Saturday, January 29, 2022

Saturday morning February 19th at 1130


                  CHAPTER 76

  SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION

            South Florida Chapter 

            

           “The Green Berets”

 

 

                                                                                      

 

January 26, 2022 

 

Hello SF Members and Friends of the Association,

Saturday morning February 19th at 1130 we will meet at Sosta Caffe, 10800 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines

 

 

MAP LINK:  https://g.page/sostacaffe?share







 


 

Play: Ballad of the Green Berets

 

 

Joe Pruett on behalf of

Ed Pijuan

President

 

New Chapter 76 Facebook Site: https://www.facebook.com/SFA-South-Florida-Chapter-76-111343950710574/

 

Chapter Blog is located at http://SFACH76Blogspot.com/

 

Please update your email address to prevent interruptions

 

ED PIJUAN 

PRESIDENT

 

ROGER KIDDER 

VICE PRESIDENT

 

AL HERNANDEZ 

SECRETARY

 

JASON PSALTIDES 

SECRETARY

 

JIM TRICE 

TREASURER 

 

TOM HOUSE 

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

_________________

 

DAN POIRIER 

CHAPTER 76 BLOGGER

 

ED BELLO 

CHAPTER 76 WEBMASTER

 

JOE PRUETT 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

Saturday, January 15, 2022

RAO BULLETIN 15JAN UPDATE



---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Daniel Poirier <poirier560@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Jan 15, 2022 at 5:17 AM
Subject: Fwd: RAO Bulletin Availability Notice for JAN 15, 2022 (Veteran News)
To: SFA Chapter 76 <sfachapter76@gmail.com>, flamingo wing <theflamingowing@gmail.com>




---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Editor/Publisher RAO Bulletin <raoemo@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Sat, Jan 15, 2022 at 1:29 AM
Subject: RAO Bulletin Availability Notice for JAN 15, 2022 (Veteran News)
To: <poirier560@gmail.com>


RAO’s latest Veteran Newsletter has been posted online.  To read this issue click on http://veteraninformationlinksasa.com/uploads/3/4/5/7/34578163/bulletin_220115__pdf_edition_.pdfFor the current plus three editions prior to this one click on http://veteraninformationlinksasa.com/emos-rao.html.  If you are unable to open the PDF edition online or use it in that format let me know and I will add you to the separate HTML limited direct mailing list. 

 

 

RAO BULLETIN

15 January 2022

 

PDF Edition

 

 

THIS RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE BULLETIN CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES

 

Pg                   Article                                                Subject

.                                                   * DOD *                                              .

 

04 == DoD Appropriations ---- (Biggest Problems with a Continuing Resolution Come From Congress)

06 == U.S. Nuclear Policy ---- (Angst over China, Russia Lessens Chance of U.S. Nuke Changes)

08 == Russia Ukraine Situation ---- (Biden, Putin Talk Nearly an Hour as Alarm Rises Over It

11 == Iraq’s U.S. Troops ---- (Drones Bound for the Iraqi Base Housing Our Troops Shot Down)

12 == Navy Vaccine Mandate Lawsuit ---- (Judge Blocks DoD from Taking Action Against Sailors)

13 == Guantanamo Bay Navy Base [06] ---- (Pentagon Building New Secret Courtroom)

15 == GITMO Prison [03] ---- (Another 5 Detainees Approved For Transfer)

18 == AAFES Product Ban Policy ---- (Line on Vulgarity Crossed at Alaska Exchange)

19 == DoD Housing Program [03] ---- (Officials Responsible for Fraud Scheme Walk Away Unscathed)

21 == DoD Fraud, Waste, & Abuse ---- (Reported JAN 01 thru 15, 2022)

23 == Army Email Transition [06 –-- (Change Allows Personal Device Document Up & Downloads)

24 == POW/MIA Recoveries & Burials ---- (Reported JAN 01 thru 15, 2022 | Four)

 

.                                                 * VA *                                                   .

