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Newsletter

AAFES Retired Employees Association

January 2018

Supporting the Interests of AAFES, Its Retirees and the People it Serves

It’s time to vote for an AREA

revision to the constitution.

See page 5 for constitution

revisions and inside back page

for explanation and ballot.

Happy 2018! The Exchange just wrapped up another successful year of serving the best customers in the world. Our associates pushed forward with servants’ hearts until we crossed the finish line on key initiatives while continuing our enduring mission to support Soldiers, Airmen and their families. The launch of milestone initiatives—the Veterans online shopping benefit, the expansion of MILITARY STAR card acceptance at commissaries and the early opening of the Camp Humphreys shopping center—ensures 2017 will be remembered as a historic year for the Exchange and the service members and families we are so privileged to support. The Ex-change team leaned forward to provide extraordinary support after three catastrophic hurri-canes and increased service at the tip of the spear throughout the year—further proof that 2017 will go down as a banner year in Exchange history.

On Veterans Day, the Exchange made history by officially welcoming home all honorably discharged Veterans with a lifetime online military exchange shopping benefit. Veterans reconnected with their military families online at ShopMyExchange.com, marking the largest and first expansion of exchange benefits since 1990. Our customer base increased from 11 million to 30 million! This day was years in the making and cause for celebration for the Ex-change, Veterans and all who wear the uniform today. More than 320,000 Veterans have verified their eligibility to shop with us online. So far, results are very positive. Our online sales during Veterans Day weekend skyrocketed by 120 percent compared to the same weekend in 2016. But we call on your help to get the word out to all veterans you know as it will take a sustained effort to reach all 18.5 million veterans. (story continues on pages 3-4 ).

Tom Shull

Director/CEO of the

Army & Air Force

Exchange Service

Another Successful Year for

The Exchange By Tom Shull, Director/CEO of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Pag e 2 January 2018 AREA NEW SLETTER

AREA...JUST FOR YOU

C h u c k P o f f e n b a r g e r , P r e s i d e n t

Bit O’ This

Bit O” That

Welcome to the January 2018 edition of AREA’s Newsletter, the first month of Winter.

The Officers of the Association – Chuck Poffenbarger (P), Tom Gallagher (VP), Terry Corley (T) and Don Smith (S) wish you and yours a Happy and Rewarding New Year.

We have two board meetings a year, in the Spring and the Fall. At our October 2016 meeting, we discussed two issues of particular interest to our membership:

1. NUMBER AND DOLLAR AMOUNTS FOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: Last year, we reduced the scholarship level from 12 to 9

scholarships and the dollar amount of the annual program from $40,000 to $29,000 due to a decrease in annual donations and decrease interest

income that was expected to continue for an indefinite period of time. We recently received a $50,000 grant through a will from George

Haase, a retired Retail Operations Manager. Because of this generous gift, we’re able to return to the previous scholarship level of

2/$5,000 and 10/$3,000 scholarships beginning this year and continuing through 2022.

2. NAMING OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS: AREA has an annual program to recognize the generous donations from AAFES retired asso-

ciates and other sponsors when awarding scholarships. For large donations of $1,000 or more to the program during 2017 through March,

2018, we’ll name one of our ten $3,000 scholarships after the donor in this year’s award program (or someone else if designated), and

provide the sponsor with the student’s name, address, and email should they want to send a congratulatory note. Likewise, sponsor donations

of $2,000 or more are available for each of our two $5,000 scholarships. If you’re interested in our sponsor program or becoming a large

dollar donor, send an email to Chuck Poffenbarger, [email protected] for the further details on the recognition process.

In the October 2017 newsletter we told you about the activation of the AREA Emergency Relief Fund due to the Hurricanes that occurred in

Florida and Puerto Rico. We are happy to report that on November 29, we sent a check for $4,870 to the Exchange Relief Fund Committee

(ERFC) and separate amounts were distributed to 26 associates and their families who suffered through the impacts of the devastating hurri-

canes. (See pages 15-16 for more information.)

NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION REMINDER:

Printing and mailing the newsletter has become too expensive so the AREA board discussed and approved this change at their Spring 2017

meeting: “New, reinstated members, and existing members with computers (or other e-mail reading devices) who renew their membership,

will receive the newsletter via e-mail only.”

NEW YEAR’S THOUGHTS

WISDOM

Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age. Nothing does - except wrinkles. It's true, some wines improve with age. But only if the grapes were good in the first place. Abigail Van Buren (1918 - 2013

That which seems the height of absurdity in one generation often becomes the height of wisdom in the next. John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873)

No man is wise enough by himself. Titus Maccius Plautus (254 BC - 184 BC), Miles Gloriosus

WISHES

Dreams are wishes your heart makes. American Proverb

Thy wish was father... to that thought. Wm Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), Henry IV, Part II, Act IV, 5

If wishes would prevail with me, my purpose should not fail with me. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), Henry V, Act III, sc. 2

AREA NEW SLETTER January 2018 Pag e 3

AAFES Retired

Employees Association

The AREA Newsletter is published in January, April, July

and October Mailing Address:

AREA P. O Box 380614 Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

President: Chuck Poffenbarger

[email protected] Tel: (972) 296-0388

Membership & Address Changes: Send your newsletter address, membership changes, and membership dues to the AREA Membership Director Pat Weaver. [email protected]

Tel: (972) 780-9810 Newsletter input: Submit articles to the editor by e-mail to: Marcia Kane at [email protected]

AREA Web address: http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

By shopping with us online, Veterans make a difference for today’s service members and families. Increased earnings from this new benefit support military Quality-of-Life programs, including Army Child Development Centers, Youth Programs and Fitness Centers, Air Force Outdoor Recreation programs, affordable school lunches for Warfighters’ children overseas and more. In three years, the Veterans online shopping benefit is expected to generate $10 million for these critical programs essential to military readiness and resiliency. This fall, the Exchange reached an-other milestone when commissaries around the world began accepting the MILITARY STAR card. The launch began Oct. 5 at Fort Lee. Just five weeks later, all 237 commissaries are accepting the card, providing additional value to card-holders just in time for Thanksgiving. By mid-December, we achieved sales above $24 million. Using the MILI-TARY STAR card at commissaries brings greater convenience to service members and their families while fur-ther strengthening funding of military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange’s extraordinary service overseas represents the very best of what we do. Three days before Thanksgiving, we cut the ribbon on a brand-new shopping center at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. Our team made a holiday miracle happen for 25,000 Americans by opening the shopping center—the third largest Exchange in the world—four months early! In the coming years, the shopping center will serve more than 45,000 Americans as troops are relocated from other camps in the Korean peninsula to Humphreys. (continued on page 4)

Another Successful Year for

The Exchange (continued)

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Director/CEO Tom Shull (center), Lt. Gen. Tom Vandal, commanding general, 8th Army, and other Exchange and military leaders ushered in a new shopping experience for Soldiers and families who call Camp Humphreys home. The new Exchange shopping center opened Nov. 20.

Chief Master Sgt. Stuart Allison, DeCA sen-ior enlisted advisor, was the first to swipe a MILITARY STAR card at the commissary during a rollout ceremony at Oct. 5 at Fort Lee. Acceptance of the card is being ex-panded to commissaries around the world.


Another Successful Year for The Exchange (continued)

Throughout 2017, the Exchange continued its tradition of supporting troops at the tip of the spear. MFEs and semi-permanent locations in Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary provided a taste of home to 14,000 Warfight-ers participating in Saber Guardian 17, a U.S. Army-Europe led multinational training exercise this sum-mer. In Poland, stores and MFEs brought a lifeline to America for troops serving in Operation Atlantic Re-solve and NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence. Sup-plies, food and even haircuts made the remote, austere conditions feel more like home for our Warfighters.

After three catastrophic hurricanes roared ashore with-in mere weeks of each other, the Exchange stayed true to its motto of “We Go Where You Go!” Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria devastated Texas, the South-east and Puerto Rico, leaving destruction in their wake. As always, the Exchange was all in to support first responders providing relief after the storms. Mobile Field Exchanges (MFEs) deployed to Texas and Puerto Rico, bringing service members comforts of home. Lifesaving support, including water, gasoline, cleaning supplies and generators, were sent to the devastated areas. In Florida, Exchange Expresses and restaurants were often the first stores in the area to reopen after Irma, bringing a sense of normalcy to service members.

From the launch of the Veterans online shopping benefit to the holiday miracle at Camp Humphreys, Exchange associates across the world put their hearts into serving our Nation’s heroes throughout the year. As retirees, you helped set the stage for the Ex-change’s success. You are part of our rich history and our historic 2017.

