1. Navy Mutual Aid Association has alerted its members to contact lawmakers to support legislation pertaining to the SBP amendment. Contact Legislators (moaa.org) or call MOAA’s toll-free hotline 1-877-762-8762 and ask for your representative’s office.

2. Tricare Pharmacy Glitches Declining. The Defense Department voided all prior “Medical Necessity” approvals that allowed beneficiaries to receive brand-name prescriptions despite the existence of a generic substitute. Some generic substitutes do not work for some patients. The beneficiary’s doctor can assert that the brand-name drug is a medical necessity, but the number to call has been difficult to reach. DOD health officials have acknowledged the problems and have initialed both short and long term fixes.

3. New CRSC Guidance released- Jan 1, 2004 instruction changed the expansion of eligibility to include all combat-related disabilities. The new guidance also addresses the previously unresolved issue- namely Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and compensation for Individual Unemployment (IU). Both issues will be assessed after determination of which of the applicant’s disabilities are combat-related.

4. As reported SBP discharge petition on H.R. 548 Rep. Jeff Miller’s bill would phrase out the age 62 SBP annuity reduction over five years. CALL, WRITE OR E-MAIL your legislators today! We have to win this one!

5. HR 4188 is presented that would raise GI Bill rates to 50% of active duty benefits over 5 years. HR 4188 would also allow reservists who are activated for a cumulative total of 24 months active duty within a 5 year period to enroll in the active duty Montgomery GI Bill program Increasing their GI benefits will help them transition back to civilian life when the combat duty is completed.

Thanks to our brave men and women in the armed services and retired from active duty
we live in security and joy with our beloved and beautiful families.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS ARE:
RONNIE JORDAN’S "CASHEWS ARE A SUFFOLK MAN’S NEW CROP OUT OF AFRICA" AND BEN KRAUSE’S "A CIVILIAN’S VACATION IN IRAQ". 

A FASHION SHOW IN OCTOBER BY "BEVERLY'S FASHIONS" IS ALSO PLANNED. 

PLEASE, HELP US HAVE A GOOD TURNOUT TO SUPPORT THESE TERRIFFIC PROGRAMS AND DYNAMIC SPEAKERS !

For the most current and up-to-date schedule of chapter events, click on Calendar of Events

It’s totally true—all the usual New Year’s processes are moving right along! Your officers and committee chairmen are busily organizing for 2004-2005.

Within the next month, we should have a full slate of exciting programs and all the
information needed for the Yearbook. 

Please consider:

     ROWS needs all membership checks—renewal or new—right away. Just send to Darlene Nelson, Membership Chairman (1259 Meadow Lake Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454).

     Marian Watson has set July 17 as the deadline for the Yearbook, so be sure to get your check in and to encourage potential members to join ROWS. We need everyone’s name in the Yearbook!

     We still have a few vacancies on committees, notably the Historian/Publicity Chairman and the Norfolk spot on the Shut-In Committee (also known as TLC). Anyone interested?  Just call me at 857-3801 or e-mail me at annemeek@aol.com. Will it help if I beg?

     Beverly is lining up exciting programs! Personally, I can’t wait to hear Ben Krause, who returns from Baghdad in July and promises to speak to ROWS in August. See you at the July meeting!

Treasurer Ruth Geel submitted the ROWS FY 2003-04 financial records for examination by the Audit Committee on Tuesday, May 25th. Committee members Karen Ewing, Dolly Streit and Colleen Walker reviewed the records and the Treasurer answered all questions to their satisfaction. The Committee concluded the books were in order and signed off on them, thus closing financial activities for FY 2003-04. Respectfully submitted by: Karen Ewing, Chairman, Audit Committee, FY 03-04 6/7/04