 

26 == VA COVID-19 Cases [12] ---- (Cases within VA Hit New Pandemic Highs)

27 == VA COVID-19 Testing ---- (Vets Should Call Ahead to Limit Wait Times)

28 == Burn Pit Toxic Exposure [91] ---- (When Will All Victims Finally Get Veterans Benefits?)

29 == VA Mental Health Care [45] ---- (Copays Would Be Waived Under New Rule)

30 == VA Homeless Programs ---- (For At-Risk Veterans and Their Families)

34 == VA Home Loans [76] ---- (D.C. Sellers Are Rejecting Qualified Veteran Homebuyers)

35 == VA Medical Records [06] ---- (Veterans Can Now Identify As Transgender, Nonbinary on Theirs)

36 == VA Fraud, Waste & Abuse ---- (Reported 01 thru 15 JAN 2022)

 

.                                                 * VETS *                                               .

 

38 == Civil Service [03] ---- (Why Federal Employment after the Military Is a Great Option)

40 == Vet Unemployment 2021 [09] ---- (Drops to Lowest Level in Two Years) 

41 == WWII Vets 275 ---- (Mariya Oktyabrskaya | Act of Revenge)

43 == WWII Vets 276 ---- (Mel Brooks | Combat Engineer & Actor/Comedian)

44 == Obit: Betty White ---- (31 DEC 2021 | WWII AWVS)

46 == Military Retirees & Veterans Events Schedule ---- (As of JAN 15, 2021)

46 == Vet Hiring Fairs ---- (Scheduled As of JAN 15, 2021)

 

.                                      * VET LEGISLATION *                               .

 

47 == National Guard & Reserve [01] ---- (H.R. 1836 | Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2021)

48 == Military Sexual Trauma [09] ---- (H.R. 6064 | VA’s MST Claim Exam Process Review)

 

.                                             * MILITARY*                                          .

 

50 == Military BAS ---- (Basic Allowance for Substance 2022 Rates)

52 == Navy Personnel Policy ---- (Some Changes Sailors Can Expect In 2022)

55 == Army IgnitED Program ---- (Congress Demands Answers on Army’s Tuition Assistance Failure)

57 == Army Recruiting [16] ---- (Now Offering Up to $50K Bonus for 6 Year Enlistment)

59 == Air Force Recruiting [01] ---- (More People Are Joining In Their Late 30)

60 == Drone Defense [06] ---- (Military’s New Challenge: Defeating Cheap Hobbyist Drones)

64 == Navy Hawaii Fuel Leak [03] Military Families File Lawsuit over Water Contamination

66 == Army NGSW-FC Optic ---- (The Optic for Next Generation Squad Weapon Is Finally Picked)

67 == China’s Navy ---- (Lhasa Guided-Missile Destroyer Reported Combat Ready)

68 == Navy Terminology, Jargon & Slang ---- (‘Arse Bandit’ thru ‘AWOL Bag’)

 

.                                    * MILITARY HISTORY *                               .

 

70 == WWII Continuation War ---- (How the Finns Won the Day in Viipuri City with the Polka)

71 == Dachau Concentration Camp ---- (Execution of SS guards at KZ Dachau, April 29th, 1945)

75 == Medal of Honor Awardees ---- (Harold Bauer | WWII)

79 == Medal of Honor Awardees ---- (James Stone | Korea)

79 == Military History Anniversaries ---- (16 thru 31 JAN)

80 == WWII Bomber Nose Art [90] ---- (Diamond Lil!)

80 == Every Picture Tells A Story ---- (Guadalcanal Island Defenders)

 

.                                         * HEALTH CARE *                                    .