To keep up to date with us throughout the year, visit the Exchange’s Facebook page at facebook.com/shopmyexchange. And, best of all, you can share Exchange content with your families and friends. Visit facebook.com/shopmyexchange/videos for the Veter-ans online shopping benefit celebrity shout-outs, videos about Exchange tip-of-the-spear support and more.

Thank you for your years of dedicated service to Soldiers, Airmen and their families. The Exchange looks forward to a successful 2018 and continued support to service members and their families no matter where their missions take them.

Soldier for Life! Veteran for Life! Exchange for Life!

Crackers and beverages are popular with Soldiers participating in Saber Guardian 17 in Cincu, Romania.

Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Mobile Field Exchange in Cincu supported troops

serving in Saber Guardian 17.

The Fort Buchanan Exchange welcomed back shoppers after Hurricane Maria.


ARTICLE I: NAME This organization shall be known as the "ARMY & AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE (AAFES) RETIRED EMPLOY-EES ASSOCIATION" or "AREA" and its Executive Board shall have its principal location in Duncanville, Texas. "AREA" and "ASSOCIATION" refers to and encompasses all persons who are bona fide members and all Association Local Chapters. ARTICLE II: PURPOSE The purpose of this association is threefold: (1) To foster communication and social activities between retired Army & Air Force Exchange Service Employees; (2) to support the interests of AAFES, its employees and the people it serves; and (3) to promote the interests of Association members. ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP Section 1: ELIGIBILITY - Eligible for membership are: Retired civilian personnel of AAFES; all other persons receiving an annuity under the AAFES Retirement Program; former employees of AAFES, including civilians, foreign nationals and third-country nationals; military personnel who, while serving in the United States Armed Forces, were assigned for duty with AAFES; surviving spouses for all previously listed categories. Active AAFES employees are eligible for associate AREA membership upon payment of dues in accordance with the by-laws. Section 2: DUES -- Dues will be paid in accordance with the Bylaws. Section 3: All eligible categories shown in Section 1, must be a member of AREA in order to hold an AREA Executive Board or Chapter President or Vice-President position, participate in activities sanctioned by AREA (except as noted in Article VII, Section 3, below), or vote on any issue put before the general membership. ARTICLE IV: EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS Section 1: The Officers of the Association shall consist of four persons: President; Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. These officers shall perform the duties herein specified, those specified by the bylaws, and such other du-

ties as are usually incident to their office. A term of office will be for two four years beginning June 1st in odd-even-numbered years. The Vice-President shall be designated the Acting President for the remainder of the President ’s term whenever the President vacates the office during his term for whatever reason. Officers of the Association shall be elected to their positions by the general membership in accordance with Section 4. Section 2: The Executive Officers of the Association are the eight voting members of the Board. They consist of the four Officers of the Association set forth above, and these four additional members, who are appointed by the presi-dent for indefinite terms as vacancies occur: Information Director and three Member-at-Large representatives of the entire membership. The Executive Officers plus non-voting appointees such as program directors, as set forth in the by-laws, shall comprise the Executive Board. Section 3: The members of the Executive Board shall not be held personally liable or responsible in any manner for any debts, obligations, liabilities or other indebtedness of the Association unless specifically and individually agreeing thereto in the minutes of a called meeting of the Executive Board. Section 4: A Nominating Committee of 3 members of AREA should be appointed by the President by 15 January in odd- even-numbered years an election year to develop and submit the names of all persons it nominates for Offic-ers of the Association (with the prior consent of each nominee) to the President. Nominations may be made for one or more persons to each elected office. The April Newsletter will be used to provide ballots to the membership with the nominees’ names for each office and will be voted on by returning the marked ballots to the Secretary of AREA by mid-May. The persons receiving the highest number of votes will be declared by the President as elected for terms concurrent with the president’s term of office. Section 5: The installation of officers shall take place on/about 1 June. The retiring President will administer an affirm-ative oath to the newly elected officers.

AREA Constitution Rev April 1, 2013 2018


Section 6: A vacancy in the Vice-President, Treasurer or Secretary positions which occurs during the term of office shall be filled by appointment by the remaining voting members of the Board. Section 7: A member elected to office of President may not serve for more than two consecutive full terms plus the unexpired term to which he they may have been appointed by the Executive Board. In the absence of a nominee for President, the President may serve additional terms. ARTICLE V: MEETINGS Section 1: General Membership meetings, and Business meetings for AREA and Chapter officers and guests, shall be held on dates and at places to be determined by the Executive Board. Section 2: The Executive Board shall call additional meetings of the Association, as it shall deem necessary. Section 3: The Executive Board shall meet at the call of the President ARTICLE VI: ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS: An annual report summarizing the financial results of AREA for the past fiscal year shall be posted to the AREA web site in July. A notice will be placed in the July Newsletter referring members to the annual report. ARTICLE VII: LOCAL CHAPTERS: Local Chapters are AREA entities chartered by the Executive Board. A Charter is a document signed by the President and Secretary designating the official name and activation of a Local Chap-ter. Section 1: Local Chapters are encouraged and may be established with the approval of the Executive Board provid-ed they conform to the Association constitution. Section 2: A Local Chapter Charter may be withdrawn by unanimous decision of the Board if deemed in the best interest of the Association. The Board will determine disposal of any unclaimed Local Chapter assets in such cases. Section 3: Local Chapter members eligible for AREA membership (ARTICLE III) are not required to be dues paying members of the Association. They may participate in Local Chapter activities in accordance with each Local Chap-ter’s policy, but may not serve as President or Vice-President in the Local Chapter. They will not receive AREA pub-lications, nor can they vote on Association matters. They may attend Association conventions. Section 4: Local Chapters may determine their own procedures for election of local chapter officers. ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS: This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members voting. The Newsletter will be used to provide ballots to each member. The AREA Executive Board on its motion, or upon writ-ten request by at least five members in good standing, shall propose amendments. The amended constitution shall become effective April 1st. ARTICLE IX: BYLAWS: The Bylaws of the Association shall be enacted, and may be amended, by a two thirds vote of the Executive Board at a meeting called for such purpose.

AREA Constitution (continued) Rev April 1, 2013 2018

See inside back page for

explanation and ballot.

Q: How is the EMP retirement supplement being funded since it was folded into the regular AAFES retirement pro-gram? The regular AAFES retirement program is funded in part by employee contributions. I don’t believe there are any employee contributions designated for the EMP supplement.

A: You’re correct - there are no employee contributions funding the EMP pension benefits. The Exchange provides all the fund-ing, and manages two trust accounts which handle all of the pension obligations:

• The Basic Trust funds the obligations from the Basic Retirement Plan, which includes Executive Management Program (EMP) benefits up to the Internal Revenue Code Section 415 limits.

• The EMP Trust funds the obligations payable from the EMP plan (officially: EMP Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan), which are the benefits exceeding the Internal Revenue Code Section 415 limits.

Q: What are the medical/dental changes for 2018?

A: The NAFs only made minor medical changes in 2018 as shown below:

YOUR EXCHANGE BENEFITS…

Benefits Q&A—Questions you ask; answers from Exchange Benefits


DoD NAF (Aetna)

Medical Plan* Changes for 2018

(no Dental plan changes)

2017 2018

Eligibility for Teladoc® phone consultation (and video

in some states)**

Active and dependents

Under 65 retired and dependents

*All Active + Retired + dependents, in CONUS and Hawaii

Credit you can earn from a Biometric Screening (within

Health Incentive Credit program)

$150 Before April 1st

$100 April 1st to November 30th

$150 all year until

November 30th

* Aetna Choice POS II, Aetna Traditional Choice, Aetna International Traditional Choice

**As before, there are a few states that don’t allow Teladoc, and it’s not available anywhere overseas

Go to www.NAFHealthPlans.com for information and booklets for all the DoD NAF (Aetna) medical and dental plans

Q: Will the potential merger between CVS and Aetna affect our health plan?

A: Thank you for your question about this proposed merger. The short answer is no – we don’t have any information yet on how this will affect retiree (or active employee) medical insurance. The merger isn’t expected to be approved until later this year. The final decision on any changes to the DoD NAF Health Plan still rests collectively with the NAFs, not with our plan administrator (Aetna).

Here’s what we see in the news release* about the merger transaction:

• What the companies have done at this point is ‘execute a definitive merger agreement’ that’s been approved by the boards of directors of

each company

• BUT - the merger must still be approved by shareholders of both companies, and antitrust regulators

• And if approved, it is expected to close in the 2nd half of 2018.

