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The 2007 NAUS Chapter of the Year Award was presented to the Bill Ryerson El Paso Chapter (TX-16) at the NAUS Annual Membership Meeting in November.

Find out how you can nominate your chapter for the 2008 award here.

Chapter Meetings and Activities

Gen. Bob Bernstein, Austin Chapter, TX-10 – The highlight of this edition’s Chapter News is the visit by NAUS President, Bill Matz, to Austin for a joint meeting of the NAUS Austin Chapter and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Austin Chapter on April 2. Both chapters are named for Major General Robert (Bob) Bernstein, MD, USA (Ret). Among his many assignments as an Army physician, General Bernstein served as Command Surgeon of U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, and Commander, Walter Reed Army Medical Center. After retirement, he entered service with the State of Texas Department of Health. He ended his long career as Commissioner of Health, Texas Department of Health. A long-time NAUS leader, he is credited with personally organizing the Austin Chapter of the National Association for Uniformed Services® and revitalizing the local chapter of AUSA in Austin.

At the joint meeting, the NAUS President was the featured speaker, presenting a legislative update that concentrated on the Association’s efforts to protect and enhance the benefits of those serving on active duty today, with particular emphasis on Guardsmen and Reservists serving on active duty. He also updated the military retirees, veterans, and their families and survivors on legislation impacting them. And he explained the role played by both Associations as members of The Military Coalition (TMC) and the leadership role of NAUS in the National Military Veterans Alliance (NMVA). He stressed the importance of active participation by members of both Associations at the local “grassroots” level.

Both chapters meet regularly at the headquarters of the Texas Military Forces, Camp Mabry, Austin.

Houston Area Chapter, TX-29 – The inaugural meeting of this newly organized chapter in the metropolitan Houston area was held at Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines (USMCR), in Houston, on April 17th. This chapter came into being through the dedicated efforts of the Chapter President, retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Henry Palomo.

Joining GySgt Palomo as chapter officers are: LtCol William (Bill) Crown, USAF (Ret), Vice President for Legislation and Judy M. Sheffield, Vice President of Administration. Judy is the wife of NAUS member PHC Robert N. Sheffield, USN (Ret). The Sheffield’s have a joint NAUS Life membership.

The NAUS Director of Chapter Management Hal Grant conducted an official swearing-in ceremony for the officers and then presented a powerpoint slide briefing, explaining the operation of a NAUS local chapter and giving a legislative update of impending bills impacting veterans.

Gunny Palomo has been very active since his earlier appointment by General Matz as president of the chapter prior to the inaugural meeting. He has met with Mr. Edwin A. (Buddy) Grantham, Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs for the City of Houston, and with Rep. Gene Green (D-29-TX), and his office staff, among others, introducing the chapter and establishing the rapport necessary to have an effective chapter in this important area of the country.

This new chapter is already proving its value in many ways. One of our NAUS members in Panama City, Florida, became aware of the plight of a NAUS Associate Member in Houston. The Director of Chapter Management passed this information on to Gunny Palomo and he immediately investigated the circumstances and is now researching ways to help this unfortunate lady.

We salute Gunnery Sergeant Henry Palomo, Lieutenant Colonel Crown, and Ms. Sheffield, for stepping up and making this chapter a new and dynamic “grassroots” force in the Houston area.

Wiley Post Chapter, OK-3 – This very active chapter, under the leadership of MajGen William (Bill) Bowden, USAF (Ret), a member of the NAUS Board of Directors, continues to meet quarterly at the Tinker Club on Tinker AFB. The latest meeting on March 19, featured a presentation by retired USAF LtCol John Currie on countering terrorism. He emphasized the increasing ways terrorist groups outreach over the internet to vulnerable youths in many countries.

The chapter also participated in the Retiree Appreciation Day at Tinker AFB on May 3, staffing an information table with NAUS handouts and signing up new members.

Denver Chapters – Rocky Mountain Chapter, CO-1 and Front Range Chapter, CO-3 – These two NAUS chapters continue to meet with the ladies from the Denver area chapters of the Society of Military Widows, Chapters SMW-22 and SMW-29. Recent activities include a meeting of the two chapters under the leadership of the CO-1 Chapter President Bill Cozad. Chapter Secretary Frank Whiteman passed on some examples of the many activities members of these NAUS and SMW chapters participate in, such as serving on committees of State Veterans Homes and actively coordinating state veterans legislation. Frank, who is very active in all NAUS matters, also attends the military advisory board meetings with Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-5-CO).

