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  The Cape Fear Chapter MOAA : The Cape Fear Chapter Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) News and Events: What's Happening?

 

NEW SURVIVOR SBP NEWSLETTER

Check out the first issue!

DFAS has a new Survivor SBP Newsletter with lots of news and helpful information for survivors/SBP annuitants. Learn all about the upcoming changes to the SBP-DIC offset, when you’ll get your tax statements, the new School Certification process, helpful form tools and more!

Newsletter  
Posted 02/06/21 21:14 by CFMOAA Under General Info Permalink 1612646094

CAPE FEAR CHAPTER, MOAA ELECTION RESULTS

Congratulations to our new leaders!

The following officers were elected by majority vote of the general membership (by mail ballots) to serve 2-year terms in positions indicated effective January 2021.

COL (Ret) Richard Underwood, President

MAJ (Ret) George Bond, 1st Vice President

LTC (Ret) Marty Williams, 3rd Vice President

LTC (Ret) Ralph Hinrichs, Treasurer

Congratulations are extended to these members who volunteered to lead our chapter for the next two years.

Because of COVID-19 safety restrictions limiting gatherings to 10 people or less, the new officers will be officially installed on 5 January 2021 during the monthly CFC Board of Directors meeting at the Iron Mike Conference Center, Fort Bragg.

 
Posted Dec 23, 20 by CFMOAA Under General Info Permalink 1608750396

THE SBP-DIC OFFSET IS GOING AWAY

from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service

Congress enacted changes to the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) that will eventually eliminate the offset for surviving spouses who are also receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The changes will take place in three phases.

January 1, 2021 begins the first phase. In 2021, surviving spouse SBP annuity payments issued by DFAS will be reduced (offset) by no more than two-thirds of the amount of DIC (issued by the VA) rather than by the entire amount of DIC, even though eligible surviving spouses will continue to receive the full amount of DIC from the VA.

Beginning January 1, 2022, the second phase, surviving spouse SBP annuity payments will be reduced (offset) by no more than one-third of the amount of DIC (issued by the VA) rather than by the entire amount of DIC, even though eligible surviving spouses will continue to receive the full amount of DIC from the VA.

On January 1, 2023, the SBP-DIC offset will be fully eliminated. That means, beginning in 2023, SBP payments will no longer be offset by DIC. Spouses will receive full SBP (issued by DFAS) and full DIC (from the VA).

For more details and frequently asked questions, see the special SBP-DIC News on the DFAS webpage.

 
Posted Dec 14, 20 by CFMOAA Under General Info Permalink 1607956887

THANK YOU TO ROTC SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONORS

by Ira Watkins

It is my pleasure to report that our ROTC scholarship fund donation campaign was a resounding success, raising over $10,200. A great debt of gratitude is owed to all who responded so generously to my special appeal for direct donations this year since our annual fundraising golf tournament could not be held because of Covid-19 considerations.

Special thanks are extended to the following chapter members, sponsors and supporters for their generosity and interest in insuring continuity of our scholarship awards for school year 2020-2021:

Chapter Members

David Baggett

Eli Ballard

William Bell

Dave Beshlin

Bruce Brown

Juan Chavez

David Cheney

Maria Cory

Gerald Croll

Addison Davis

Thomas Delahunty

Thomas Donnelly, Jr.

John Dunigan

Ronald Elrod

Ronnie Foxx

George Glann, Jr.

John Hazlett

Ralph Hinrichs, Jr.

George Hutnan

Harold Isaacson

Carol Ivey

Kirk Johnson

Hank Larsen, Jr.

Dan McNeill

Joe Nagel

Charles Pimble

William Richardson, Jr.

Art Rodriguez

Richard Shereff

Bob Smoot

Nathan Smyth

Pat Stang

Richard Underwood

James Volkmann

David Vroom

Ira Watkins

Marty Williams

Gregory Williamson

Willie Wright

Drew Ziegler

Chapter Sponsors & Supporters

Buie, Norman & Company, P.A.

Cape Fear Cardiology

Cape Fear Eye Associates

Edward Jones Investments

Healy Wholesale Company

Lafayette Ford

Carl Meinhardt

Erika Meinhardt

Lisa Meinhardt

Rhudy's Inc.