• Aetna will operate as a stand-alone business unit, led by members of their current management team

• This merger is an opportunity to change how people get health care – toward lower-cost, local settings

*Here’s the news release on Aetna’s website: https://news.aetna.com/news-releases/cvs-to-acquire-aetna/ and the same information is on

CVS’ site: https://cvshealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/cvs-health-acquire-aetna-combination-provide-consumers-better-experience.

http://www.NAFHealthPlans.com

https://news.aetna.com/news-releases/cvs-to-acquire-aetna/

https://cvshealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/cvs-health-acquire-aetna-combination-provide-consumers-better-experience



Effective Date Percentage Comments

1-Nov-69 5.0%

1-Aug-70 5.6%

1-Jun-71 4.5%

1-Jul-72 4.8%

1-Jul-73 6.1%

1-Jan-74 5.5%

1-Jul-74 6.3%

1-Jan-75 7.3%

1-Aug-75 5.1%

1-Mar-76 5.4%

1-Mar-77 4.8%

1-Sep-77 4.3%

1-Mar-78 2.4%

1-Sep-78 4.9%

1-Mar-79 3.9%

1-Sep-79 6.9%

1-Mar-80 6.0% pro-rated started in 1980

1-Sep-80 7.7%

1-Mar-81 4.4%

1-Mar-82 8.7%

1-Apr-83 3.9% over age 62

1-Apr-83 3.3% disabilities and survivors under age 62

1-Dec-84 3.5%

1-Dec-85 0.0%

1-Jan-86 0.0%

1-Feb-86 0.0%

1-Dec-86 1.3%

1-Dec-87 4.2%

1-Dec-88 4.0%

Effective Date Percentage Comments

1-Dec-89 4.7%

1-Dec-90 5.4%

1-Dec-91 3.7%

1-Dec-92 3.0%

1-Dec-93 2.6% delayed to 1 Mar 94



1-Dec-96 2.9%

1-Dec-97 2.1%

1-Dec-98 1.3%

1-Dec-99 2.5%

1-Dec-00 3.5%

1-Dec-01 2.6%

1-Dec-02 1.4%

1-Dec-03 2.1%

1-Dec-04 2.7%

1-Dec-05 4.1%

1-Dec-06 3.3%

1-Dec-07 2.3%

1-Dec-08 5.8%

1-Dec-09 0.0%

1-Dec-10 0.0%

1-Dec-11 3.6%

1-Dec-12 1.7%

1-Dec-13 1.5%

1-Dec-14 1.7%

1-Dec-15 0.0%

1-Dec-16 0.3%

1 Dec 17 2.0%

The Exchange COLA History

A 2.0% COLA was applied to your AAFES annuity on

December 1, 2017. It’s a wonderful benefit, especially

when you consider that many employer pension plans

rarely, or never, provide such a adjustment.

The Exchange Benefits office provided us the follow-

ing historical chart of COLA’s from 1969 through

present.



Maintenance Choice – plan coverage for regular / daily prescriptions

This was a change in how the DoD NAF plan covers maintenance prescriptions – the kinds of prescriptions that you take regularly, such as those for high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Briefly:

• Purchase these prescriptions in 90-day amounts, from only two places: the Aetna Home Delivery process or at a local CVS pharmacy.

• If you follow this arrangement, your cost for a 90-day prescription will be: $20 for generic drugs, $70 for preferred brand name drugs, or $120-$250 for non-preferred brand name drugs. (these copays are valid for 2018, but it’s possible they may change in future years)

• If you do not follow this arrangement, you’ll pay the full cost of the prescription with no plan coverage.

• For questions, call Aetna at the number on your ID card.

• Extensive pharmacy information here: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/health-benefits/pharmacy-program/

• Maintenance Choice brochure here: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/files/1915/0767/8234/SM_0376_16_Mchoice_Member_Flyer_CS12125_highressm.pdf

Remember the following changes that were added to the medical plan in past years:

Maximum Allowable Amount – Limits on how much the plan covers for certain procedures, like colonoscopies (Important Note: This limit does NOT apply to retirees who have Medicare as their primary insurance.)

This change implemented a limit in how much the plan will pay for certain procedures. Lab procedures like the ones listed below are available in many different settings: hospitals, stand-alone clinics, lab offices, etc. Your doctor may recommend a particular place but you are not required to have the procedure in that setting. The prices can range very widely, and as you might guess, they’re typically more expensive in a hospital setting and less expensive in other set-tings. But in most cases, the quality does not vary – it’s about the same no matter where you go. Why should you – or your health plan – pay more, if the quality is the same? This was a very strong encouragement to all participants to plan ahead and ‘shop around’ when scheduling these procedures. With this change, the plan set a limit on the coverage amount for each procedure, tailored to each zip code area. If you have the procedure in a setting that costs more than the limit, you will pay the difference.

· CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE

· CATARACT REMOVAL

· COLONOSCOPY

· CT SCAN WITHOUT CONTRAST

· CT SCAN WITH CONTRAST

· INGUINAL HERNIORRHAPHY

· MRI WITHOUT CONTRAST

· MRI WITH CONTRAST

· TONSILLECTOMY/ADENOIDECTOMY

· UPPER ENDOSCOPY

For questions, call Aetna at the number on your ID card. See page 10 for an example of how this process works. Maximum Allowable Overview brochure: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/files/1415/0809/8386/Maximum_Allowable_Amount_-_Updated_10-2017.pdf

https://www.nafhealthplans.com/health-benefits/pharmacy-program/

https://www.nafhealthplans.com/files/1915/0767/8234/SM_0376_16_Mchoice_Member_Flyer_CS12125_highressm.pdf

https://www.nafhealthplans.com/files/1915/0767/8234/SM_0376_16_Mchoice_Member_Flyer_CS12125_highressm.pdf

https://www.nafhealthplans.com/files/1415/0809/8386/Maximum_Allowable_Amount_-_Updated_10-2017.pdf

https://www.nafhealthplans.com/files/1415/0809/8386/Maximum_Allowable_Amount_-_Updated_10-2017.pdf



Maximum Allowable Amount Example

Maximum Allowable

Amount (MAA)

(Applies to certain

medical procedures*)

Choice POS II

plan, active

employee in

CONUS or Under-

65 retiree

Explain

any

calculations

TC plan when

participant is over-65

(Medicare

primary)

Explain

any

calculations

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE THIS IS AN EXAMPLE THIS IS AN EXAMPLE

MAA for a procedure is $ 3,000 MAA DOES NOT

APPLY TO TC PLAN

My lab charged this much $ 6,500 $ 6,500

If I’m Medicare-primary, Medicare

might pay this much

n/a $ (2,000)

The remainder after Medicare

pays is

n/a $ 4,500

Assume you still had to meet

annual deductible, so you pay

$ (500) $ (500)

Remainder $ 6,000 $ 4,000

Medicare participant is in

Traditional Choice plan—

it pays 80%)

$ (3,200)

80% X

$4,000

Non-Medicare participant is in Choice

POS II plan, it pays 90% but it is based

on the lower of: MAA for that

procedure, or what the lab charged

90% X MAA

of $3,000

$ (2,700)

Remainder for you to pay

(in addition to deductible)

$ 3,300 $ 800

* Carpal Tunnel Release/Cataract Removal/Colonoscopy/CT Scan without Contrast/CT Scan with Contrast/

Inguinal Herniorrhaphy/MRI without Contrast/MRI with Contrast/Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy/Upper Endoscopy


Links:

· The NAF Health Plans site: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/

· The Wellness section of that site: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/

· The page focusing on Health Incentive Credit program, and how to take the Health Assessment: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/health-incentive-program/

· The page focusing on the Biometric Screening, how to register for one: https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/biometric-screening-metabolic-syndrome/

You can view current and past credits online. Log in to your Aetna Navigator and click on “Incentives” under the “Stay Healthy” section of

the home page.

1. You must complete the health assessment before you can earn any credits

You are required to complete the health assessment before you are able to begin earning any of the incentives. The CompassTM Health Assess-

ment is a questionnaire that covers a wide range of health related topics — and it takes just 15 minutes to complete. Get started now by logging

in to Aetna Navigator and clicking on “Complete your Assessment” under the "Stay Healthy" section on your home page.

2. Get your metabolic syndrome screening and earn up to a $150 credit

If you complete your screening by March 31 you will earn a $150 credit. If you complete it between April 1 and November 30, you will earn

a $100 credit. Your covered spouse is also eligible to earn the credit. There is no cost when you or your covered spouse complete your screening

at a Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center or another network lab. If your doctor does your screening, you may pay a fee. Learn more about

the screening and how to schedule it.

