (27 July 1953 was also the day the cease fire took effect in Korea).

 

 

 

SUMMER VACATIONS –

I know some of you will be traveling and taking vacations now that summer is here.  In your planning don't forget the Armed Forces Recreation Centers that provide great accommodations at a very reasonable cost.  They are:

Ø       Hale Koa Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii - 1-800-367-6027, or reservations@halekoa.com

Ø       AFRC - Europe, Garmisch and Chiemsee, Germany - 1-800-GO-ARMY, or 011-49-8821-72981, or vacation@afrc.garmisch.army.mil

Ø       Dragon Hill Lodge, Seoul, Korea - 011-82-2-790-1576, or reservations@dhl.korea.army.mil

Ø       Shades of Green, Orlando, Florida (407) 824-3600.

More information can be found at http://trol.redstone.army.mil/mwr/afrcs/index.html

 

UPDATE ON KOREAN WAR SERVICE MEDAL –

Here is a recent DOD New Release - U.S. veterans of the Korean War are now eligible to wear a medal initially offered to them more than 50 years ago, but never issued.

In a May 13 letter to Defense Secretary William S. Cohen, Republic of Korea Defense Minister Seong Tae Cho formally announced that his government would provide the Republic of Korea War Service Medal to eligible U.S. veterans of that conflict, or to their surviving next of kin. 

The medal will be provided at no cost to veterans.  The U.S. Air Force has been designated the lead agency to receive and distribute the medals.

"On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War," Cho wrote, "the ROK government decided to issue the medal to pay tribute to the Korean War veterans for their historic endeavors to preserve freedom of the ROK and the free world."  The two governments will conduct 50th anniversary ceremonies throughout 2000-2003 and medals may be applied for at any time during this period.  The war began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces invaded ROK territory.  The armistice on July 27, 1953, ended the fighting, although a formal peace treaty has never been completed.

The medal was originally offered by the ROK in 1951 to United Nations forces serving in Korea and adjacent waters.  At the time U.S. law prohibited the U.S. military from wearing medals issued by foreign governments.  Congress changed that in 1954, but by then most U.S. service members eligible for the medal had returned home.

UPDATE SERVICE MEDAL – (Continued)

In 1998 the government of the Republic of Korea renewed its original offer of the medal to U.S. military personnel.  On Aug. 20, 1999, the Defense Department approved the acceptance and wear of the medal.

Approximately 1.8 million U.S. veterans of the Korean War are eligible to receive it.  Next of kin to eligible deceased veterans can also apply for the medal.

To wear this medal on U.S. military uniforms, U.S. military personnel must have:

Ø       served between the outbreak of hostilities, June 25, 1950, and the date the armistice was signed, July 27, 1953;

Ø       been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days, and

Ø       performed their duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations or in support of combat operations.

The ROK specifies the eligibility period and criteria.  Only the ROK-provided medal is approved by the U.S. government to meet the U.S. criteria for wear on the military uniform.

To apply, veterans must provide a copy of their discharge paper, commonly known as a "DD-214," or a corrected version of that document, a "DD-215."  National Guard members must provide their statement of service equivalent, "NGB Form 22."

Additional information on how to apply for or request the medal can be found by contacting the Air Force Personnel Center, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (CST) at (800) 558-1404, or the Awards and Decorations Section (210) 565-2432/2520/2516, fax (210) 565-3118, or by writing to HQ AFPC/DPPPRA, 550 C Street West, Suite 12, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas 78150-4714.

Because the order of precedence for non-U.S. service medals and ribbons is determined by date of approval, the Republic of Korea War Service Medal should be worn after the Kuwait Liberation Medal, which was the last foreign medal approved for wear by U.S. military personnel.  For the majority of Korean War veterans the medal will be worn after the United Nations Medal, or the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal if they served during that conflict.

 

 

KOREAN CONFLICT 50^TH ANNIVERSARY – For those Korean veterans who want to review history and for those who are just interested in the history of that conflict can go to:  http://dorea50.army.mil/history/factsheets.html

VA SETS RULES FOR PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS – Veterans awarded the Purple Heart for combat wounds will find it easier to get medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Under new VA rules, Purple Heart veterans now have a higher priority for health-care services than before.  Also they don’t have to make out-of-pocket payments, technically known as “co-payments,” for either inpatient or outpatient VA medical services.

“VA has always recognized and appreciated the contributions of those who hold the Purple Heart,” said Dr. Thomas L. Garthwaite, VA’s Under Secretary for Health.  “Now, we are according those veterans a priority befitting their service to this nation.”