 

81 == Hospital Charges [08] ---- (CMS Issues 335 Noncompliance Notices but No Fines)

82 == Tricare/CHAMPUS Fraud [27] ---- (Marketer Gets 30 Months in Fraud Scheme)

82 == Medicare Premiums ---- (Planned Premium Increase for Part B 2022 Services to Be Reassessed)

84 == Scurvy ---- (Hasn't Gone Away Altogether)

86 == Alzheimer Disease [22] ---- (Medicare Coverage for Controversial Drug Aduhelm)

87 == Gastritis ---- (Inflammation of the Stomach Lining)

89 == Stress [01] ---- (Coping with Paced Breathing)

90 == Human Body Facts [01] ---- (Some More You Most Likely Do Not Know)

 

.                                              * FINANCES *                                         .

 

  92 == Inflation [02] ---- (Things That Will Cost More in 2022)

  95 == GI Bill Student Loans [09] ---- (Even With It Many Student Vets Still Need Loans for College) 

  95 == Money Moves [04] ---- (Smart Ones for the New Year)

  97 == Coupon Scams ---- (Don't Trade Personal Info for Coupons)

  99 == Hotel Scams [02] ---- (Common Ones to Be Aware Of)

100 == Quick Scam Favor ---- (This is really a Clever New Con)

101 == Child Care ---- (Tips for Working Parents to Navigate While Climbing Out of Debt)

103 == Tax Friendly States for Retirees [02] ---- (5 More States Make Military Retirement Tax Free)

105 == Money Trivia ---- (A few Things You Might Not Have Known)

106 == Tax Burden on Tennessee Vets ---- (As of JAN 2022)

 

.                                   * GENERAL INTEREST *                               .

 

111 == Notes of Interest ---- (JAN 01 thru 15, 2022)

112 == Year That Was 2021 ---- (Things We Know Now That We Didn’t Know Last January)

115 == Syria [08] ---- (Chemical Weapons Issues Remain After 8 Years)

117 == Afghan Taliban [07] ---- (Pressing for Prisoner Swap with U.S.)

120 == Guantanamo Bay Navy Base [07] ---- (Biden's Low Profile on GITMO Rankles as It Turns 20)

122 == Population ---- (U.S. & World as of 1 JAN 2022)

123 == Useless Cleaning Products [01] ---- (More That Are a Waste & What to Try Instead)

126 == Home Security [02] ---- (Signs Your House Is Being Watched By Robbers)

128 == Age-Old Advice ---- (From Seniors to Millennials)

130 == Lies [05] ---- (Eight More Untruths You Learned in School)

133 == U.S. Capitol Riot [22] ---- (Charges, Convictions in 2021 for 725 Arrested)

134 == News of the Weird ---- (2021 in Review)

136 == Vocabulary ---- (Some Words to Enhance Yours | 220115)

137 == Have You Heard or Seen? ---- (Potpourri #8 | Think Toons | Senior Citizens 5)

 

.                                      * ATTACHMENTS *                                      .

 

Attachment – Military History Anniversaries 16 thru 31 JAN (Updated) file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/military_history_anniversaries_0116_thru_013122.pdf

 

NOTE

1.  The page number in which an article is located is provided to the left of each article’s title.

2.  To read the articles, open the website and slew to the page number of the article you are interested in.

3.  Numbers contained within brackets [ ] indicate the number of articles written to date on the subject.   To obtain previous articles send a request to raoemo@sbcglobal.net ‘or’ raoemo77@gmail.com.

4.  Recipients of the Bulletin are authorized and encouraged to forward the Bulletin or articles to other vets or veteran organizations.

5.  The current and previous 3 Bulletin issues can be viewed at http://veteraninformationlinksasa.com/emos-rao.html  

 

FAIR USE NOTICE: This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner.  The Editor/Publisher of the Bulletin at times includes such material in an effort to advance reader’s understanding of veterans' issues.  We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.  In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C.  Section 107, the material in this newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed an interest in receiving the included information for educating themselves on veteran issues so they can better communicate with their legislators on issues affecting them.   To obtain more information on Fair Use refer to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml.   If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. 