3. Complete 3 calls with a Disease Management nurse and earn a $100 credit

If you or your covered spouse live with a chronic medical condition (such as asthma or diabetes), help is available from Aetna’s Disease Man-

agement program. The program provides one-on-one support for over 35 conditions. You’ll get help to understand and follow your treatment,

make healthy lifestyle and avoid health complications. Complete this incentive by December 31 to receive the $100 credit.

If you’re living with one or more chronic conditions, you can call Aetna Health Connections Disease Management Program at

1-866-269-4500 to learn more about the personal help available to you.

Earn health incentive credits to lower your out-of-pocket costs Each year, DoD NAF employees, retirees and their families have the opportunity to earn Health Incentive Credits for taking healthy

actions. Employees with individual coverage can earn up to $250 and those who cover dependents can earn up to $600. The chart

below outlines the Health Incentive Credit program.

Activity

Health Incentive Credit Amount Calendar year maximum

You and your covered spouse must complete the Health Assessment to earn any incentives. No other activities will earn an incentive until the assessment is completed.

$150 for employee only and $300 for employees and covered spouses Complete metabolic syndrome screening before

November 30 (new for 2018) $150 each

Complete 3 calls with an Aetna Disease Management nurse to achieve a goal

$100 each

$200 for employee only or $400 for em-ployees who cover dependents

Complete online Journey® (average time 32 days) $50 each up to 4 Journeys

Dependent children under the age of 18

Complete preventive exam for children under age 18 $50 for each child per year

For all activities, you can earn up to the calendar year maximum of $250 for employee only or $600 for employees who cover dependents.


https://www.nafhealthplans.com/

https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/

https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/health-incentive-program/

https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/health-incentive-program/

https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/biometric-screening-metabolic-syndrome/

http://www.aetnanavigator.com/

http://www.aetna.com/



https://www.nafhealthplans.com/wellness/managing-your-health/


2017 AREA Scholarship Program

Since 1985 AREA has provided educational opportunities to “AAFES Kids” through its scholar-

ship program. In 2017 AREA awarded $29,000 in scholarships to nine graduating high school

seniors. Amounts were one $5,000 and eight $3,000 awards. At our October 2016 meeting, we

discussed two issues of particular interest to our membership:

1. NUMBER AND DOLLAR AMOUNTS FOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: Last year,

we reduced the scholarship level from 12 to 9 scholarships and the dollar amount of the

annual program from $40,000 to $29,000 due to a decrease in annual donations and decrease

interest income that was expected to continue for an indefinite period of time. We recently

received a $50,000 grant through a will from George Haase, a retired Retail Operations

Manager. Because of this generous gift, we’re able to return to the previous scholarship

level of 2/$5,000 and 10/$3,000 scholarships beginning this year and continuing through 2022.

2. NAMING OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS: AREA has an annual program to recognize the generous donations from

AAFES retired associates and other sponsors when awarding scholarships. For large donations of $1,000 or more to the

program during 2017 through March, 2018, we’ll name one of our ten $3,000 scholarships after the donor in this

year’s award program (or someone else if designated), and provide the sponsor with the student’s name, address, and

email should they want to send a congratulatory note. Likewise, sponsor donations of $2,000 or more are available for

each of our two $5,000 scholarships. If you’re interested in our sponsor program or becoming a large dollar donor, send an

email to Chuck Poffenbarger, [email protected] for the further details on the recognition process.

So how does the program work? Here’s a short synopsis:

The program is limited to graduating high school seniors. General, Personal and Student Academic criteria, as well as scholarship

applications, are listed on the AREA web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/community-

programs/scholarships.htm. The same site sets out the specific requirements for making application, e.g., application period, mini-

mum SAT and ACT scores, etc.

Applications must be sent to the scholarship committee during the designated enrollment period – January 1 through March 31 of

each year. The AREA administers the program through an appointed AREA Scholarship Program Director. Committee members

lay out the parameters of the program each year, which are ultimately approved by the AREA board of directors.

Michelle Priester

AREA Scholarship Program Director

PO Box 75138 Duncanville, TX. 75138


P.S. I was so moved by the Hurricane stories in TX, FL and PR, that I did my small part to help in the Houston area. See page 15

for my story and photos. Thanks to all of you who are not named that helped out in the aftermath of these terrible storms.

Michelle


1. North Caroline deactivated 12/31/17 and converted to Informal Chapter status 1/1/18.

2. Dana Johnson is now the president of the Kentuckian chapter, replacing Margaret Bowers.

I. ACTIVE CHAPTERS:

1. ALAMO CHAPTER LEN FREITAS, PRESIDENT

19626 ENCINO KNOLL ST.

SAN ANTONIO, TX 78259

[email protected]

Hm 210-481-3672

Cell 210-687-8644

Apply for Membership contact:

[email protected]

2. ALOHA CHAPTER

BILL ALLGIRE, PRESIDENT

500 UNIVERSITY AVE., APT. 1137

HONOLULU, HI. 96826

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 808-941-0350

3. AUGUSTA CHAPTER

CYNTHIA GRZYBOWSKI, PRESIDENT

6968 MOONTOWN DR. EAST

APPLING, GA. 30802


Phone: 706-836-4970

4. CENTRAL TEXAS CHAPTER

SANDY MORGAN, PRESIDENT

2721 CHARLESWORTH DR.

AUSTIN, TX 78745

Phone 512-444-0029

VICE-PRESIDENT/Point of Contact (POC)

Harold Robbins

1220 Corona Dr.

Austin, TX 78723-2512


Phone: 512-452-2692

5. COLUMBIA RIVER CHAPTER

RON CLEMENT, PRESIDENT

4023 SE 178th COURT

VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON 98683


Phone: 360-574-4290

6. DIX-MCGUIRE CHAPTER

BETTY J. O’BRIEN, PRESIDENT

15 CARRIAGE DRIVE

EASTAMPTON, NJ 08060


Phone: 609-288-6425

7. GOLDEN GATE CHAPTER

MARY LOU GEIMER, RECORDING SEC.

1306 ASPEN DRIVE

PACIFICA, CA 94044-3719

Phone: 650-355-5213

Point of Contact:

Chick Kretz

4051 Vineyard Rd.

Novato Ca. 94947

[email protected]

Phone; 415-892-3913

Cell: 650-520-3112

8. GULF COAST CHAPTER

STEVE FRIEND, PRESIDENT

928 ROANOKE COURT

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547


Phone: 850-598-4481

9. KANSAS CHAPTER

WANITA HULETT, PRESIDENT

2505 MEADOWLARK ROAD

MILFORD, KS. 66514


Phone: 785-238-8656

10. KENTUCKIANA CHAPTER

DANA JOHNSON, PRESIDENT

1120 Blueball Church Road

Elizabethtown, KY 42701


Phone: 270-855-9805


POB 380614, Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

January 1, 2018

mailto:[email protected]










11. METRO MONTGOMERY CHAPTER

HOUSTON “JOE” FULLER, PRESIDENT

103 WILLIANS ST.

PRATTVILLE, AL. 36066


Phone: 334-365-8930

12. NORTH TEXAS CHAPTER

RICHARD SHEFF, PRESIDENT

2317 MISTY TRAIL LANE

FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS 75028


Phone: 972-691-1959

Apply for Membership contact:

Jerry Cloud, [email protected]

13. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER

JERRI THOMAS, PRESIDENT

4812 ROCKLAND WAY

FAIR OAKS, CA. 95628


Phone: 916-966-1429

14. SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER

FRANCES JENKINS

217 JADETREE DRIVE

HOPKINS, SC 29061


Home Phone: 803-783-4044

Cell: 803-200-6349

15. SOUTHEASTERN CHAPTER

JAMES W. MAHONEY, PRESIDENT

975 E LAKEHAVEN WAY

MCDONOUGH, GA 30253-5573

Phone: 770-914-8494

POINT OF CONTACT(POC)

Cindy Cooper


16. VIRGINIA LOVERS CHAPTER

BETTY THORNE, PRESIDENT

11316 WILLOW LANE

DISPUTANTA, VA 23842


Phone: 804-862-1762

17.WEST GEORGIA CHAPTER

KRISTINE GROENENBOOM-NEWBOLD, PRESIDENT

53 LAKEVIEW RD.

PITTSVIEW, AL 36871


Phone: 706-566-8501

II. INFORMAL CHAPTERS:

(Meet from time to time)

1. PUGET SOUND CHAPTER)

EDITH ODA, POC

11525 MADERA GARDENS DR SW

LAKEWOOD, WA 98499


Phone: 253-588-2424

2. FT. HOOD AREA

BARBARA MIMS (POC)

Kempner, TX 76539


Home Phone: 254-577-6278

Cell: 466-3351

3. TINKER RETIREE GROUP

CATHERINE JONES (POC)


Home Phone: 405-259-8025

Cell: 405-204-5019

4. SPACE COAST CHAPTER

GARY L SMITH, POC

DEBARY, FL 32713-2346


Phone: 386-668-1757

5. NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER

RICHARD RAMOS, (POC)

FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28306


Phone: 910-425-4189


POB 380614, Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/




http://us.f515.mail.yahoo.com/ym/[email protected]










As a FEMA housing inspector, I arrived at my first home inspection after Hurricane Harvey in the little town of Wharton, Texas, I was unprepared for the destruction before me. The house had been completely submerged in 20 feet of water. The county was forced to release water from a nearby dam. As the 80-year old owner unlocked the door, I noticed that the concrete steps were askew from the doorway … the force of the water had moved the house two feet to the right.