The new rules authorize VA to reimburse Purple Heart recipients for any medical co-payments made to VA for care given after November 29, 1999.  Purple Heart recipients are still responsible for making co-payments of $2 for each 30-day supply of prescription medicine given to outpatients for conditions that are not related to military service.”

“We urge Purple Heart recipients who have medical conditions they believe are related to their military service to contact VA for help in filing a claim,” said Joe Thompson, VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits.  By itself, the Purple Heart doesn’t qualify veterans for VA disability compensation.  That requires a separate screening process.  Nor does the Purple Heart affect eligibility for long-term nursing care.  VA’s new eligibility rules for Purple Heart recipients were approved last year by Congress in the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act.  The change affects the seven-step priority system that Congress set up for VA health care.

It moves Purple Heart recipients who were in VA’s priority groups 4 through 7 into priority group 3.  Purple Heart recipients who qualify for priority groups 1 or 2 by virtue of service-connected disabilities will stay in those higher groups.

Anyone claiming benefits as a Purple Heart recipient must prove that they have been awarded the decoration.  VA will accept the following as proof.  Defense Department Form 214, discharge papers, military personnel records, orders or award certificates.

The Purple Heart is the nation’s oldest military medal.  George Washington presented the first medals in 1783. 

PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS – (Continued)

Today, there are approximately 600,000 living veterans who were wounded in combat and received the medal, according to the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Susan McCrea

VA Intergovernmental Affairs

202-273-5769

MICROCHIP FOOD –

K-rations, to C-retains to MREs.  Coming will be the “Grocery Store in a Chip”.  Natick lab is working on a microchip incorporated in a capsule that can be swallowed by the soldier.  The chip, stored with micronutrients and nutraceuticals, will release them as the body has a need for them.  In a similar vein, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has ready patented a “Pharmacy in a Chip”.  So with having the protein of a good steak without the taste, you can also get cod-liver oil without the taste.  Maybe a little bit of good news and bad news.

NEW TANK – Army scientists say that by late 2005 or early 2006 they can have a tank as lethal as the M1 Abrams tank with the same crew survivability, but 50 tons lighter.  This is all part of GEN Shinseki’s Transformation of the Army.  The scientists say they can do this without having to create new technologies.

DIABETES - In the interest of preventive health care

Nearly 16 million Americans have diabetes, although about half of them have not yet been diagnosed with the Disease. The American Diabetes Association challenges the public to take a simple blood test for diabetes risk.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, affecting 90-95 percent of the individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Those most likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes:

¨       Have relatives with diabetes.

¨       Are overweight.

¨       Are Native American, Hispanic or African-American.

¨       Are 45 years old or older.

¨       Have high blood pressure or high blood fats (cholesterol/triglycerides).

¨       Had gestational diabetes or had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include constant hunger and/or thirst; frequent urination; weakness; blurred vision; tingling or numb hands or feet; and infections of the skin,

DIABETES – (Continued)

gums, bladder or vagina that keep coming back or heal very slowly.

Type 1 diabetes occurs in 5-10 percent of the individuals diagnosed with diabetes and occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce any insulin. Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes include constant hunger and/or thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, weakness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.

If you are at risk for diabetes, get the blood tests to find out if you have this disease.

Education Bill -  The Legislative Resolve, which was signed into law Friday afternoon, 5 May 2000, by Governor Angus S. King, Jr., will provide full tuition and mandatory fees for current and new members of the Maine Air and Army National Guard attending the University of Maine System, the Maine Technical College System, and the Maine Maritime Academy.

Sponsored by Senator Richard Ruhlin of Penobscot, the resolve puts Maine alongside nearly 47 other States that offer similar education programs for members of the National Guard. 

The Guard Today

Maine Engineers – 1^st in the nation to receive state-of-the-art Engineer Mission Module equipment

 

The Dump Body Module is being removed from the Palletized Loading System (PLS) truck.  The Dump Body Module is a 12 to 14 cubic-yard capacity dump body that is a dismountable body that can be transported or operated on a PLS truck or trailer.  (Photo by: MSG Bob Haskell, National Guard Bureau)

The 133^rd Engineer Battalion, learning to operate some of the newest equipment in the U.S. Army’s inventory.

The Maine combat battalion based in Gardiner and commanded by LTC James Mountain has become the first field outfit in the entire Army to receive the state-of-the-art Engineer Mission Module equipment.

It is carried on a Palletized Loading System. Different types of heavy construction equipment can be quickly hoisted onto flatbed trucks and trailers and hauled through rugged terrain. 