Sandhills Surgery

Simon Funeral Home

Superior Bakery

USAA

Watson Family Dentistry

 
Posted Oct 4, 20 by CFMOAA Under General Info Permalink 1601837336

CFC REPEATS AS A 5-STAR CHAPTER

2019 MOAA Levels of Excellence Awards

For the sixth consecutive year, the Cape Fear Chapter was awarded a MOAA 5-Star Levels of Excellence Award. This is an extraordinary streak of achievement for the chapter, a credit to the Executive Board of Directors plus the chapter membership at large.

Chapter President Ira Watkins will pin the 5-Star medallion on the Chapter colors awards streamer at the first opportunity the general membership is allowed to physically meet again.

Congratulations to all!

 
Posted Aug 20, 20 by CFMOAA Under Awards Permalink 1597940875

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE

May 25, 2020

While the traditional Memorial Day ceremony at Freedom Memorial Park was not held due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Chapter's memorial wreath was displayed at the Global War on Terror Monument at the park on Memorial Day in remembrance of our military men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in fighting terrorists worldwide since 9/11.

 
Posted May 29, 20 by CFMOAA Under General Info Permalink 1590768536

LOCAL AFJROTC UNITS SELECTED FOR TOP USAF AWARDS

E.E. Smith High School and Terry Sanford High School AFJROTC units were selected as two of 79 units across the globe and two of seven in North Carolina to receive the 2019-20 Air Force JROTC Distinguished Unit with Merit Award.

This award recognizes Air Force JROTC units that have performed well above and beyond normal expectations, and that have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force JROTC citizen development mission for America.

The Cape Fear Chapter is proud to extend its heartiest congratulations to both units, their leaders/instructors, and their entire corps of cadets for a significant achievement.

The E.E. Smith High School AFJROTC program’s leaders and Aerospace Science Instructors are: Retired USAF Lt. Col. Tom Glockzin, and Retired USAF CMSgt James Mitchell, Jr.

The Terry Sanford High School AFJROTC program is led by Aerospace Science Instructors: Retired USAF Capt. Timothy K. Peedin, and Retired USAF SMSgt Thomas Albanese.

 
Posted May 20, 20 by CFMOAA Under Awards Permalink 1589995452

2019 ROBERT F. DEMETER CHAPTER SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT ANNOUNCEMENT

by Ira Watkins

It was my pleasure to announce at our monthly Board of Directors Meeting held by video conference on 7 April 2020 that LTC (Ret) Martin “Marty” Williams is the recipient of the 2019 Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award. The DeMeter award is the most prestigious award the Chapter can bestow upon one of its members.

The citation on the award certificate reads as follows: “For sustained outstanding service as 3rd Vice President for ROTC Affairs, Cape Fear Chapter from December 2015 to December 2019. His faithful and unselfish service on the Chapter’s Executive Board and his work as Chairman, ROTC Scholarship Awards Committee are without equal. Marty discharged his wide-ranging responsibilities in support of 5 university and 25 high school ROTC programs with unparallel dedication and excellence. He routinely drove hundreds of miles traversing a six-county area visiting ROTC units to administer the chapter’s ROTC scholarships and leadership awards programs. His vast contributions to include his donation of travel expenses, are worthy of the highest esteem and his selection as the 2019 recipient of this coveted award.”

Congratulations Marty, you have the eternal gratitude of all our members for your dedicated service and unselfish contributions to the chapter. You are an inspiration to all of us. Our only regret is that we could not present the award to you in person because of the COVID-19 social distancing constraints.

List of previous DeMeter award recipients is at download below.

 
Posted Apr 7, 20 by CFMOAA Under Awards Permalink 1586275755

What You Need to Know About the CARES Act

March 31, 2020

Most of us are aware that Congress passed the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to assist individuals, as well as small and large businesses, directly affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The MOAA Financial Education Team of Lt. Col. Shane Ostrom, USAF (Ret), CFP® and Capt. Paul J. Frost, AFC®, USN (Ret) put together a summary of key provisions that will most impact the military and veteran community. To access that summary, click on this link.

 
Posted Apr 4, 20 by CFMOAA Under General Info Permalink 1586010284

2019 COL MARVIN HARRIS COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS WINNERS

by Ira Watkins

Congratulations to us for repeating as MOAA communication awards winners in 2019. Our chapter was awarded a 5-Star COL Marvin Harris Communication Award for its website “www.cfmoaa.org”, and a 5-Star Award for its eNewsletter “Gram of Info” for 2019.

This is the seventh consecutive year we have received this distinction for our communications platforms. All of us may be justifiably proud.