The odor of mold hits you like a wave. Even with a mask, you start coughing immediately. The furniture had been tossed every-where so walking through the house was treacherous, if not completely impassible. Total loss...think about that, every single thing you owned over the course of a lifetime, gone. In order to prove ownership, this little old lady retrieved a copy of a tax bill from a drawer somewhere and as she handed it to me she said, “it’s wet”. We looked at each other and started laughing. It’s either that or crying.


Hurricane Harvey Clean Up—My Experience

By Michelle Priester

AREA Emergency Relief Fund

The Exchange Human Resources (HR) Directorate notified AREA on August 21st of the occurrence of a natural disaster due to the hurricanes that occurred in Puerto Rico and Florida and requested the establishment of an AREA emergency fund relief drive. Our policy states that we will activate a fund and honor all requests if at least three or more Exchange Associates have voluntarily agreed to serve on the local relief fund committee. Upon coordination of the relief fund procedures and committee guidelines that would be followed during the process, we activated the fund and on October 3rd HR sent an email to all associates explaining that If they would like to aid the Exchange family members affected in either area to send checks payable to the AREA Emergency Relief Fund to a designated AREA address. We also notified retirees and other potential donors of the relief effort. The AREA relief fund serves as a depository for monies donated for financial assistance. On November 29, our check for $4,870 was received by the Exchange Relief Fund Committee (ERFC) and separate amounts distributed to 26 associates and their families who suffered through the impacts of the devastating hurricanes. (Continued on next page.)


This program was closed out upon receipt of the ERFC report outlining the details of the distribution of funds and lessons learned for use in future relief efforts. AREA began providing the emergency relief program, in association with AAFES, in August, 1999 when we received a tax-free donation ruling from the IRS often referred to as a 501 (c()(3), the paragraph in the code that provides for such non-profit donation programs. Thus far, we have activated 11 emergency relief funds efforts and have collected $123,256.94 for financial assistance for exchange family members.

AREA Emergency Relief Fund (continued)

A Chance Encounter By Carlon Cloud, February 2016

During the years my husband Jerry was assigned to AAFES Pacific in Honolulu (1980-1985), I was employed at The Out-door Circle Hawaii (TOC). Established in 1912, TOC is an En-vironmental Group—active in lobbying and legislation—to pro-tect the natural resources and beauty of Hawaii. The Headquar-ters is located in Honolulu with Branches on 4 of the other main islands.

My office was located on N. Vineyard Blvd. near Nuuanu Stream, a Buddhist Temple, and Foster Gardens. Each morning as I walked from the parking area to my office I passed a bus stop where quite often stood a petit older woman dressed in a muumuu waiting to board the bus. I would smile and say “good morning.” She would give me a slight nod. As time went on and I continued with my morning greeting, she gradually be-came more friendly. I discovered that her name was Mrs. Saw-yer and that she was waiting for the bus to take her to the East-West Center at the University of Hawaii where she was a volun-teer docent. Our brief morning exchanges continued for some time.

In late 1983 I booked a trip to Southeast Asia and Mainland Chi-na planned for May-June 1984 with a group from Hickam AFB. I was extremely excited about this opportunity and one morning I mentioned the upcoming trip to Mrs. Sawyer. She then said to me that she had been a war correspondent in Burma, China, and India during WWII and would I be interested in seeing some of her journals and artifacts from there. Of course I jumped at the chance!

She lived in a high rise apartment building directly behind my office building. Over the course of several visits to her apart-ment for lunch or tea, I learned about the amazing life of Gene Sawyer!

Gene was born on Sept. 10, 1910 in Danvers, Massachusetts. She attended Cushing Academy and Syracuse University where she majored in Journalism. She married a Boston attorney and, together on a business trip, they arrived by ship in Hawaii in 1937. Gene was 27 years old at the time. Once in the Islands it did not take her long to decide that she wasn’t returning to Bos-ton….she was captivated by life and the diverse cultures in the Pacific. She and her husband divorced and she never remarried.

Since she was staying in Hawaii, she needed a job. Friends in-troduced her to the President of the Chamber of Commerce who in turn introduced her to the station manager at KGMB Radio in Honolulu. Radio was still fairly new in Hawaii so she was the only woman on the staff! In addition to writing commercials, Gene hosted a daily radio show called “Round the Town with Gene.” Since she was new in Hawaii, she interviewed local people who knew the history of the Islands. Gene’s program ran for four years…..until the attack on Pearl Harbor.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, Gene was on duty at Radio Station KGMB in Honolulu…..where from the win-dows…..they could see bellowing smoke in the distance. Soon, a message appeared on the teletype machine that Pearl Harbor was being bombed! Gene got the tape from the machine and announced the bombing of Pearl Harbor to Hawaii that Sunday morning!

She stayed on at KGMB actively broadcasting for 6 months after the bombing, then headed to New York to work for the British Information Service at Rockefeller Center for nearly three years during the war. In June 1945, at the age of 35, Gene joined the Overseas Red Cross as a war correspondent. For 6 weeks she dodged Japanese submarines in a Liberty Troop Ship in route to India. From there she flew over the Himalayan Hump into Chi-na, then convoyed 500 miles on the Burma Road (the only fe-male) to the remote Red Cross station in Kweiyang. During her year in China she served in Tienstin, Tsingtao, and Shanghai.

During one of our visits Gene loaned a book to me that she had written detailing her life and service in the Pacific. She men-tioned the book in passing, stating that she was sure I would not be in interested in reading it….as none of her family had wanted to read it! You see, Gene was a “woman before her time” hav-ing decided at an early age to leave her family in Boston and live permanently in Hawaii. She had basically become dis-owned by her family.

I finally persuaded Gene that I was definitely interested in read-ing her book about her life journey. In the book she wrote about her Burmese interpreter who had traveled with her while she was in Burma and China. They developed a close friendship and when Gene left China to return to Hawaii in 1946, the inter-preter gave her a gift that she had made. It was a carved mother-of-pearl belt held together by rolled palm frond fibers. Gene stated in her book that she would forever treasure the belt.

When I returned the book to Gene, I mentioned the belt and asked if I might see it. She was vague and said she would look for it. Each time I would ask her about the belt she would put me off with some vague excuse. I finally decided that she no longer had it.

(Story continued on page 18.)

Bombing of Pearl Harbor



Our family left Honolulu, returning to Dallas, in June 1985. Friends gathered with us at the airport to wish us Aloha. One of the friends was Gene Sawyer. She carried a lei and a small box, saying “do not open this box until you are airborne”. After our plane had taken off and we could look back to see the “Honolulu City Lights,” and the special place that is Hawaii, I opened the box. Inside was the mother-of-pearl belt! I was overwhelmed!

Arriving on the Mainland, I wrote Gene a letter asking how I could possibly thank her for this incredible gift that meant so much to her. She replied that in the Chinese language there is no calligraphy sign that means “thank you”…..the nearest sign to that is one that means “pass it on.” She said to pass the belt on to my daughters.

Our friendship span all these many years. I would call her on her birthday, visit with her whenever we returned to Hawaii, and exchanged cards with her at Christmas. Her cards (I have them all) were one-of-a-kind. Beautiful calligraphy along with a photo/drawing reflecting an aspect of Pacific or Hawaiian culture.

On the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Gene was invited to sit with President George H. Bush and other dignitaries aboard the USS Arizona Memorial for the commemoration.

Her Christmas card that year is a copy of the Christmas letter that she sent out in December 1941, telling in detail what life was like in Hawaii after the bombing. I have it framed to pre-serve it.