Delivery of the six trucks, six trailers, a dozen 12-yard dump bodies, three concrete mixers and three bituminous spreaders from the Oshkosh Truck Corporation in Wisconsin is making this Maine battalion the premier engineer outfit in the Army until other units receive and learn to use similar equipment.

Approximately 200 active Army, Guard and Army Reserve engineer units will get the new modular equipment during the next five years.

The 133^rd has been modernized with nearly $7 million worth of road-building and battlefield engineer equipment since 1998 when it received nine new 20-ton dump trucks.

Three hydraulic excavators, two all-terrain forklifts, three all-terrain cranes, eight vibrating rollers, and three triangular-tracked D-7 bulldozers with blades that are automatically adjusted with lasers have also been added to the 133^rd’s inventory as part of the Army Modernization Program.

The National Guard and Army Reserve, now have 73 percent of the Army’s engineer assets.

MAJ GEN Joseph Tinkham II has been part of the change. He became Maine’s new adjutant general on Monday, May 1, succeeding retired MG Earl Adams. It was the week that the world observed the 25^th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

Tinkham, 52, was an Army artillery officer on the Cambodian border in Vietnam in 1968-69 when the National Guard did not take such an active part in the Army’s worldwide operations.

“That the Guard is the first to field this new equipment is among the fruits of the One Army partnership that was planted several years ago,” observed Tinkham who joined the Maine Guard in 1972.

Maine Engineers – (Continued)

The military saw something that wasn’t obvious to me,” said Tinkham who was drafted in December 1966 and who earned his commission at Fort Sill, OK, the following year. “I became a more responsible individual because the Army gave me responsibility.”

The 30-piece modular package will, among other things, enable the battalion’s engineers to haul two loads of gravel on the trucks and trailers at the same time. Other possibilities include hauling a concrete mixer and a load of gravel to a construction site in one trip. The concrete mixer can be unloaded and operated independently while the truck and trailer bring in more gravel.

“Each truck and trailer can carry 16 and a half tons,” explained Tom Larson, one of the two trainers from Oshkosh. “These trucks can ford through four feet of water, and they’ll go about anywhere that tracked vehicles will go.”

The most obvious comparison is with the heavy-duty trucks, known as HEMTTs, which are also built by Oshkosh and that earned their spurs while transporting fuel and supplies throughout Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War nearly a decade ago.

The Palletized Loading System is even more sophisticated. Four separate computers regulate the engine, transmission, loading system and tires, Larson explained. The trucks feature five-speed, push-button transmissions. The 10 four-foot tires can be inflated or deflated to adjust to different terrain while the trucks are rolling, he added.   

If you have driven a HEMTT, you have a pretty good idea of how these new trucks ride and handle.

112^th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) returns from overseas deployment

In August of 1999, members of the National Guard, family, and friends waved good-bye to the 112^th with tears of sadness.  On the 31^st of March, they were welcomed back with tears of happiness.  The unit’s professionalism was evident throughout the mission, as they provided medical air evacuation for the Multi National Division, North. 

152^nd Maintenance Company goes to Iowa for AT period

      On April 8th, the Maine Army National Guard’s 152nd Maintenance Company, consisting of 120 soldiers, flew via an Air National Guard C130 aircraft to Camp Dodge Iowa, to begin their annual training.

 

152^nd Maintenance Company goes to Iowa – (Continued)

The 152^nd, participates in a four year rotation, one year they go to NTC, National Training Center, the next year to Fort Erwin, CA, the following year to Germany, then to Camp Dodge, Iowa, and finally arriving back in state to Loring, Maine. 

A life in Iowa is saved by several members of the 152^nd Maintenance Company.

On April 16^th, a soldier is spotted hanging by a rope in the fire escape area from an adjacent building, apparently attempting to commit suicide.  The soldier was pulled over the railing and into the building by members of the 152^nd Maintenance Company.  After applying CPR, the Iowa soldier began breathing on his own.

The following members of the 152^nd Maintenance Company was awarded the Iowa state level medal for saving the life of the Iowa National Guard Soldier.  CPT Blair Tinkham, Orrington, 11 years in the Guard, works full time as the training officer for the 286th POL BN; SSG Timothy Grant, Augusta, 20 years, works for OMS4 as a Technician; SSG Matthew V. Gerrish, 31 years, works as a Correctional Officer at Thomaston State Prison; SSG Ronald Spencer, W. Gardiner, 19 years, works for CSMS as a Technician; SGT Jeffrey Young, Auburn, 17 years, works for Hancock Lumber, Assistant Manager, in South Paris; SGT Dale Cullivan, Liberty, 10 years, works for CSMS as a Technician; and PVT2 Douglas Grant, Pittston, 8 months in the National Guard, works for VIP in Farmingdale.