 
Posted Apr 4, 20 by CFMOAA Under Awards Permalink 1586011475

CFC REPEATS AS A 5-STAR CHAPTER

2018 MOAA Levels of Excellence Awards

For the fifth consecutive year, the Cape Fear Chapter was awarded a MOAA 5-Star Levels of Excellence Award. This is an extraordinary streak of achievement for the chapter.

Chapter President Ira Watkins will pin the 5-Star medallion on the Chapter colors awards streamer during the annual general membership meeting on 15 November 2019.

Congratulations to all!

 
Posted Sep 15, 19 by CFMOAA Under Awards Permalink 1568577253

KOREA REVISIT TOURS

If you are a Korean War Veteran or ever served in Korea and would like to revisit Korea on a vacation compliments of the Korean Government you need to read this and take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Dependents of Korea vets are also eligible.

The Korea Veterans Association (Seoul), started the program in 1975 which is now hosted

by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, by providing Korean War Veterans and

their families free hotel accommodations, bus tours of Seoul, Inchon and the DMZ, and all

meals in Korea. The Land of Morning Calm remembers and sincerely appreciates all veterans

who fought, protected and sacrificed in securing freedom and democracy for the Republic of Korea.

The Korean government is continuing to subsidize the veterans & family members/companion airfare for the 65th Anniversaries, in addition to already paying for hotel, meals and touring in Korea and will end the program in 2020 so don’t delay.

Please download information brochure and application form below.

 
Posted Jul 3, 19 by CFMOAA Under General Info Permalink 1562182513

CALL FOR USO VOLUNTEERS

We recently lost some of our long-serving USO volunteers due to age and/or medical limitations and we need young and enthusiastic folks to replace them. If you are tired of your sedentary life style, and wish to get out of the house and do something physical, worthwhile, self-fulfilling and fun please consider signing up as a USO volunteer – WE NEED YOU!

Getting more of our chapter members actively involved in service projects in support of our military and their families here at Fort Bragg helps promote chapter cohesion, esprit de corps, and a sense of purpose.

USO volunteerism is by no means new to our chapter, since the USO center at the Fayetteville Regional Airport opened in November 2011 a small number of our chapter members (11 to 14) have volunteered their services as USO stewards at the airport lounge. The number has remained relatively constant, with only 12 currently serving. Our goal is to get that number up to around 20 or 24 to embellish this chapter-sponsored endeavor.

The Fayetteville Airport USO Center is behind security on the second floor of the airport. The center is 100% operated by volunteers who have gone through the badging process and are dedicated to keeping the center open, available and a comfortable center for our traveling military and their families. At this time, the USO needs dependable volunteers who are willing to commit to at least two 4-hour periods per month serving in the center; you make your own schedule. There is also a dire need for volunteers to work at the Fort Bragg USO Center located in the Soldier Support Center at Fort Bragg.

If you are interested, please complete the initial steps at "http://www.volunteers.uso.org/ and then, email Brian Knight at Send e-mail to get your application process moving forward. Please let Brian know that you are a member of the Cape Fear Chapter, MOAA.

 
Posted May 7, 19 by CFMOAA Under General Info Permalink 1557279450

2018 COL MARVIN HARRIS COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS WINNERS

by Ira Watkins

Congratulations to us for repeating as MOAA communication awards winners in 2018. Our chapter was awarded a 5-Star COL Marvin Harris Communication Award for its website “www.cfmoaa.org”, and a 5-Star Award for its eNewsletter “Gram of Info” for 2018. This is the sixth consecutive year we have received this distinction for our communications platforms. All of us may be justifiably proud.

 
Posted May 3, 19 by CFMOAA Under Awards Permalink 1556930405

NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICIALLY INSTALLED

January 25, 2019

The newly elected Cape Fear Chapter officers for the 2-year term beginning January 2019 were officially installed in a ceremony during the traditional biennial Installation Dinner held at the Fort Bragg Iron Mike Conference Center on 25 January 2019.

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen Dana Atkins, President and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America administered the oath of office to: MAJ (Ret) Ira M. Watkins, President; MAJ (Ret) George Bond, 1st Vice President; COL (Ret) Richard Underwood, 2nd Vice President; LTC (Ret) Marty Williams, 3rd Vice President; LTC (Ret) Ralph W. Hinrichs, Jr., Treasurer; and, Mrs. Sara Ballard, Secretary.

 
Posted Feb 26, 19 by CFMOAA Under General Info Permalink 1551234524