There is a section in the Bishop Museum in Honolulu dedicated to Gene Sawyer and her service. When she turned 100 years old on September 9, 2010, she had moved to Kaneohe to live in an assisted living facility. I called her on that birthday, only to be told that she was having lunch with the Governor!

I spoke to her on her birthday in 2014 and wished her well.

When we were back in Honolulu in July 2015, along with our family, to celebrate Jerry’s and my 50th wedding anniversary, I learned that Gene had died in Kaneohe, Hawaii on October 14, 2014 at the age of 104. There had been a private scattering of ashes three miles off Waikiki.

My life was enriched by that Chance Encounter so many years ago. The mother-of-pearl belt is framed and holds a “pride of place” in our home. The belt will be passed on to my daughters as Gene had suggested I do.

A Chance Encounter (continued)

USS Arizona Memorial

Mother-of-Pearl

(Editor’s note: I should have insisted on getting a photo of the

mother of pearl belt with Carlon—maybe next time!)

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS


The Aloha Chapters 2017 Christmas Party was held on Sunday, 3 Dec again at our favorite location -- Pearl Country Club. A fantastic venue with great views, excellent buffet and outstanding service. While attendance was lower this year due mainly to prior family commitments and some bad colds it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the 35 members and guests who were able to attend. The Chapter also gained 3 new members at the party -- CHERYL BONDS, CECILIA EDWARDS, & DINIA DAG-DAG. The Chapters membership now stands at 71. After the sumptuous buffet, telling of long ago stories and renewing friendships it was down to Business -- WINNING PRIZ-ES!! The $20 game of Jun Ken Po (Rock, Paper, Scissors to you non-Islanders) was won by JANE FUKUNAGA. A total of $300 (all in cash) was given away as Door Prizes with the largest amount of $50 being won by RUTH SHIMOOKA. Sever-al Poinsettias were also given away as Door Prizes as well as the traditional Grab Bag game. The party was finalized with the $200 Grand Prize Drawings (4-$50 prizes) which were won by MARLENE TOKUHISA, GWEN GOO, CHERYL BONDS, & ADRIENNE HAMADA. The afternoon events were MC'd by LESTER TOKUHISA and BILL ALLGIRE. Chapter members contributing to the success of the afternoon were: CHARLOTTE ROACH (Name Tags & Photographer), MARLENE TOKUHISA (Door Prizes), LAURI SANTOS & LINDA SHIMIZU (Games), ADRIENNE HAMADA (Poinsettias), PAULINE UNG (Flyer), WILTON SANTOS (Food Bank Distribution), MILT & LINDA SHIMI-ZU (Dessert).

Aloha Chapter—William Allgire/Charlotte Roach

Gwen Goo, Cheryl Bonds, Adela Ilae Lourdes Dela Cruz, Dinia Dagdag, Cecelia Edwards

Ruth Shimooka and Susie

Wong

Elaine Takahashi, Frances Saito, Gail Phira, Julie Conner

Adrienne Hamada, Margaret Hasegawa, Alice Suma

Marlene Tokuhisa,

Jan Santana, Tensie Lee

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS


Ray Schneider and daughter Lynn

Aloha Chapter—William Allgire/Charlotte Roach (Christmas Party continued)

Jane Fukunaga and Darlene Ikegami George Turqueza and Lester Tokuhisa

Terence Lee, Mel Santana, Dot Irvine

Bill Allgire and Lauri Santos

A note from Bill Allgire to Chuck Poffenbarger:

“Our chapter had our Christmas Party today & just wanted to let you know I made a pitch to sign up for the AREA Member-ship/Newsletter. We gained 3 new members today and I'll be sending them, plus a couple others, the info on how to join and where to send their $$$.”

Thanks Bill, we appreciate your efforts!

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Northern California Chapter – Ken “Tom” Keim

Autumn officially began on the 22nd of September the first snowfall of the season

arrived in the Sierra’s on the 21st of September, just three months after the last Sierra’s

snowfall in June. Could we be in for a long winter this year? No matter, we keep on

keeping on. Life seems to be busier in the fall and winter. Our AREA chapter has sev-

eral events to keep us busy. We start off with the annual fall bake, book, craft and gift

sale on Saturday, October 7. With the participation of all of our members we can have

one of our best sales ever. We set up in the usual sport at McClellan BX outside,

between the BX food court and the commissary.

We last met on September 13 at Olive Garden on Sunrise Blvd. and had a great attendance for our first meeting after our summer break. Those in attendance were: Renate Atkinson and her daughter Deborah, Margaret Belcher, Edie Butler, Yaeko Cooper

and her guest Myra, Lisa Denny, Maureen Dobert, Yukie Hoffman, Dianna Hobbs, Celia Hudson, Ken Keim, Rosa LaBoeuf, Gloria Masse, Tina Minjarez, Margie Scheatzle, Kristin Taylor, Jerri Thomas, Stella Winch and Lee Woodward.

The lucky door prize winners at the September meeting were: Ken Keim, Dianna Hobbs, Yaeko Cooper, Celia Hudson, and

Yukie Hoffman. Also previous winners: Rosie Boyce, Tina Minjarez, Ellen Rivera (Mariah) and Aliye Smith. These winners will provide the door prizes for our October meeting.


Golden Gate Chapter—Ernest Kodama

The photo below shows the people attending the AREA Golden Gate Chapter Luncheon on October 4, 2017 at Village Italian Restaurant in Novato, CA.

Seated: Val Grohoski

Standing left to right: Charles Kretz, Gina Kretz, Robert Nevins, Carolyn Nevins, and Ernie Kodama

Elwira Stankiewvioz, Val’s companion, took the photograph

E-mail message to Mary Lou Geimer, Nov 1, 2017 I contributed $1000.00 from the AREA treasury to the North Bay Fire Relief Fund established by the Redwood Credit Union and The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa daily newspaper). I chose this relief fund because the organizations are local and 100% of the funds will be used for the fire victims. I didn’t choose a national organization as I have no confidence all our monies will be used locally. All the AREA members who answered my email supported this contribution.

Ernest Kodama

CHAPTER HAPPENINGS


Northern California Chapter – Ken “Tom” Keim (continued)

We enjoyed good food and lots of visiting during our October luncheon meeting at Danielle’s Creperie in Sacra-

mento. Members and guests in attendance were: Renate Atkinson, Margaret Belcher, Rosie Boyce, Edie Butler,

Yaeko Cooper and her friend Maya, Bob and Fran Desrochers, Maureen Dobert, Dianne Hobbs, Yukie Hoffman,

Celia Hudson, Ken Keim, Rosa LaBoeuf, Tina Minjarez, Kristin Taylor, Jerri Thomas, Hilda Waltz and Lee Wood-

ward.

The lucky door prize winners at the October meeting were: Rosa LaBoeuf, Mrs. Atkinson, Maureen Dobert (Ken

Keim will bring), Yukie Hoffman, Fran Desrochers, Yaeko Cooper and Celia Hudson. Also previous winners: Ellen

Rivera (Mariah) and Aliye Smith. These winners will provide the door prizes for our November meeting.

The October 7 bake, book and craft sale was another success story for our group. I’m always pleasantly surprised

by what a few people can accomplish. We could not have asked for better weather for our outdoor sale, it was per-

fect. Thanks to each of you who baked, donated and worked. A special thanks to Renate Atkinson’s granddaughter

Danielle for baking so many beautiful cookies and cakes and to Margaret Belcher, Dianne Hobbs and Jerri Thomas

for bringing tables which were much needed.

The November luncheon meeting at El Tapatio was a blast. The personnel at El Tapatio are so warm and friendly,

they bend over backwards to assure that we are comfortable and well served. A visit there is always a pleasant experi-

ence in my opinion! Our holiday auction was fabulous and fun. We had so many nice donations, it was just great.

Members and guests in attendance were: Doris Aplass, Renate Atkinson and daughter Deborah, Margaret Belcher,

Rosie Boyce and guest, Edie Butler, Yaeko Coper and guest Maya, Lisa Denny, Maureen Dobert, Dianne Hobbs,

Yukie Hoffman, Celia Hudson, Margie Iwamoto, Ken Keim, Rosa LaBoeuf and guest, Richard Mason, Tina

Minjarez, Gloria Masse, Margaret Newman, Margie Scheatzle, Aliye Smith, Kristin Taylor, Jerri Thomas, Fatma and

Jerry Thomason and Lee.

The lucky door prize winners at the November meeting were: Lisa Denny, Lee Whistler, Deborah, (Mrs. Atkinsons

Daughter) Doris Aplass, Aliye Smith, Richard Mason, Ken Keim and Celia Hudson. Also previous winner Fran

Desrochers.