 

-o-o-O-o-o-

 

TO READ and/or DOWNLOAD THE ABOVE ARTICLES, ATTACHMENTS, OR PAST BULLETINS GO Online To:

 

-- http://thearmysecurityagency.com/rao.html  (PDF Edition w/ATTACHMENTS)

-- http://frabr245.org (PDF Edition with no attachments)

-- http://veteraninformationlinksasa.com/emos-rao.html  (PDF w/ATTACHMENTS + Last 3 issues)

-- https://www.cgretirenw.org (Listed under VET & RETIREE LEGISLATIVE & GENERAL NEWS) 

-- http://www.nhc-ul.org/rao.html   (PDF Edition w/ATTACHMENTS) Undergoing restoration after $1k Ransomware Attempt

 

 

Warning:

DELETE the end-paragraph (i. e.  UNSUBSCRIBE Option) of the Bulletin before you forward it to others.   The option following this warning is required by law and offers the recipient an opportunity to “UNSUBSCRIBE“, if they choose to.   This “unsubscribe” link contains YOUR email address vice theirs and whoever receives your re-distribution has the opportunity, whether purposely or inadvertently, to terminate your future receipt of Bulletin messages if they should click on it. 

 


 


Wednesday, January 12, 2022

We Have Lost One Of Our Own,Donald “Don” Griffith DOB October 22, 1935, EOD January 10, 2022

"We Have Lost One Of Our Own"
       Donald “Don” Griffith DOB October 22, 1935, EOD January 10, 2022
        Legendary 1954 MHS Hall Of Fame Athlete & Special Forces 1957- 1963 Veteran  


Sadly we mourn the loss of a forever Stingaree & SF Trooper Don Griffith Age 86 passed at home in Flowery Branch Ga. Monday, January 10, 2022, with his wife Laurel & daughter Jayme at his side.

Don has joined his parents, friends, classmates, & SF Brothers in heaven, he is survived by his wife of 28 years Laurel, children, Jayme & Donald Jr. 

Don will be remembered as a Great Miami High Hall of Fame Athlete & Special Forces Veteran after retiring he became an organic gardener who took great pride in sharing his knowledge.

Everyone loved & respected Don, please keep his family in your thoughts & prayers, as he is welcomed into the house Of the Lord.

RIP Don
Bill Eades

Monday, January 10, 2022

SFACON 2022 Executive Committee

SFACON 2022 Executive Committee



   

  SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION

          Chapter 76 - South Florida 

                “The Green Berets”

 

January 9, 2022

From Your SFACON 2022 Executive Committee

SFA Brothers and Sisters,

 

SITUATION:  We here in Chapter 4-24 were informed this week that our SFACON 22 hotel and convention venue has been sold to a developer and will be converted into housing units.  The Hotel Elegante was the last independent conference center and hotel in Colorado Springs. We are in negotiations with other potential venues. It is possible that the dates of the SFACON will change, and we anticipate that costs will change as well.

 

WAY AHEAD:  When the next DROP magazine arrives at your door you will see information about SFACON 22 that is now incorrect—this includes the pricing information on the registration form. Additionally, we have taken down the www.sfacon.com website as an information and registration platform until we have a new plan in place. If you have already made a room reservation with the Elegante, contact them for a refund. We will send out another email to the entire SFA membership once we have new information about SFACON 22.

 

De Oppresso Liber!

 

 

Our thanks to Dan Paul for the Congressional Gold Medal replicas! 