ARLINGTON CEMETERY - Live too far away to visit the Cemetery?  Need  information on the Cemetery?  You can visit and get information on the Web Site at http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org

BOUGHT TO DESTROY – For those of you, who have ever visited the Gettysburg Battlefield, you may have gone up the tower to get a panoramic view of the battlefield.  Because a lot of people thought the tower was an eyesore, they wanted it taken down.  The owner would not comply, so the tower was bought from the owner and taken down.  The purchased price for the tower was $3 million.  I guess the owner was not altogether foolish.

 

 

NEW WEB SITES – Many of the web sites that you may have not looked at for some time have recently been updated.  Some of these are the Army Home Page at http://www.army.mil; the Military Health System -TRICARE Web Site at http://www.tricare.osd.mil; Medicare at http://www.medicare.gov; and the US Navy’s Recruiting Web Site at http://www.navyjobs.com.

PHONY E-MAIL TAX – If you have received an E-mail message about the introduction of legislative proposal 602P, by Representative Schnell ®, to permit the government to charge 5 cents for every delivered E-mail, ignore it.  It’s a hoax.  The first tip that this is a hoax is that Congress does not number its legislative proposals that way, and the second tip is there is no Representative Schnell in the House of Representatives.  If you get such an E-mail, please don’t perpetuate the hoax by passing it on or even returning it.  Let it die with you.  Second don’t waste your elected officials time by sending an E-mail or letter asking them to defeat this measure. 

EXPANDED SELECTION IN THE EXCHANGES – DOD would like to remove the restrictions on items that can be sold in the Exchanges, but so far Congress is not ready to approve their plan.  Among other items, large-screen TVs, (Those larger than 35 inch), more expensive jewelry, foreign made PCs, more expensive furniture, etc., cannot be sold in exchanges.  Some businesses that are close to military bases are opposed because they fear it will hurt their sales.  Unless Congress approves, things will stay as they are.

SPACE ‘A’ TRAVEL FOR RESERVISTS – S2514, introduced in the Senate, would among other things provide improved Space ‘A’ travel to Reservists.  This proposal, if enacted, would make Reservists not intitled to retired pay because they are not yet age 60 and the family members to be eligible for Space ‘A’ travel on the same basis as retirees in receipt of retired pay.

SPACE ‘A’ FACILITIES – Want to know where you can catch a Space ‘A’ flight nearest to you?  Go to http://www.glue.umd.edu/-oard/spsacea/map2.html and click a state.  It will tell you if a Space ‘A’ port is in that state and where.

 

 

 

Pet Planning for Hot Weather Air Travel
Air Mobility Command officials have advised that most
commercial airlines prohibit pet travel when temperatures
rise above 85 degrees. Military charter flights, however, have no heat restrictions.  They advise: (1) pets in cargo area or cabin must be in an approved hard-shell crate; (2) for cabin travel, the crate must be able to fit under the seat; (3) passengers accompanying pets must have the animals’ health certificates and proof of rabies and other shots, depending on the final destination; (4) AMC carriers generally will accept only dogs and cats weighing less than 100 pounds including container weight, and (5) AMC sometimes will allow two pets to be shipped in the same crate provided their combined weight, with the weight of the container, is no greater than 70 pounds.  Contact a local traffic management office for information on traveling with pets on military chartered aircraft.

RATE OF CURRENCY CONVERSION:  - Getting ready to travel overseas and wondering how the American dollar converts to foreign currency?  You can check out the rate of exchange at either http://www.xe.net/currency or http://www.casto.com/resource/currency.cfm

OLD SAVINGS BONDS – If you still have some of your WWII savings bonds, it’s possible they are no longer earning interest.  Savings bonds have what is called an Interest-Bearing Life.  After that, they no longer earn interest.  For bonds bought between May 1941 and Nov 1965, their Interest-Bearing Life is 40 years.  Meaning some bonds quit earning interest in 1981 and some will quite in 2005.  For bonds bought between December 1965 and June 1980, their Interest-Bearing Life is 30 years.

CHANGE OF VIETNAM ERA DATES – HR 4833 introduced in the House of Representatives that would change the dates in Title 38 USC for the Vietnam Era.   From 28 February 1961 to 7 May 1975 for veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam and the period 5 August 1964 to 7 May 1975 in all other cases to 28 February 1961 to 7 May 1975 in all cases.

HEPATITIS C  -  Did you serve in Vietnam and treat the wounded or have a blood transfusion before 1992?  Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood and its symptoms may not appear until 10 to 30 years after infection.  The VA is therefore recommending that you get tested for Hepatitis C.  They have appropriated $20 million for outreach, testing, counseling and treatment of veterans with Hepatitis C. 