Our chapter has made a donation to the local SPCA in memory of member and animal lover Bill Bate who passed

away in September. We make a donation to the organization chosen by the family of any deceased member or our

Chapter.

North Texas Chapter—Richard Sheff and Chris Gehringer


CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

Addison O’Fest – September 2017

Membership Luncheon – Babe’s Chicken - November 2017

Ronnie Compton and Corrine McQueen

Jerry & Sandy Johnston

Richard Sheff, Sue Sheff, Sarah Rabb, Sandy Johnston

Lena Poffenbarger, (unidentified male), and Carlton Cloud

Alyce McCarron (and uniden-tified male)

John McCarron, Roy Robertson, Doug Olney, (and unidentified male)


CHAPTER HAPPENINGS


Membership Luncheon – Babe’s Chicken - November 2017 (continued)

Roy Dean & Jerry Johnston Cassie Baker & Bill Eddings Jerry Cloud, Chris Gehringer, Linda Dean, Leon Levin

Christmas Luncheon – December 2017 YO Steak House, Dallas, TX

Carol Leach, Carlon & Jerry Cloud, Bobbye & Travis Towns, Chuck & Lina

Poffenbarger, Tom Leach

Sue Sheff, Bonnie Demuth, Sarah Rabb Karen & Dalton Murayama, Jerry Johnston

Roy & Linda Dean

Jack & JoAnn Leavitt, Ester, Keith & Sandra Boettiger,

Joy & Harold Hall, Betty Villareal , Debra & Lee Wiederkehr

Jack Tucker & Chris Gehringer, Cheri & Dale Joe & Johanna Ferreyra, Abby Priester,

Rick & Hilde Doyle

Easy Cheese Cake (by Marcia Kane)

One 9- inch basic graham cracker crust (do not bake) Cream together: Two 8 oz. packages of cream cheese (softened) 1/2 cup sugar Add: 3 eggs (add one at a time) 1 Tablespoon of vanilla Bake 375 degrees – 25 to 35 minutes depending on how done it looks (should have only a slight jiggle in center). Remove from oven and cool for at least 30 minutes.

Topping: One pt. of sour cream 1/4 cup of sugar 1 Tablespoon vanilla After you put on the topping, bake 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes (again, you can tell when it’s cooked on top) Cool for about 30 minutes; then put in refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. You can serve the plain cheesecake (good), or top with any of your favorite toppings, such as blueberry pie filling/topping. Chocolate or caramel drizzled on top is also great.


CHAPTER HAPPENINGS


Christmas Luncheon – (continued)

Bill McQueen, Pat Chavarria, Bill Eddings, Jack & Noma Parkhouse, Chong-A Williams, Ruth Watson,

Marilyn & Leon Levin, Corinne McQueen

Tami Pickering, Sema Alarilla, Gail Olney

Doug Olney, Moreno Alarilla, Rich Pickering,

Nancy Chavies, Barbara Caissse

Tinker Retiree Group (Informal Chapter) —Catherine Jones

The Tinker Area AAFES Retiree Luncheon was held on December 7 at the Golden Corral. Gifts were exchanged as well as lots of conversation and memories. Holiday favors were provided by Cathe-rine and Charlie Jones and Haoa Morris. This group meets the first Thursday of each month at a different restaurant. Call Catherine Jones at: (405) 204-5019 for more information.

IN REMEMBRANCE

MELVIN COHEN, 91 died June 24 in Duncanville, TX. The HQ Associate retired in 1986. MAX DALTON, 82 died in Lindale, TX. The HQ Associate retired in 1986. JOYCE LEMBURG, 88, Died Aug. 9, in Price, Utah. The Denver Exchange Operations Clerk retired in 1984. DORA UYENO, 94, died Aug. 27 in Denver, Co. The Rocky Mountain Area Associate retired in 1973 JOSEPH WERRES, 79, died August 15 in Combine, TX. The HQ Associate retired in 1995

WILLS

“From time to time retired associates of AAFES leave bequests to the AREA in their will. If you desire to make such a bequest we recommend providing the person that prepares your formally written and executed will with the following sample clause. If you make such a bequest please notify AREA at the same address as in the clause." "I give (blank dollars/property) to the Army Air Force Exchange Service Retired Employee's Association (AREA), P.O. Box 380614, Duncanville, Texas 75138."

Other reported deaths:


NTC-AREA member and retired AAFES employee, Carmen Joseph Conti, died Friday Dec 8, 2017. Carmen was born June 15, 1925, in Niagara Falls, N.Y. He served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in the South Pacific. He graduated from the University of Buffalo. He worked for and retired from the Army and Air Force Exchange Ser-vice, Department of Defense, (he worked in classification), and Six Flags over Texas. Carmen married Helen John-ston on Oct. 18, 1952.

Priscilla Corzine Archer— Priscilla passed away on Oct 20, 2017. She worked for the Okinawa Main store in 1972-1974. (Reported to us by her niece, Linda Bailey, HQ / IT-IDP Gov Intrusion Detection & Prevention, Information Technology Directorate.)

Carmen Joseph Conti

William Bruce Bate (1933-2017) — Bill passed away on September 25, 2017 in Folsom, CA. He was born in Manhattan, KS

and raised in Denver, CO. After discharge from the Army in 1955, Bill met Sydney, “a cute redhead” on a blind date. They married

a year later. Bill began a 27-year career with AAFES in 1964. He was one of Mathers Exchange Managers and was President of

Northern California Chapter of the AREA from 1996-1998. Prior to that he worked for F.W. Woolworth Co., in New Mexico, Texas,

and Utah.

Hazel Malone—Hazel was a past officer of the Northern California AREA Chapter and a 29-year employee of AAFES. A cele-

bration of Hazel’s life was held on October 7, 2017.

Brenda Joyce Morgan, 70 passed away peacefully at Baylor Scott & White hospital in Waxahachie, Texas, on October 9,

2017. She was born October 29, 1946, in Oakland, CA. She married Victor Morgan, on June 3, 1963, in Colorado Springs, CO.

Brenda was a career AAFES employee serving over 36 years in the US, Europe, and Guam. She was always the life of the

party and never met a person she would not call a friend. She was humble, kind, and she will be missed, but not forgotten by

everyone whose lives she touched.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

The following telephone numbers are provided as a convenience to members wishing to contact certain HQ AAFES offices and the Pentagon Federal Credit Union.

HQ SWITCHBOARD

(214) 312-2011

FOR RETIREMENT and GROUP INSURANCE BENEFITS:

HQ. AAFES BENEFIT BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES (800) 519-3381

GENERAL COUNSEL: DALE HARBOUR (214) 312-3126

EXCHANGE POST: LISA A. MOAK (214) 312 4729

SALES TABLOIDS: TABLOID DEPARTMENT (800) 733-5142

ID CARD, PRIVILEGES

HR-S HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

CAC/ ID cards are issued Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 07:30 am – 10:00 am (no appointment needed). Appointments for a time after 10:30am can be arranged by emailing [email protected] or calling Shahla Barakhshan, HR Tech @ (214) 312-4292, Julie Humphrey, HR Tech @ (214) 312-6423 or Veneitra Colston-Mack, HR Tech @ (214) 312-2531. Please ensure to bring your CAC/shopping privilege id card as well as a valid Federal or State ID to renew your CAC and/or shopping privilege ID card. If your CAC is expired, you will need to bring in two valid forms of Federal and/or State ID’s (such as a driver’s license, US passport, birth certificate, original social security card). Submit questions to: Jun King, HQ Human Resources Manager - (214) 312-3677

PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION: TOLL FREE SERVICE –MEMBER SERVICES TOLL FREE U.S.: 800-247-5626

Monday - Friday: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time

Saturday: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time

Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time

OVERSEAS DIRECT DIAL: 541-225-6700

TTY (for the hearing impaired: TOLL FREE U.S.: 800 225-6378

FOR OTHERS NOT LISTED:

PAT WEAVER, Membership Director, (972) 780-9810

For other information, check out the Exchange website at: http://www.shopmyexchange.com and the AREA website http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/retired-employees-association/

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE FORM

Type of Change (Check All Boxes Below That Apply)

Address Telephone FAX

E-Mail Marital Status Other

Printed Name Signature Date

TO: AREA (ATTN: Membership Director)

PO BOX 380614

Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

CURRENT ADDRESS:

Enter New Address in “Current Address” block BELOW and List Other Changes Here:

Changes will be published in the next AREA newsletter unless you specifically tell us not to print this information.