The NAUS and SMW chapters were among the many participants in the Thirty-Sixth Annual Awards Banquet sponsored by the United Veterans Committee (UVC) of Colorado, on April 6. The guest speaker was The Honorable James B. Peake, LTG, USA, Ret, Secretary of Veterans Affairs and a NAUS member. Heading the NAUS delegation was President Bill Matz and his wife Linda who were guests of the UVC. Included among the many other member organizations present was the Colorado Chapter American Merchant Marine Veterans who were represented by a number of Merchant Marine combat veterans and their wives.

The chapters will also participate in the Aurora Chamber of Commerce annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon on May 16 at the Radisson Hotel. The chapter will present its annual award to the Outstanding Junior Service Member from Buckley Air Force Base. Past chapter presenters included Frank Whiteman and Rio Lucas.

San Joaquin Valley/Merced Chapter, CA-18 – This very active chapter in the Merced/Atwater area has a new slate of chapter officers: President – TSgt Ed Mentz, Sr., USAF (Ret); Vice President – MSgt Richard L. Darby, USAF (Ret); Second Vice President – MSgt Scotty Burns, USAF (Ret); and Treasurer – Mrs. Karen Darby. Continuing as Chapter Secretary is CMSgt Orrie L. Taylor, USAF (Ret). NAUS thanks outgoing president Normand Cloutier and his staff for their leadership and welcomes Ed Mentz and his new group of officers!

Pacific Gateway Chapter, CA-4 – Chapter President MSgt John Lathrop, USAF (Ret), reminds all concerned that the chapter meets the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM in the Airman & Family Readiness Center, Travis AFB. The members of the chapter are very active concerning local issues, such as the Citizens Committee to Protect Travis. The Chapter Legislative/Public Affairs Officer, TSgt Carl Hinton, USAF (Ret), reports on the success of the Chapter Project, “Tools of Learning.” Over 200,000 pocketbooks of the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights have been distributed to the public and private schools of the three surrounding counties which make up this chapter’s membership.

Bill Ryerson El Paso Area Chapter, TX-16 – Chapter President MSG William E. (Bill) Lucy reported on the May 3 meeting at the Fort Bliss Officers Club. The Guest speaker was Mr. Ray Horn, Assistant Director of the El Paso VA Health Care Center. The Chapter Newsletter Editor, CW-3 Emiliano Gorgas, USA (Ret), reminds chapter members of upcoming events: Membership Meetings/Luncheons on July 12, September 6, and November 1. The Chapter Directors meet: June 3, August 5, October 7, and December 2.

Central Texas Chapter, TX-17 – AZ1 Hal Cleveland, USN (Ret), sends the following:

NAUS members-at-large within commuting distance of Cleburne, Texas, are invited to visit us for a meeting. NAUS Chapter TX-17 originated as the Johnson County Veterans Council and is expanding by urging participation from NAUS members-at-large and the local members of the Society of Military Widows. A combination of these organizations with nearly identical goals, coupled with the support received from the NAUS national office, will make for a strong legislative voice. NAUS members-at-large could benefit by participating in the Cleburne chapter. The chapter meetings are held at the United Electric Cooperative Services, 3900 N. Main, Cleburne, Texas, on the third Tuesday of each month at 5 pm. We have Texas Veterans Commission trained Veterans Service Officers and a good mix of veterans as well as military retirees and dependents. We strive to have a variety of guest speakers and conduct legislative presentations outlining news from the State and federal offices of government.

This is very fertile ground for NAUS “grassroots” efforts. The Member of Congress from the 17th Congressional District is Rep. Chet Edwards, a long-time champion of military retiree/veterans benefits. He sits on the all important House Appropriations and Budget Committees and is a strong NAUS supporter.

For those in the Cleburne area, let’s join Hal Cleveland and help make this chapter a strong voice for NAUS in this central area of Texas.

Guam Chapter, GU-1 – The Chapter sends the following for inclusion in Chapter News:

Kudos are in line for strong advocates the likes of U.S. Delegate to Guam Madeliene Z. Bordallo; Rick Jones, NAUS Legislative Director and the NAUS staff; and Colonel Adolf P. Sgambelluri, president of the Guam NAUS Chapter. Their perseverance and diligent work to ensure that retirees had priority space-available transportation in off-shore territories finally became a reality after working on the issue for the last six years.

Through the Office of Delegate Bordallo, and the dogged determination of the NAUS President and the NAUS Legislative Director and Colonel Sgambelluri, the memorandum was signed by DoD and entered in Section 374 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY-08, PL 110-181.

Section 374 requires the Secretary of Defense “to provide Category IV space-available transportation for members and former members of the uniformed services who are entitled to retired pay and who reside in off-shore territories of the United States for the purpose of obtaining certain health care accommodations and/or medical services.

The member may be accompanied by his or her dependent, if required, as determined by the primary care provider, which would authorize the referral for medical services in a designated off island facility. This is inclusive of referrals to the designated medical facility and return to home base.”

