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April Birthdays LtCol Eugene Martin, 1st Mrs. Ann Staub, 8th LTC Thomas Murphy, 13th Capt Mike Singer, 30th |
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MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA FLORIDA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS-MOAA FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS
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With nearly 400,000 members the Military officers Association of America (MOAA) is a strong voice in Washington that includes active duty, Reserves, National Guard, retired and former officers from the seven uniformed services. When combined with other military organizations in the Military Coalition we are "one powerful voice." By joining together at the local level with other members of the Manatee Veterans Council, we can be sure our concerns will be heard by our local, state and national leaders. Come and add your voice to our chapter. All retired or former officers of the seven uniformed services, active duty, National Guard and Reserve Officers are welcome. We also encourage allied officers to apply for membership.FOUNDED: 11 November 1944.
MEMBERSHIP: Currently 151
MEETINGS: Luncheon meetings monthly (except July, August & September)at the Bradenton Country Club. Dates as noted in the monthly newsletter (usually the fourth Wednesday.) Board meetings monthly (except July, & August)at 1:30 p.m.the second Thursday at the M&I Bank Conference Room.
FUNCTIONS:
- As a non-profit organization, our charitable fund provides scholarships to JROTC graduates of the six Manatee County High Schools each year.
- Our chapter supports the Manatee County Historical Society, the Manatee County Veterans Council, and other military oriented organizations.
- Monthly luncheons (except July, August & September) advance our goal of camaraderie and provide entertainment and information. We also have a Special Christmas dinner at which time our newly elected officers are installed.
- President: BG Jerry Neff,USANG
- 1ST Vice President: COL Roger Popham,USA,
- 2nd Vice President: BG Steve Solomon, USA
- Secretary: Mrs. Joyce Harte
- Treasurer: LtCol Jim Bailey, USAF
- Membership: COL Gill Ruderman,USA
- Leigislative: Col Tom Loken, USAF.
- Personal Affairs/Chaplain: Mrs. Carol Chamberlain.
- Scholarsip Chairman: CW4 Don Courtney,USA.
Our April meeting is the most important one for our chapter of the year. Our special guests will be JROTC Cadets from all six Manatee County High Schools who will be recognized with scholarships from our organization. Our guests will also include proud parents of these Cadets and their JROTC instructors. It is always very encouraging to me to see and hear about these very bright and dedicated young adults in our community. Our speaker will be Roger Dearing, the Superintendent of the Manatee County School System. Mr. Dearing has been a strong supporter of JROTC in our public school system and I think that it is very appropriate to hear from him.
Due to Mr. Dearing’s schedule, lunch will not be served until approximately 12:45, with his presentation prior to lunch. Please make every effort to attend the meeting so that we will not only show our financial support to these fine young Americans, but also our moral support.
Thanks for your financial support of this effort. It is only through the generous gifts of our members and corporate supporters that we are able to award the scholarships.
It isn’t too late to make for gift, and you may do so by mail or by bringing a check to the next meeting.
Our quest for new members continues. Remember that every member is a recruiter! As always, if you have any suggestions to make our chapter better, please let me or any of the officers know. If you haven’t done so, please visit our updated website: www.orgsites.com/fl/moaa-bc/
Many of our winter residents will be heading north in the near future. We wish you safe travel, an enjoyable summer, and we hope to see you next season.
Patriotism is alive. It is up to us to keep it well. “Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.” Thomas Jefferson
- Jerry Neff
Upcoming Changes to the Manatee County VA Clinics
In order to meet the growing needs of veterans in the Manatee County area, Bay Pines VA has been approved to consolidate the Ellenton Primary Care Clinic and the Bradenton Mental Health Clinic into one location. The new clinic is approved for up to 14,000 square feet (an increase of over 8,000 square feet from what is currently in use at both locations). This new clinic will offer expanded primary care teams, a women veterans healthcare team, mental health services, pharmacist staff, social work staff, phlebotomy services, and some specialty services (such as eye clinic and imagining). VA is currently planning the new clinic with the following requirements:
Space that will meet the requirements of regulatory agencies for provision of healthcare (all sites under current consideration are build to suit)
Geographic location close to I-75 and major roads with access to public transit routes
Bay Pines VA is aggressively pursuing the new leased clinic space. Once terms are agreed upon and a lease is signed, VA will be able announce the location and timeline for opening the new Ellenton Community Based VA Clinic. Once the new clinic is opened, the current Primary Care and Mental Health locations will be closed.On a very sad note we extend our sincere condolences to Jerry and Judy Neff for the recent death of Judy’s Mother, Helen Evans. Mary Anne Lively and Jean Gravatt recently visited Mary Anne’s niece in Tampa and were introduced to the two newest family members, twin girls named Brittney and Madison. Not too long ago Jean and Mary Anne visited old friends at Amelia Island. Unfortunately during the trip Jean took a terrible spill, and suffered a large amount of pain. Her doctors have finally diagnosed a fractured pelvis and several back problems. Jean was recently admitted to Blake Medical Center for testing and further treatment. Get well soon! Pat and Joe Cocco Valdez have traveled to Virginia Beach, VA for a couple weeks to visit with their daughter and family. Later this spring they will travel to Michigan to visit daughter, Stella, granddaughter Megan and other family members. We would like to also extend our sincere sympathy to Rebecca and Leo Hill for the loss of Leo’s brother, who recently died in an auto accident. Cliff Meier recently returned from a trip to the Air Force Academy where he visited with his son, Brian and Family. Cliff was especially proud to attend Brian’s retirement as a career Air Force Field Officer. Our congratulations to both Brian who is an ophthalmologist, and proud papa, Cliff! Congratulations are also extended to Hal and Doloras Muth , who recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Doris Palmer has been keeping pretty busy with the planting of her spring garden. Lots and lots of vegetables! Fred and Norma Graves have a few spring time trips planned for around Florida. Norma recently returned from a wonderful two week stay with their son, Greg, in southern Illinois. Norma said the time spent with Greg was wonderful but too darn cold. Welcome home to sunny Florida. Things are full speed ahead at Sylvia and Roger Popham’s home with visits from their daughter, Paige and granddaughter Noelle from their home in England. Their daughter Nicki, who lives in San Antonio TX, is also up for a visit with mom and dad. Mary and Murray Wheeler have both been under the weather latterly. Murray spent a week or so at Blake Medical Center and then another week at Westminster Towers Health Care Center—across the hall from Mary. They both seem to be on the mend and close to a full recovery. Ann Staub is in the middle of a major home make over. She is having her kitchen, living room, dinning room and hall remodeled and eagerly looking forward to completion, clean up and being able to enjoy life and friends. We have missed her at our luncheons. Edith Becker and Bob Brungart have returned from their wonderful South American cruise. Bob is now off in the Swiss Alps and will travel to Paris for a visit before returning home to Bradenton. Carol Chamberlain rolled out the red carpet to welcome her daughter-in-law, Anne Chamberlain and grandson, Andrew, age 6, for a few days visit. Andy is on spring break from first grade in Seattle, WA. Carol is “down-sizing” her home getting ready to move “sometime” this year. Andy’s dad, Eric, a software engineer out there, can’t get away for this visit. Carol is happy for these helping hands—-wishing they could stay longer, but we’re all thank full for small blessings. Russ and Barbara Trout recently sold their home in Ohio and will now be year around residents. Russ is an avid gardener and will probably fill their patio with home grown goodies. We are glad you will be here year round!