PO Box 75138 Duncanville, TX. 75138

Note: * denotes non-AAFES retiree

** denotes Non member of AREA

Scholarship Sponsorship Program Donations

DONORS IN MEMORY OF AMOUNT

North Texas AREA Brenda Morgan $1,000.00

Marilyn Iverson General Donation $1.000.00

George R. Haase George R. Haase Trust/Will $50,000.00

DFW Chapter of American Logistics Assoc. General Donation $5,000.00

Donate $1,000 or more to the AREA Scholarship

Program and we’ll name the scholarship after you

(or someone you designate), and let the student know, if

you desire. Twelve (12) scholarships a year are

“naming” candidates. Send an email to Chuck Poffen-

barger, [email protected] for the further details on

the recognition process.

To: Scholarship Donor

From: AAFES Dependent

Subject: AREA Scholarship

Thank You for your financial assistance and moral support.

Your contribution gave me the confidence to realize that I

could get through this successfully.

A Grateful Student

Scholarship Sponsorship Program


AREA SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONATION FORM

To: AREA P.O. Box 380614 Duncanville, TX 75318-0614

From: Telephone

This donation is (check one box below)

In Honor of (Name)

In Memory Of (Name)

An Annual Pledge*

Other

Send Card to:

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

TELEPHONE

Amount of donation (check enclosed)

$

* I wish to pledge $_________________ each year to the AREA Scholarship Fund. My donation for the current year is enclosed.

Your donation will be acknowledged to both the donor and to the recipient or the survivor. All donations are income tax deductible.

DONOR NAME (Printed) SIGNATURE

COMMENTS:

Enclosure # 6-1

In honor of: ____________________________________

In honor of: ____________________________________

In honor of: ____________________________________

In memory of: __________________________________

In memory of: __________________________________

In memory of: __________________________________

* *

*IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE PERSON TO LIST, USE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW

*

*

*

*


AREA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATES

Save this page with your copy of the 2013 AREA Directory

NEW MEMBERS JOHNNIE D. HOWARD RITTERSTR 110 10969 BERLIN, GERMANY TEL: 049-306149220 EMAIL: [email protected] HELEN CARR 202 APPLEGROVE CIR WACO, TX 76704 ROBIN S. JACKSON 4072 RAY DRIVE MONTGOMERY, AL 36104 TEL: 334-356-5079 EMAIL: [email protected] BEVERLY CURRY 361 MT. PLEASANT DR COLUMBUS, GA 31907 GERALD OLSON 30688 N. HONEYSUCKLE DR SAN TAN VALLEY, AZ 85143 TEL: 206-276-4785 EMAIL: [email protected] RICHARD MAHAFFEY 2845 LLAHE DR DALLAS, TX 75233 TEL: 817-466-4663 EMAIL: [email protected] ROBIN D. BROWN 4905 CAUSEWAY CT KILLEEN, TX 76549 KAREN M. JOHNSON 9605 CALTER LN FT. WASHINGTON, MD 20744 TEL: 301-852-9387 EMAIL: [email protected] SHERRI M. OSTR 1500 S. JUDY AVE SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 TEL: 605-366-1806 EMAIL: [email protected] EDYE BROOKSHIRE 302 S. ALEXANDER AVE. DUNCANVILLE, TX 75116 TEL: 972-298-0757 EMAIL: [email protected] LINDA MCVEY 406 LONE OAK CIRCLE EULESS, TX 76039 TEL: 817-937-6755 EMAIL: [email protected] STEVEN L. SCHWER HEIDELBERGER STR. 77 DARMSTADT, GERMANY 64285 KEN GOLLOHER 3260 W. AVENDA, SOMBRA TUCSON, AZ 85746

EUGENE E. MARIETIA CMR 469 BOX 2851 APO 09227 DELORIS NORRIS 2001 WALTON FARMS DR. HEPHIZIBAH, GA 30815 DIANA ELLIOTT 796 GREENWOOD DR. NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29841 EDWINA ROBINSON 2920 ARROWWOOD CIR. HEPHZIBAH, GA 30815 KRAIG DOBSEN 1716 VERSAILLES AVENUE ALLEN TX 75002 TEL: 972-824-1334 EMAIL: [email protected] MARYLOU HARRIS 13459 FERRIS AVE. APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA 55124 VALENE HOLMES 1556 A TOMMY’S RD GOLDSBORO, NC 27534 EMAIL: [email protected] RAQUEL KAPLAN 405 ESSEX XT SAN ANTONIO, TX 78210 LELAND HUBBLE 20832 VILLAGE PKWY CAL CITY, CA 93505 ODIS MITCHELL 3950 HORSE RUN GLEN NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23602

CHANGES: ADDRESS,

TELEPHONE/E-MAIL (A/T/E) SANDRA BAHR 683 OURAY WAY AURORA, CO 80011 EMAIL: SANDY42672@COMCAST .NET INGA DOMANSKY 2429 DONNY MARTEL WAY TEWKSBURY, MA 01876 SHARON BROWN 8060 FRANKFORD RD., APT 424 DALLAS, TX 75252 LEONARD W. EVANS 17 EASTHAM LANE POINT PLEASANT, NJ 08742 TEL: 732-948-3943 EMAIL: [email protected] OLGA CLAASEN (ELBERT) 5213 N. STERLING SPRINGS DR TUCSON, AZ 85749 EMAIL: [email protected] WILLIAM NIEVES 250 TURNBRIDGE CIR PEACHTREE CITY, GA 30269 TEL: 817-504-9430 EMAIL: [email protected] EUGENE WHEELER 102 KADY LYNN WAY WARNER ROBINS, GA 31088 TEL: 678-451-6221 EMAIL: [email protected] STEPHEN BELL 1371 W VIA LA NORIA SAHUARITA, AR 85629 TEL: 520-867-6303 EMAIL: [email protected] DANA JOHNSON 1120 BLUEBALL CHURCH RD ELIZABETHTOWN, KY 42701 TEL: 270-862-4019 EMAIL: [email protected] AUBREY STEMPLE 3717 LOCKWOOD LN MONTGOMERY, AL 36111 TEL: 334-233-8596


















Please print this page,

fill out your ballot

and mail it back to AREA

by January 22, 2018.

Ballot Vote for AREA Officers and

Constitutional Amendment

The voting process for Executive Officer posi-tions is a 2-year cycle in odd number years. A ballot should have been inserted in the April, 2017 Newsletter for election of the 4 positions, with an effective date of June 1st. When we realized that we had missed the suspense date, Executive Officers agreed to serve until an election could be held in April 2018. Current Executive positions and officers are President: Chuck Poffenbarger; Vice-President: Tom Gallagher; Secretary: Don Smith and Treasurer: Terry Corley. In this amendment, we’re asking you to vote for amending the Constitution to convert the Executive Officer term to a 4-year cycle as the 2-year cycle is too short a period for our cur-rent organization, causing us to have unnec-essarily frequent voting. If the amendment is approved, the Officer election will begin in April 2018.

Constitutional Amendment

Please check YES or NO

Yes _____

No _____

Return this completed page by

Monday, January 22 to:

AREA: Amend Constitution PO Box 380614 Duncanville, TX. 75138-0614

See pages 5-6 for edit changes

to the constitution.


P.O. Box 380614

Duncanville, TX 75138-0614

DUES ALERT! If the last time you renewed your dues was in December 2017 or earlier,

please send your $17 dues PAYABLE to AREA at the mailing address shown above.

AAFES Retired Employees Association Printing and mailing the Newsletter has become too expensive so the board dis-

cussed and approved these changes at our Spring 2017 board meeting.

“New and reinstated members; and existing members with computers (or other e-mail reading devices) who renew their membership; will receive the newsletter via e-mail only.”

You’ll enjoy these advantages:

• Get the Newsletter the first of the month, rather than several days after the beginning of the month.

• The Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format is in color and you can transfer/save the file as you desire.

Here’s what one member said: “The e mail edition is superb. Easy to read, brilliant colors, etc. I can't say

enough about it, and would recommend that anyone with a computer get the newsletter this way.”

Send an e-mail to Pat Weaver, Membership Director, at [email protected] and state that you would like

to get the Newsletter on line now and we’ll do the rest. Or, as stated above, new and reinstated members; and

existing members with computers (or other e-mail reading devices) who renew their membership; will receive

the newsletter via e-mail only.

AREA—JUST FOR YOU

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE PAID

DALLAS, TX

PERMIT #1478

Documents

AAFES Retired Employees Association Newsletter · Puerto Rico, bringing service members comforts of home. Lifesaving support, including water, gasoline, cleaning supplies and generators,