HEPATITIS C – (Continued)

It is estimated that between 7 and 10 percent of Vietnam veterans could possibly have Hepatitis C.  More information available at http://www.va.gov/hepatitisc or by calling 1-877-222-8387.

REPORTING A DEATH - Many times when the death of a retiree or a spouse is reported to the appropriate service, or DFAS-CL, the need to notify Social Security is sometimes forgotten.  This should also be done as soon as possible by calling 1-800-772-1213.  If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits by direct deposit, that bank or financial institution receiving the funds should be notified.  Social Security funds received for the month the person died must be returned to Social Security.  If funds were received by check, then the check received for the month of death should not be cashed, but returned to Social Security.   A $255 one time burial allowance may also be payable to the surviving spouse and application should be made with the Social Security Administration.  In addition, benefits may be payable to young children or the widow, especially if the surviving spouse was eligible to receive or receiving Social Security benefits based on the work record of the deceased.  In addition to Social Security, the Department of Veterans may also have to be notified.

Armed Forces News – The Free Weekly Newsletter for Armed Forces Personnel and Retirees

You can sign up for free weekly email delivery of Armed Forces News to be automatically delivered to your home or office. Simply go to http://www.armedforcesnews.com and click on “sign up” at the top of the home page.

MAX FACTS - If you would like to receive MAX FACTS, a periodic email publication with a wealth of retiree information, email your address to mailto:souleda@me-arng.ngb.army.mil. Information and comments contained in “Max Facts” are the personal comments of Max J.Beilke, PERSCOM. They are not official, regulatory nor policy and do not state nor imply a Department of Defense, Department of Army, ODCSPER or Office of the Army Retirement Services, position, policy statement, or endorsement. “Max Facts”are intended solely for information and personal interest of recipients.

FEEDBACK

Let us know what you think of the newsletter. We value your opinion and will publish your comments (without name unless advised otherwise). We also solicit your thoughts on other information provided.  Here are some recently received notes.

FEEDBACK – (Continued)

“I would like to continue receiving the Retiree Newsletter.  I enjoy keeping current with guard news and activities and look forward to receiving your publication.”

 

Correct Mailing Address

If anyone knows the correct mailing address for the following retiree, give it to one of the council members so we can update our database. We want to be sure all retirees get their newsletter and other information

SGT Dehart, Michelle L.

 

Retiree e-mail Addresses   Listed below are e-mail addresses of some of our retirees. If you’d like to be included, please furnish us your address.

Amoroso,  Francis (Frank) J, COL – colonelandbetty@hotmail.com

Beaule, Donald, SFC – gnfshng437@aol.com

Blair, David, COL - dhblair@mint.net

Freeman, David, 1SG – dfreeman@maine.rr.com

Grass, Nathan, BG – ngrass@maine.rr.com

Gravelle, Raymond, SFC – raygmase@aol.com

Howland, Peter, SFC – moat@juno.com

Knight, Richmond, LTC – captnmidnight@aol.com

Laflin, Donald, COL – dbll@ctel.net

Laflin, James, LTC – james.laflin@state.me.us

Marden, Donald, BG – dhmarden@mint.net

Musk, Gautrey, COL –gmusk@gwi.net

Owen, Gary, SFC – gsowen@mint.net

Perkins, Allen, 1SG – alsar@cybertours.com

Rees, Harold, COL – hrees@state.mt.us Soule, Dean, SFC – deano@clinic.net                                          Dean.Soule@me.ngb.army.mil

Soule, Richard, MSG – dsoule@clinc.net

West, Richard, MAJ – major063@aol.com

White, Albert, BG – ajwhite@gwi.net

Whitney, Edwin, BG – edwhit@blazenetme.net

 

The intent of the Retiree Council and the Retiree Newsletter is to keep the retirees informed and maintain comradery. 

To make all this happen, a certain few individuals, who some make up part of the Council today, implemented a way to tie all retirees as one group. 

Without those people and the support of the TAG behind us, we would not have all of this today.  I personally salute those individuals who were instrumental in this major task. 

We are now up to 1,000 members strong.

^{Dean A. Soule}

 

RETIREE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Albert White, Jr.	Chairman
Robert Weymouth	Vice Chairman
Dean Soule	Secretary/Editor of      Retiree Newsletter
James Laflin	Chairman Retiree List
Martin Asdourian
David Blair
Edward Davis
Nathan Grass
Clifton Johnson
Donald Laflin
Gautrey Musk
Romain Savoie
Douglas Welsh, Jr.