 

 

Remembering Dr. Roy A. Wood

 

https://twitter.com/greenberetfound/status/1480161191079075843?s=10

More on Roy Wood:  https://greenberetfoundation.org/memorial/roy-a-wood/

 

        

 

 

Joe Pruett on behalf of

Ed Pijuan

President

 

Chapter 76 Facebook Site: https://www.facebook.com/SFA-South-Florida-Chapter-76-111343950710574/

 

Chapter Blog is located at http://SFACH76.Blogspot.com/

 

Special Forces Association Online Teamhouse https://teamhousespecialforcesassociation.org

 

Please update your email address to prevent interruptions

 

ED PIJUAN 

PRESIDENT

 

ROGER KIDDER

VICE PRESIDENT

 

AL HERNANDEZ

SECRETARY

 

JASON PSALTIDES

SECRETARY

 

JIM TRICE 

TREASURER 

 

TOM HOUSE

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

_________________

 

DAN POIRIER 

CHAPTER 76 BLOGGER

 

ED BELLO 

CHAPTER 76 WEBMASTER

 

JOE PRUETT 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

Sunday, January 9, 2022

Chapter 76 Luncheon January 5, 2022 Photo of attendees

 January Luncheon in Miami





CHAPTER 76 Luncheon & Meeting
                              Saturday, January 8, 2022


Chapter 76 Luncheon
Fred Jaca, Richard Miller, Al Hernandez, Jim Anson, Russ Preston, Don Gillo
Tom Young, Joe McCormack & his Son, Steve Maivita, Bill Eades, Luis Ibarra
Julio Difilippo, Dave May, Ed Pijuan, Eric Beckdol



Thursday, January 6, 2022

Veterans Benefit Newsletter




VA Benefits: New Presumptive Conditions | Survivor Benefits | Mortgage Life Insurance

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Veterans Benefits Newsletter

January 2022

 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Surviving father learning about VA DIC benefits

Survivor Benefits for Family Members

If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member or Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be eligible for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). DIC is a tax-free monthly financial benefit. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Learn More button

Vietnam Veterans talking to each other
 

VA Benefits for Presumptive Exposure

If you are a Veteran or survivor who may be eligible for the newly established military exposure presumptive conditions, VA encourages you to apply for benefits. Even if the illness or injury is not a presumptive, we still want every Veteran to file a claim for benefits they've earned and deserve.


Disabled Veteran at home with her child
 

Mortgage Life Insurance Protects Your Family

Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) provides mortgage protection for families of Veterans with severe service-connected disabilities. VMLI pays up to $200,000 in mortgage life insurance directly to the bank or other lender that holds your mortgage. Learn if you’re eligible and how to apply.


Veteran couple appealing a VA claim online
 

Appeal Your VA Claim

Do you disagree with VA's decision on your claim? Veterans and other claimants for VA benefits can choose from three decision review options: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal. Learn more about your appeal options.


Veteran working on computer servers
 

Train for a Career in Tech

Are you seeking a career in the tech industry? VA’s Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program can help you reach your goal. VET TEC not only pays tuition and fees, it also offers a housing allowance to use while you earn your certification. Learn more about the VET TEC program.


Veteran using the Ask VA online portal to ask a question about his benefits
 

Ask VA Your Questions

Do you have a question or want more information about VA benefits and services? Use the new Ask VA online question portal. It is an easy, fast, and convenient way to get your questions answered. Learn more about Ask VA and how to use it.


Homeless Veteran receiving a helping hand
 

Free Help for Homeless Veterans

VA’s specialized programs for homeless Veterans provide housing solutions, employment opportunities, health care, justice- and reentry-related services, and more. If you, or someone you know, is homeless or at risk of homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance.

Our Military Kids grant recipients take part in their favorite activities while their parents serve our country

Activity Grants for Military Kids

Our Military Kids funds the extracurricular activity of your child's choice for up to $300 per grant, per child (ages 3-18) of National Guard, deployed Reserve, and post-9/11 combat-injured service members. These activities help military children to build self-confidence, enhance overall family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community. Learn more and fill out a simple, one-page application on the Our Military Kids website!

Learn More
Update Your Insurance Beneficiary

Watch the Latest VA Benefits News

Join Charles Tapp, VA’s Chief Financial Officer, for the latest episode of VA Benefits News!

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