On behalf of our retired military community, we thank these effective leaders for their determination, caring, and understanding for this great assistance during a time of our paucity of funds. This is indicative of their high regard for our military retired community. Thank you so much.

/s/ SSgt Juan R. Cepeda
U.S. Army (Ret)
Chairman, Board of Directors
Guam NAUS Chapter

Mid-Missouri Chapter, MO-2 – Chapter President, Petty Officer Wade Harris, USN Veteran, reports from the small town of Collins, Missouri, about his efforts to reach out to veterans in the area and extend to them, the benefit of NAUS membership. He contacted 22 prospects, and assisted 8 widows and 12 veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs claims paperwork. He also provided information to three local newspapers in the central Missouri area and held discussions with four other veterans organizations about cooperation of efforts to reach out to those who have served.

The Mid-Missouri Chapter was organized within the 4th Congressional District of Missouri which is a collection of small towns that covers a large area in Central Western Missouri, ranging from Barton County in the southwest, Pulaski County in the southeast, north to Saline County in the northeast and Cass County in the northwest. If you are located in this area and want to be part of Wade’s “grassroots” efforts, contact him at (573) 345-3583, or by email at
whcommander@yahoo.com.

This important area of the country is the home district of Rep. Ike Skelton (D), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and strong supporter of veterans and retirees.

Fort Worth/Metroplex Chapter, TX-12 – At press time, the Chapter President, TSgt John Urbank, USAF (Ret), passed on information that the next chapter meeting will include elections of chapter officers. If you are interested in a leadership position or would like to help the chapter in another capacity, contact John at (817) 731-3170 or by email: blakjak@sbc global.net, or the Chapter Treasurer, Hildegard Sharp, at (817) 468-3900, or by email: omahs1@sbcglobal.net.

Groton Chapter, CT-1 – This chapter is making news again! The Groton Chapter President, and NAUS Board of Directors Co-Chairman, retired Navy Master Chief Paul Dillon, recently visited the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, VA, to congratulate and present a NAUS gift membership to MM1(SS) Michael McMurtray as Commander Submarine Group Two’s Senior Sailor of the Year for 2008.

On a separate occasion, Paul also met with the Republican candidate for Congress from Connecticut’s 2nd Congressional District, Sean Sullivan. Also present at this meeting was Rep. Christopher Shays, (R-4-CT). Sean Sullivan is a retired Navy Captain and a member of NAUS and the Groton Chapter.

Ogden/Salt Lake City Chapter, UT-1 – Chapter Legislative Director RADM Jerry (Bear) Taylor, USN (Ret), reported on the chapter’s recent membership meeting held April 3 at which time chapter officers were elected. Reelected for the coming year are: LtCol Tom Cox, USAF (Ret) – President; LtGen Marc Reynolds, USAF (Ret) – Vice President; CMSgt Tom Moeglein, USAF (Ret) – Secretary; RADM Taylor – Legislative Director; and SFC Marcell Piotrowski, USA (Ret) – Membership Chairman. In addition, CAPT Dick Schaffert, USN (Ret), was elected to a newly created post, Legislative Chair for Utah State Affairs, which will elevate NAUS participation in the Northern Utah Veterans’ Council.

Retiree Appreciation Days

Dover Air Force Base, Delaware – NAUS President Bill Matz was the keynote speaker at the Retiree Appreciation Day on April 12 at Dover Air Force Base. He presented a legislative update and provided information about NAUS to a large group of retirees. He and wife, Linda, staffed a table and gave out information about the association, signing up new members. Also speaking were representatives from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and the 436th Medical Group.

Together, with the Regional Vice President for Region 8, Colonel Chuck Partridge, NAUS is seeking volunteers to reenergize the local NAUS Dover Chapter, DE-1.

Reminder – Chapter Resources Section

Be sure to check out the new feature on the NAUS website. Intended primarily for chapter officers, it can also provide important information to other NAUS members. There you will find such resources as logos, photos, membership application forms, Chapter Handbook, NAUS Bylaws, and legislative tools.

Energize Chapters

The NAUS Board of Directors’ Membership and Development Committee has recently initiated two actions to encourage our members to become more involved in chapter activities. The first project suggests ways to have NAUS members become volunteers at local VA and military medical facilities, and the second project suggests ways to establish a better rapport with local retirement service offices, whether they are known as RSO’s, RAO’s (Retirement or Retiree Assistance Offices) or whatever. If you would like to become more involved in these two programs, contact your chapter president or the Director of Chapter Management hgrant@naus.org, or by phone, toll-free, 1-800-842-3451, ext. 1005.

Let’s all get involved!

Check the current NAUS visit schedule here.