SEPTEMBER 2009 TO SEPTEMBER 2010
"We fought for our country with honor, but the fight for our benefits continues in Congress. Get Involved!"
The 2009 convention was held in Rapid City, SD.
The following were elected or appointed to the Board of Directors:
President - Charlie Flowers |
Auxiliary Board of Directors |
1st VP - Thomas "Butch" Liebaert |
President Sandy Ott |
2nd VP - Al Ballok |
Vice President Jolene O'Connell |
3rd VP - John Martinez |
Treasurer Sherry Eller |
Treasurer - Edward Cates |
Director/Historian Sheila Bustamante |
Director - Rick Delaney |
Director/Chaplain Lorraine Richmond |
Director - Ralph Donais |
Director Gloria Criss |
Director - John Adams |
Secretary Kay Claman |
Director - Art Cooper |
APNP Sandra Milner |
VSO - C.D. Rice, Jr. |
Asst Secretary Aleta Scott |
Memorial Foundation - Bill DeBoer |
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TSCL Chair - Dan O'Connell |
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Past National President - Dave Washington |
The big news in 2009 was President Obama's Healthcare Reform, and how it might affect the retired veteran. TREA continued to fight for no increases in Tricare co-payments, deductibles, and enrollment fees. This has become an annual fight, that we are so far winning.
In November, the VA recognized additional illnesses as presumptive for Agent Orange exposure. This continues to be a fight for veterans exposed to AO.
The VA continued to work on improving care for veterans. They started a pilot program to make veteran health records electronic, thus saving time and having medical records more complete. They also completed transferring their payroll services to DFAS.
President Charlie Flowers and Director Art Cooper participated in the Veterans Day services at Arlington National Cemetery.
PNP Lee Newton passed away suddenly in November, 2009.
The start of 2010, and TREA planned their Legislative Agenda: 1) elimination of the offset of retired pay and disability pay for those with a VA disability of 10-40%, and Chapter 61 retirees (medically retired with less than 20 years of service), 2) early retirement for Guard and Reserve, 3) end the SBP/DIC offset, 4) stopping any increases in co-pays, enrollment fees, and deductibles for healthcare. New issues that are being looked into for the next generation of veterans that are returning home include, PTSD, homelessness, and education benefits.
In March, TREA's Washington Office and TSCL moved to a new office building. President Charlie Flowers testified before the Joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Deirdre Parke Holleman testified before the Senate Armed Service Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, Personnel Subcommittee on DoD retiree and survivor issues. She also participated in a Summit on the VA Claims Adjudication procedure.
Bob Rolloff, Administrative Assistant at TREA HQ, retired in June.
Several problems and discrepancies were discovered at Arlington National Cemetery. Several top level executives lost their jobs, and the job of fixing the mess was started. Graves unmarked, multiple urns in single grave sites, and several other inaccuracies will be looked into.
The nurse, famous for the the Times Square V-J kiss with a sailor, died at the age of 91. Her name was Edith Shain.
The Memorial Foundation awarded 24 scholarships.
The Finance Meeting and Mid-Term took place in Aurora, CO.
Minutes: